Title: A narrative centred Informant Design approach for interactive learning environments

Authors: Atif Waraich, Paul Brna

Addresses: Department of Computing and Mathematics, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK. ' The SCRE Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G3 6NH, UK

Abstract: This paper describes a narrative centred design approach, which has been developed to produce multimedia-based Interactive Learning Environments (ILEs) that incorporate a |designed-in| narrative intended to provide users with a rich and engaging learning experience. The Narrative Centred Informant Design (NCID) approach is introduced and described. NCID has been developed from an analysis of narrative theory and computer games development, and incorporates dramatic and narrative devices that are meaningful to the target learner group. One of the major issues addressed is how to ensure that the ILE will appeal to students who find the domain knowledge difficult. The development of a prototype ILE that utilises the NCID approach is described and the design process is outlined. The paper concludes by identifying how the design framework can be further developed and refined.

Keywords: informant design; narrative theory; computer games; interactive learning; motivation; multimedia; interactive learning environments; dramatic devices; design process; narrative centred design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2008.017375

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2008 Vol.18 No.2, pp.181 - 196

Published online: 02 Mar 2008 *

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