What's the best way to choose the genre and format for your e-learning stories?

1 Identify your learning objectives

Before you start writing your e-learning story, you need to have a clear idea of what you want your learners to achieve. What skills, knowledge, or attitudes do you want them to develop or change? How will you measure their progress and success? Your learning objectives will help you define the scope, context, and tone of your e-learning story.

2 Choose a genre that suits your content and audience

The genre of your e-learning story is the type of story you tell, such as a case study, a scenario, a simulation, a game, or a comic. Different genres have different strengths and weaknesses, and appeal to different audiences and learning styles. For example, a case study can be effective for presenting real-world examples and best practices, while a game can be fun and interactive for learners who enjoy challenges and rewards. Think about what genre will best convey your content and resonate with your audience.

3 Select a format that supports your genre and objectives

The format of your e-learning story is the way you present it, such as text, audio, video, animation, or graphics. Different formats have different advantages and disadvantages, and require different resources and skills. For example, text can be easy and cheap to produce, but can be boring and hard to read for some learners, while video can be engaging and realistic, but can be expensive and time-consuming to produce. Think about what format will best support your genre and objectives, and fit your budget and timeline.

4 Use a story structure that engages and guides your learners

The story structure of your e-learning story is the way you organize and sequence your story elements, such as the characters, the setting, the plot, the conflict, and the resolution. A good story structure will capture your learners' attention, create suspense and curiosity, challenge their thinking and decision-making, and provide feedback and closure. You can use a classic story structure, such as the hero's journey or the three-act structure, or create your own, as long as it is clear, coherent, and consistent.

5 Test and refine your e-learning story

The final step in choosing the genre and format for your e-learning story is to test and refine it. You need to check if your e-learning story meets your learning objectives, matches your genre and format choices, and appeals to your audience. You can use various methods to test your e-learning story, such as prototyping, piloting, reviewing, or evaluating. Based on the feedback and results, you can make adjustments and improvements to your e-learning story until it is ready to launch.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?