Transmedia storytelling as a framework for effective blended learning design

Abstract

This article discusses the use of Transmedia Storytelling in blended learning, based on recent research and the need for an effective learning design. The interest in digital storytelling for educational purposes has increased over the last few years, with researchers also identifying key pedagogical features of new media that make these inherently powerful learning tools. Stories may have high impact in the development of resources for blended learning, and could well replace some forms of traditional teaching (such as expository lectures) but more likely they will remain just an alternative to other more conventional education methods. The trend towards learner centred strategies and collaborative learning shows the way to learning designs that should incorporate factors of knowledge construction (predominantly in group activities), authentic learning, and personalized learning experience, which merges agreeably with the integration of other factors such as games, digital storytelling, science inquiry, and technologies that are able to engage “Millennial” students.