It is a known fact that scenarios have become one of the prevalent ways to bridge the gap between users and designers. They are short fictional narratives that describe a use situation and the interaction between users and proposed systems, and can be used to discuss and picture different kinds of future-use situations of technology. In instructional design, I use scenarios regularly, the game play idea or story I usually present in a playable demonstration and summarized into a design document. I choose to use scenarios as a basis for learning for several reasons. First of all, the concrete nature of scenarios can help to create a common understanding of the proposed system’s use and functions.
For the same reason, I consider it important to involve users early on in the design process; namely , before I have any finalised idea of the prototype I would be developing.
I also assume that game based scenarios could be especially relevant in the case of the 70:20:10 model of learning where the game play may involve movement and other physical activities. From my research, there are several types of scenarios.
Every type is suited for teaching a particular type of skill. You have to decide which type will facilitate the most effective and effortless transfer of learning from the course to the job. Here are the different types that I have thought of:
- Skill-Based Scenario: In this scenario, the learner is expected to demonstrate skills and knowledge he has already acquired.
- Problem-Based Scenario: This type of scenario is ideal for situations where learners have to integrate their theoretical and practical knowledge to investigate a problem. Decision-making, logical reasoning, and critical analyses are integral components of these scenarios.
- Issue-Based Scenario: In this type of a scenario, learners get to take a stand on issues, usually with humanitarian perspectives, and explore these to understand how these affect decision-making in professional spheres.
- Speculative Scenario: In this scenario, learners have to predict the outcome of an event in the future based on their knowledge and deductions.
- Gaming Scenario: As is evident from the moniker, these scenarios involve the use of games as learning tools.
Campbell Craig 