Writing Course Materials That Use Storytelling

💡 CAPTURING ATTENTION with “In Medias Res” in eLearning—It’s a Latin phrase meaning “into the middle of things.” This storytelling technique, famously used in epics like The Iliad and The Odyssey, starts right in the thick of the action—where the stakes are highest. But it’s not just ancient history: modern films like The Dark Knight, Inception, and even Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse use this technique to hook audiences instantly, leaving them eager to unravel the backstory. Why should we care about this in eLearning? Because grabbing a learner’s attention early is critical. Starting with high-stakes scenarios instead of background information immerses learners immediately, making them want to engage with the content. In my Camp Counselor eLearning course, I applied this technique by throwing learners into a tense situation right from the start: Two campers are in a heated argument that could escalate quickly. Instead of explaining conflict resolution principles up front, learners are forced to apply skills like staying calm, assessing the situation, and responding appropriately as the scenario unfolds. The result? Immediate engagement and stronger connections between theory and practice. 💡 Key Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to start in the middle of the action. Whether it’s a story, a scenario, or a problem to solve, engaging learners where it matters most leads to deeper learning and retention. What do you think? How else could in medias res transform the way we design learning experiences? Share your thoughts! ⬇️ #InstructionalDesign #Storytelling #eLearning #LearningStrategies #Engagement #InMediasRes #L&D #LearningExperienceDesign

🔴 Facts fade. Stories stick. If your training feels dry and forgettable, your learners aren’t the problem—your content is. People don’t remember bullet points. They remember characters, challenges, and choices. Here’s how to use narratives and characters to make learning unforgettable: 1️⃣ Introduce a relatable character. Give learners someone to connect with— a peer, a mentor, or a “guide” navigating the same challenges they face. ✅ A new hire learning the ropes ✅ A manager coaching their team ✅ A customer making a tough decision 2️⃣ Frame learning as a story. Instead of dumping information, take learners on a journey. ➡️ Start with a challenge or conflict. ➡️ Show the character making decisions. ➡️ Reveal the outcome—good or bad. Example: Instead of listing customer service best practices, tell the story of Alex, a rep handling an upset customer. Let learners choose Alex’s responses and see what happens next. 3️⃣ Make it interactive. Give learners control— ✅ Branching scenarios ✅ Role-playing ✅ Problem-solving challenges 4️⃣ Tie emotions to learning. Stories make information personal. When learners care about the character, they remember the lesson. Engaging content isn’t about what you teach— it’s about how learners experience it. 🤔 How have you used stories in your training? ----------------------- 👋 Hi! I'm Elizabeth! ♻️ Share this post if you found it helpful. 👆 Follow me for more tips! 🤝 Reach out if you need a high-quality learning solution designed to engage learners and drive real change. #InstructionalDesign #StorytellingInLearning #EngagementMatters #LearningAndDevelopment

Most corporate training is forgettable. Let’s be real—how many times have you clicked through an eLearning module, answered the quiz, and instantly forgotten everything? That’s because information alone doesn’t drive learning. Stories do. We’re wired to remember narratives, not PowerPoint slides. A compelling story taps into emotion, creates context, and makes learning stick. So, how do you bring storytelling into eLearning? Here are three ways: 1️⃣ Start with a relatable character – Give your learners someone to connect with. Instead of generic scenarios, create personas facing real workplace challenges. 2️⃣ Create a problem worth solving – Don’t just dump information. Frame it as a challenge, mystery, or dilemma learners must navigate. 3️⃣ Use narrative-driven feedback – Instead of “Correct” or “Incorrect,” give responses that advance the story. Let learners see the consequences of their choices in a meaningful way. The best eLearning doesn’t just teach—it immerses. It makes learners feel something, and that’s what leads to real behavior change. Have you seen a great example of storytelling in training? Drop it in the comments! Let’s swap ideas. ⬇️