This blog post shares six tips for storytelling in e-learning.
Who isn’t fascinated by stories? We all grew up listening to stories. They are the creative conversations of life and facilitate meaningful learning experiences. Stories in e-learning courses engage learners, motivate them, and create an atmosphere of engrossed learning. When you explain a subject through stories, the retention levels of learners will skyrocket. You will get maximum results for your efforts with storytelling.
Let’s check six tips to weave a story in your online courses that will hook your learners.
1. Learning should be the Focal Point of the Story
Weave a story around your learning objectives, and not the other way round. Creating a story and incorporating learning points somewhere in it will not serve any purpose. Learners will enjoy the story and go away without the takeaways. Your story must drive learners to the learning points of the e-learning course.
2. Make the Plot Relevant
Select setting, characters, and dialogues related to the learning and emotions, so that learners can grasp easily. Be as realistic as possible. Try to include characters that resemble the learner, his peers, superiors, or people he is likely to interact with. This will help immerse learners in the story. For example, in the scenario given below, new sales reps will identify themselves with Bob, a junior salesperson who wants to improve his selling skills.
3. Add Real Scenarios in Stories
This is a very practical idea. Take real scenarios and challenges learners are likely to face from subject matter experts (SME) and weave a story to bring out the possible resolution.
Adapt fables and customize them to drive home learning – this is feasible for courses on topics such as team building, leadership, and problem-solving.
Want to use storytelling in online learning? View this detailed presentation
4. Represent your Characters with Quality Images
Use images of good quality to represent the characters in the story. Instead of using photos of real people, represent them with relevant vector characters, which is more appealing.
5. Keep it Simple to Avoid Confusion
Too many characters and too much drama will lead to overkill. Keep the plot simple, limit the number of characters, and use relatable backgrounds to impart good learning. This will prevent cognitive load on learners and make learning enjoyable.
You can be still creative with a short, simple story. To know more about leveraging the power of stories in online learning, download this handy resource.
6. Narrate, Don’t Distract
Narrating a story actually simplifies the learner’s job. It can breathe life into the script and conversations between characters appeal better to our emotions. Narration should convey the learning and not distract or put off learners. Avoid using funny accents and exaggerations in the narration.
The impact of stories is profound on our lives. They inspire, educate, and refresh us. Stories that deliver learning will make a big difference in the lives of learners. You can make a lasting impression on your learners with storytelling in online courses with these six tips.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make your own story in e-learning! Hope you liked this post. Have something to say? Please do share your views.
