Telling stories is timeless. Long ago, it mainly happened around the campfire, later through books, church, on the town square, in theater,… Stories helped people to understand the meaning of life, and explain certain events.

Today, storytelling is still everywhere. Think about the way you stream your favorite series, an exciting film or interesting podcast at any time the day. It’s still a fascinating way to come into contact with unknown people, places or situations, and simultaneously experiencing the emotions associated with them.

At Neo Learning, we believe in the power of storytelling to bring scenario-based e-learning to life. Below, you can read more about how storytelling enhances learning.

Stories engage users

Not all learning content is suited for a scenario-based e-learning. It’s important to also take note of the learning goals, target audience and desired results when choosing a specific learning format. We have noticed that we can display very complex content in a clear and comprehensible way thanks to storytelling. By interweaving learning material into realistic scenarios, users immediately see how the theory relates to its practical application.

In other words: scenario-based e-learning makes learning content more interesting, and therefore creates a higher engagement among users. The result: motivated users that are able to focus on a subject more intensely, and are more consciously aware of complex topics.

In recent years, we’ve developed several courses for Febelfin about annual accounts and mortgage loans, amongst others. We transformed those seemingly heavy topics in engaging scenario-based e-learnings with various characters playing their part. We combined the most important rules and often very complicated theory with recognizable situations, making the learning content concrete for users.

Storytelling evokes emotions

Everyone experiences the emotional effect of stories from time to time: you shed a tear at a sad movie, can’t stop laughing at a hilarious video on social media, or get completely carried away by an exciting detective novel.

A solid scenario-based e-learning has a similar effect on users. And there’s scientific proof to back that up: when content evokes certain emotions during the learning process, areas in the brain are activated that promote memory, interpretation and the ability to acquire knowledge.

Every good story needs authentic characters. That’s why Neo Learning always implements recognizable characters into scenario-based e-learning, to really bring the learning material to life. We first get a clear sense of the actual work environment, and translate it to realistic storylines. For example:

  • In what kind of environment do employees work?
  • What people play an important role?
  • What role(s) do they play?

We always take into account the often very diverse target audience. In fact, every individual employee must be able to identify with one or more characters.

For a Belgian bank, we developed a scenario-based e-learning about changes in inheritance law. It might sound like a rather tedious subject. In close collaboration with our client, we chose to work with realistic situations and authentic characters to give life to the subject. And, when dealing with inheritance, there are always emotional or other sensitive issues to keep into account.

Scenario-based e-learning offers room to experiment

In certain professional situations, making mistakes just isn’t an option. For example because it creates serious safety risks, or damages the company’s public image. Through training, we can create an environment in which employees can practice, experiment and try things out, without experiencing the fear of failure. A scenario-based e-learning is a perfect fit to do exactly that, provided it reflects reality as closely as possible.

A good example of that is a training we developed for Brussels Airport Company about entering confined spaces. We used 360° photos of the ducts and pipes at the airport to immerse the technical staff in the scenario. In short relatable situations, users had to react correctly to a power failure, a rise in the water level or a colleague who becomes unwell. According to the head of the accident prevention department of the airport, that was an excellent approach: “Safety at the airport, the airport’s image, the continuity of operations and travelers’ satisfaction more than outweigh the investment in the e-learning.”

Transform your learning content into a scenario-based training

Transforming learning material into a scenario-based e-learning that has real impact: it’s no piece of cake. Luckily, we have some pure-bred copywriters at Neo Learning who like to do exactly that. Need help to clarify your complex content? Looking for a born storyteller that can revamp your training into a scenario-based e-learning that hits the right spot? Then you’ve come to the right place. Get in touch with us today!