Many organizations are currently seeking e-learning training solutions that are effective, yet inexpensive. The problem is that most inexpensive e-learning solutions are no more effective than books. They simply present information, rather than providing students meaningful learning activities. The most effective way to teach new skills is to put learners in the kinds of situations in which they need to use those skills, and to provide mentors (who are expert practitioners) who help learners when they need it. Learners come to understand when, why, and how they should use target skills on the job. They receive key lessons just-in-time, meaning when they want to know the information, when it will make the most sense to them, and in such a way that learners will be most likely to remember the information later when they need it in their work. E-learning can offer such realistic, experienced-based training, but until now, it did not come at a cost-effective price. What is needed is a new approach to e-learning curriculum design, one called the "Story-Centered Curriculum."

The idea behind the Story-Centered Curriculum (SCC) is that a good curriculum should consist of a story in which students play a key role (for example, VP of Information Security at a financial services company). These roles are selected to be ones that the graduate of such a program might actually do in real life or might need to know about (because he or she will manage or collaborate with someone who performs that role). Students, working in groups, are given detailed information about the simulated company they are working for together with detailed and authentic projects. Supporting materials and resources are available and experts and online mentors are available to answer questions and point students in the right direction on an as-needed basis.

The effect of the SCC model is that as students work through the story to achieve the missions the story puts forth, they learn the critical skills they need to successfully accomplish their tasks. The SCC implements true learning-by-doing, integrating all aspects of real-world tasks, as opposed to teaching skills independently, without context.

An SCC can be delivered entirely online, in person, or as a live/online combination. Student teams can meet as a group face-to-face or using the latest online collaboration tools. Similarly, interactions with mentors can take place in person or via synchronous or asynchronous on-line tools. The approach used is determined by the specific needs of the curriculum, and the geographic proximity of students and mentors.

Download the full Story-Centered Curriculum white paper (44k PDF), which describes the SCC approach in the context of a university curriculum.