Forum Discussion
Building scenarios in e-learning: do you favor fictitious names in examples?
Just looking for your opinions on this.
I am currently building a training module for the firm I work at, and the SMEs in question are adamant that instead of using fictitious names, that I use n...
I agree with you that using names of actual employees could cause issues. It could be distracting (for example, "why did they pick him as the example instead of me?"). It could also be insulting if the scenario includes bad steps/choices. And, as you mentioned, it requires updating if the person leaves the company.
Making up names avoids those issues. Also, those could be more diverse/inclusive.
I wouldn't use "Johnny Appleseed" or another recognizable character. To me, that's also distracting, because it'd make the user think of that character's story (instead of the course's scenario).