During the last decades several narrative-based learning environments for Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) have appeared in the literature such as Quest Atlantis, Crystal Island or RiverCity. One of the main features of these learning environments is that they are composed by interactive narratives which they host the learning content. Narrative in the frame of these learning environments has been argued to be something different when compared to the narratives met in books and novels- it has been argued to be more interactive and more immersive. Could anyone suggest a good definition of what an "interactive narrative" is in the context of narrative-based learning environments based on the existing literature? I read several articles so far but I did not met a concrete definition about how narrative could be defined in these interactive learning environments. Is there are also any relevant work explaining what are the design factors/features that make these interactive narratives more immersive?
I propose interactive narration include the students' perspective, as in cultural-historical action theory (CHAT), photo-voice projects, student-initiated videos/presentation---as mentioned, "they" host the learning content w/teachers as facilitators; students as empowered learners. Maybe you could direct your definition away from the concrete and toward emergent definitions of "interactive narratives".
As per my personal interpretation...
An Interactive narrative means ...
a) getting responses based on the query raised by the learner
b) value-added information based on further queries seeking more clarity
c) relevant graphics/animations to explain abstract concepts
Awaiting feedback and value addition
Dr. Ananthakrishnan
Well-stated MVA. Teacher as facilitator, allowing learners to express themselves in interactive &productive engagements in their own domains, inquiries & interpretations (critical thinking) of life. Student empowerment makes learning authentic>>result: socially relevant thinkers with non-cognitive abilities and skills which add to their academic achievements and total cognitive successes in post-secondary college and career.