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Visual storytelling

/ Susan Hendrich / 5 Comments

Connect Using Visual Storytelling

It’s time for another golden e-Learning design tip! Today we’ll focus on visual storytelling. 

We’ve heard over and again that the power of visual imagery is unbeatable in instructional design. Yet, we struggle to find and use images that accurately capture and evoke the kind of emotion that connects audiences with the story we are trying to tell.  Perhaps you’ve seen the famed YouTube video series, “In Plain English,” where the CommonCraft geniuses show us (rather than tell us) the essence of Web 2.0 technologies. It is this kind of visual storytelling that captures our attention and ignites our imagination.

So, how can you show, rather than tell, your story?

Now, here’s your homework:

Take a look at Veronica Rusnak‘s Article on “Visual Storytelling and Moments in the Human Condition.”

“Remember: story, not data. Rather than talk about your topic, find a way to show it.”

Looking forward to your ideas!

Susan Hendrich

Visual menus

/ Susan Hendrich / Leave a comment

I’m wild about Cathy Moore’s post on Visual menus: structure with style. 

My favorite part is her brainstorm list of visual elements (graphics) that could become menus:

  • Timeline
  • Flow chart
  • Mind map
  • The product or item that the course examines
  • Head shots of people asking questions (each question links to the section that answers it)
  • Map of a building or place
  • Game board  

So, here’s your challenge:

Can you think of other graphic elements that could serve as visual menus/maps?

Submit your ideas through the “comments” feature below!

Susan

 

Invite interaction

/ Susan Hendrich / 5 Comments

magnet.jpgAre you connecting?

So, what do you do when learner Mollie lands in your learning environment and she wants to know, “What do you have here that’s relevant to me?” 

  • Does your course offer Mollie cues that she might learn something useful? 
  • Does your course begin with a “hook” that draws Mollie in to the experience?
  • How does the material you present relate to Mollie’s job?
  • What about your course tells Mollie that it’s worth its “wait” in clicks?

  

It’s all about interaction.

Check out Tom Kuhlmann’s ASTD TechKnowledge presentation on “Adding Interactivity to Your Rapid E-Learning Courses.”