THE BEGINNING
Creating a course or an instructional project is a fascinating adventure—it almost reminds me of my hikes through the Amazon jungle or along the trails of the Himalayan mountains. The journey often begins with a question, usually something like What if? What if I walk in that direction or take that path? What if I conduct research to deepen my understanding of Functional Storytelling? Even the name itself sounds intriguing to me.
After asking some initial questions on the web, exploring definitions, having a conversation with ChatGPT, and browsing through some libraries, I put together an outline that sparked my curiosity and deepened my desire to enter that jungle of ideas.
ADDIE
I decided to use the ADDIE model, particularly in the Analyze, Design, and Develop phases, where I would consider the audience, desired outcomes, constraints, and possible delivery methods.
My pedagogical approach led to a self-paced learning design with a clear structure, manageable modules that allow learners to progress at their own pace, and well-defined instructions and expectations to guide them effectively without facilitator support.
The course features engaging content delivery, integrating multimedia elements to maintain learner interest and reinforce key concepts. Storytelling techniques will be used to create relatable and memorable learning experiences.
Active learning opportunities are essential, encouraging the development of personal story frameworks. The course will include interactive elements such as scenario-based exercises to deepen understanding and reflection prompts for journaling or creating personal narratives.
In addition, accessible design is crucial to ensuring all materials are inclusive. This includes providing captions for videos, screen-reader compatibility, and alternative text for images.
Successive Approximation Model (SAM)
Due to the nature of this project, I also incorporate the Successive Approximation Model (SAM) to facilitate rapid prototyping. One of the key objectives is to develop and refine the project over time, continuously improving it and expanding it with additional modules. These modules will provide learners with more opportunities to practice and enhance their skills and knowledge base.During the Implementation phase, an introductory module will be released to a sample audience to evaluate engagement, retention, and functionality. Active-learning features will be incorporated in later releases. As part of the Evaluation phase, feedback from the sample audience will be used to make refinements and improvements.
Instructional Learning Models:
In addition to ADDIE and SAM models, the course design also considers and, when appropriate, integrates principles from Merrill’s Principles of Instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Gagné’s Nine Events of Instruction, and Backward Design.
Merrill’s approach ensures the learning process is task-centered and focused on solving real-world problems, making storytelling techniques directly applicable to learners' personal or professional contexts.
UDL principles enhance inclusivity by addressing diverse learning preferences through multimedia options, flexible engagement opportunities, and alternative ways for learners to express their understanding.
Gagné’s structured framework supports clear and sequential instruction, ensuring that learners are engaged, guided, and assessed effectively throughout the course. Finally, Backward Design aligns the learning activities and assessments with clearly defined outcomes, creating a cohesive and purposeful educational experience.
SAMPLE COURSE: FUNCTIONAL STORYTELLING
Further development:
I would like to enhance and refine the current version by incorporating videos that showcase various ways Functional Storytelling has been applied in different areas of human life. Eventually, I hope to include a workbook that allows individuals to practice and take an initial dive into applying these ideas as a framework for using storytelling as a tool for communication and expression.
By continually iterating and integrating feedback, this course aims to empower learners with practical storytelling skills that can be applied across diverse contexts, fostering creativity, effective communication, and meaningful self-expression.
TOOLS USED:
Milanote: Notes, Outline, Research bucket.
ChatGPT: Brainstorming ideas, initial research, grammar, and style check.
O'Reilly: Library Research.
EBSCOhost: Peer-reviewed articles, Database Research.
Vyond: Animated Video Maker.
Adobe Captivate: eLearning content creation tool.
AdobeExpress: Image creation.
