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Stories as Decision Scaffolds: Understanding Nonlinear Storytelling Using Case-Based Reasoning and Educational Design Research

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Educational Technology and Narrative

Abstract

Case-based reasoning (CBR) is a theoretical approach to understand how narratives support problem-solving. In many game-based learning environments, nonlinear storytelling is a popular approach to unfold the problem-solving experience. For this study, we developed a game-like, case-based learning environment that utilized nonlinear, narrative elements to present cases and facilitate decision-making. The study presented here explored learners’ general perceptions of the learning environment, with a specific focus on usability. Evaluation results identified themes related to problem representation, perspective taking, decision-making, retention, and retrieval/reuse. Implications for case-based reasoning and educational design research are discussed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instructional Design & Technology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA

    Andrew A. Tawfik PhD

  2. Instructional Design and Technology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA

    Matthew M. Schmidt PhD

  3. Educational Technology, Research & Assessment, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA

    Fortunata Msilu

Authors
  1. Andrew A. Tawfik PhD
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  2. Matthew M. Schmidt PhD
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  3. Fortunata Msilu
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Correspondence to Andrew A. Tawfik PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. College of Design, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA

    Brad Hokanson

  2. Learning, Design, and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA

    Gregory Clinton

  3. School of Education, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

    Karen Kaminski

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Tawfik, A.A., Schmidt, M.M., Msilu, F. (2018). Stories as Decision Scaffolds: Understanding Nonlinear Storytelling Using Case-Based Reasoning and Educational Design Research. In: Hokanson, B., Clinton, G., Kaminski, K. (eds) Educational Technology and Narrative. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69914-1_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69914-1_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-69913-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-69914-1

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

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