Analyzing Narrative in Online Instruction

Effective learning design, particularly in the online environment, requires close attention to the relationship between the various stakeholders, the salient content and the intended learning outcomes. Structuring these variables within a framework serves as a powerful tool in creating an online environment that supports experiential, student-centered learning. Our research analysis highlights how literature related to online course design can be leveraged to support a narrative structure that establishes students as part of Joseph Campbell’s monomyth in the role of “epic hero.” As more and more elements attributed to effective online course design are directly correlated to narrative structure, this analysis will highlight current and emerging approaches to creating learning environments that empower students with a sense of agency over the learning process.