Synthesis: In order to convey the appropriate meaning, the storyteller must first know the context scenario of its audience. Meaning is shaped by context. In order to know the context, the eLearning developer must first understand the culture and history of its audience. __________________________________________________________________________…
Author: Ray Jimenez, PhD
The Power of Metaphors in eLearning
Synthesis: In the film, Lincoln, President Lincoln and Thaddeus Stevens used the power of metaphors to solve two crucial historical stand-offs during the American civil war. The insights shared here will help us to better appreciate the power of storytelling and show us how we can effectively use…
Improving 21st Century Competencies thru Storytelling
Synthesis. Paul Oord and Cecile Crutzen in their paper, Storytelling as a Link Between Formal Knowledge and Actual Performance in a Critical Transformative Design Environment, expound on the connection between formal knowledge and actual performance. The crux of the challenge could be unraveled by…
Can you explain the “Fiscal Cliff Crisis” to an Eight-year old?
The title of this article is a challenge to educators, designers, and developers on how to turn complex financial subjects into simple understandable lessons. Finance matters are very important in current real life situations as America continues to thread the tightrope…
Are You Riding the Waves or the Ripples? Tracking Learning Trends
Synthesis: The Thought/Action Wave and the Brain/Technology Wave are two particular learning principles that enable faster, cheaper and easier learning. The speed at which innovations propel these learning concepts are discussed here. __________________________________________________________________________ I am not a surfer. The closest…
Lincoln, the Storyteller
Synthesis: What makes a good storyteller? Stories abound and Lincoln – the extremely smart being that he is – used these accounts to bring home critical points for decision making and persuasion. Embedding stories in the learning design achieves a…
Instant and Rapid One-Minute Learning for mLearning and eLearning
Synthesis: In a rapid, constantly-changing, technology-enabled work environment, which one works best – linear or random learning? How do we rethink or reformulate to make the linear content friendly to random learning? How does this benefit instant learning for busy…
How to Teach Very Complex Ideas with Story-Based eLearning – Tip #10
Some scenarios are glorified memorization tests or branching multiple choice tests. Memorization branching exercises should not be confused with story-based scenarios which are specifically driven by motivational events to help learners discover learning experiences. How do story-based scenarios help learners…
Hangover Joe – Chainsaw Safety eLearning – Tip #9
Tip: Parody is a good method to use in content where it is both a reminder and refresher course. For example, we ask employees to go through annual compliance courses like safety, ethics and employment law. The parody might look like…
Show Proof that Stories Impact Learning – Tip #8
Small examples of stories in a lesson demonstrate to leaders, decision makers and bosses how stories impact learning. This is how you can persuade your leaders and bosses to use stories and experiences in eLearning – This is the proof…
Compliance eLearning from Real-Life Government Penalties – Tip #7
Oftentimes, the stories of non-compliance are right in front of us. Although some may find it unsuitable to their company because of sensitivities and legal constraints, citing court rulings and administrative penalties and judgment demonstrate clearly why compliance elearning is…
Workarounds: Why They Help Learners Learn – Tip #6
Do you know that with an iPhone app you can walk to the Apple store, scan the price in iPhone and pay with your iPhone without having to talk with a cashier? We hate standing in line. We disdain flight…
Listen to the Geniuses Who Created Our Worlds – Tip #5
What would be your world if you have conversations with Carl Sagan (astrophysicist), Seymour Papert (cognitive scientist), Gordon Moore (founder of Intel) or Steve Jobs? It would be a phenomenal experience and absolutely breathtaking. Preview the great minds featured in…
Creating Engaging Technical eLearning – Move: Learners to Tears – Tip #4
A few months ago, there was a movie, “Jiro Dreams of Sushi”. It is a story on how to keep our skills and craft. It is moving and motivational. All those who train people should watch this. Watch the Mercedes…
The wrong way shows the correct way… sometimes – Tip #3
In many instances, trainers and elearning designers forget that people are reminded of the right way by seeing the wrong way. In this case, the wrong way can sometimes show what’s right – at least for learning purposes. Preview this…