How to arrange a story and informational content

Feb 02, 2017

norbert r
By norbert r

I'm designing a WBT for project management. I have some informational content and a story to make the content come to life. As story I chose the Wedding planing theme. I started writing some dialogs between a bridal couple and a wedding planer.
I realized that I can't put all information in the dialogs otherwise the dialogs would become boring.
Now I have two options:
1) to give the story first and then all information or
2) to interweave both, i.e. first part of the story and corresponding information, then second part and so on. But splitting the story in this way makes it more difficult for the learner to follow the story.
Are there any experiences in this regard? Or recommendations?

1 Reply
Bob S
over 7 years ago02/02/17 at 5:49 pm (UTC)

Hi Norbert,

First, kudos on trying to use a scenario to make things engaging.  Nice.

As for your question, guess I would lean towards the second choice but remember your couple dialogue can be just short "preambles" to the individual topics. Super simple example....

  • The narrator (voice or text) introduces the next scene - "During Ken and Barbie's second meeting with the Planner, they tackle some of the big decisions"
  • Then a few lines of dialogue between the three of them to set the stage for the topics  - "Oh hi guys, so glad we could meet again. I know you must be so eager to take about the venue, please sit down and we can get started.."
  • Then plain text (or narrator) again to detail the topics of the second meeting and what the learner needs to consider.

In that format above, you would spend a bit more time in the first chapter introducing the characters and their situation. That can be fleshed out so the learner can connect with them and their story. Then simply use the characters as needed to illustrate the learning points you want your learners to consider throughout the course.   Close by having another longer dialogue and feel-good piece at the end showing success, best wishes, and terrific wedding.

Hope this helps,

Bob

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