An e-learning course presented as a story engages learners emotionally and motivates them to act. Stories have a structure called the story arc that includes an introduction of characters and setting, a conflict or issue, a climax or resolution, and conclusion. When crafting an e-learning story, instructors should personalize it for learners, focus on content over dramatic elements, align the story with learning objectives, plan it with a clear beginning, middle and end, and provide a clear resolution to the conflict.

1. in E-learning

2. An e-learning course crafted as
a story will engage learners on
an emotional level, and compel
them to act, do, or change, to
emerge the winner.

3. Story
Structure

4. Stories have a structure called the Story Arc.
Climax
Introduction
Conflict
Resolution

5. A story begins by introducing the
characters and describing the setting
where the story unfolds. Introduction
Stage 1

6. Stage 2This is the heart of the story and
describes the issue to be addressed; the
skills to be enhanced. Conflict

7. Stage 3Every story culminates in a climax – the
terminal objective – the purpose for
which the story was crafted. Climax

8. Stage 4This step summarizes the key takeaway
of the story and reinforces what learners
need to do to overcome the problem in
question.
Resolution

9. Tips to Craft a Good
Story

10. 1 Personalize the story
• Picture yourself in the leaners’ shoes
• Keep asking ‘What’s in it For Me?’
• Use characters and job titles your learners can relate to

11. 2 Highlight content
Content should be the king of your e-learning course, not
the story! Trim unnecessary frills such as too many
characters or a highly dramatic environment.

12. 3 Align story with learning objectives
Use the story as a tool to help your learners accomplish a
goal –sell better, handle customers efficiently, use the
new software, or follow regulatory policies. Do not
include a story just for entertainment.

13. 4 Plan your story
Keep your key takeaway in mind and craft your story with
a clear start, middle, and an end. Include essential
details. Be creative and use elements such as tension and
dialogues judiciously.

14. 5 Have a clear resolution
Present the solution to the conflict clearly through the
story. Help learners understand how their problem can be
solved.

16. Before we leave, let us quickly recap what we have learnt.
Stories provide context and meaning to process information, help
develop trust and commitment, and elicit an emotional response
from learners.
Tips:
• Personalize the story
• Highlight content
• Align story with learning objectives
• Plan your story
• Have a clear resolution
Stories have a structure
called the story arc
which consists of:
• Introduction
• Conflict
• Climax
• Resolution