Chapter 7: Using Narrative Strategies to Enhance Interactivity Online

This chapter explores the use of narrative as an instructional strategy for enhancing interactivity in distance learning environments. The chapter describes research of three narrative strategies used during a completely distance course. Overall, students demonstrated the ability to write effective instructional narratives for all three assignments. While usability measures indicated that students found the strategies worthwhile and satisfactory, room for improvement in the design of these strategies was noted. As could be expected, interactivity increased with the complexity of the assignment and the requirement to work in groups. Suggestions for improving the design of narrative strategies from usability and interactivity perspectives conclude the study.