Using storytelling in e-learning is an effective way to deliver your message. How about using an e-learning tool to create a storytelling app which you can use to improve your storytelling skills and have fun?
I used to use Rory’s story cubes and different card games to make my students create stories while working as an EFL teacher.
When I saw the Articulate challenge ‘Using Random Variables‘, I wanted to create a web app which can be used in online lessons, and also in the class.
Players get 5 cards randomly when they click on the cards. They are supposed to tell their stories by using these cards, which is very similar to Rory’s story cubes. This was the first idea of mine. When I tested the game with some friends, I saw that different difficulty levels could make it more fun. So, I added three more levels.
On the first level, players choose the cards and start to tell their stories on their own time.
For the second level, a time limit welcomes the players. They can choose one of the 30-45-60 seconds time options and use that time to set up their stories or take notes if they like.
When a card is used in the story, it is marked. When all of them are used, the game is over.
To make it more challenging for the level 3, I used random variables again. Using a random word or sentence which will appear before the players start to tell their stories brings more fun since it can change the story which you set up during your thinking time.
For the last level, I wanted to challenge the users to do more than speaking. From my earlier experience, I know that students are more focused on events than using adjectives and adverbs to give a better image to the listeners. In addition to this, some of the students will be reluctant to join in while everybody speaks. So, I added writing your story and sharing it with the community part. In this way, they have a chance to share their voices.
On the last page of level four, players will find a space to write their stories, then they will be directed to Padlet page to share their stories as written, voice recording, or video. Sharing your story with the community is the challenge of the level 4.
It is created to bring more fun to online lessons. However, I am sure you will find different ways to use it. It is not a must but if you have a look at the different story patterns on the web and try to follow these while creating yours, it will be easier to create a story that you will enjoy more.
Here you can see the game in action: Tell Me!
