This article describes an elearning product called a "hyperstory". A "hyperstory" bears some resemblance to role playing, in that it asks the learner to understand different points of view within a shared event or incident. The hyperstory discussed in this article is made using high level production techniques and would be quite expensive to make. However, perhaps there is the germ of an idea there, that need not be as resource intensive for less well-funded educators?

The Hype on Hyperstories is by Paul Clothier on Learning Circuits, published by the American Society for Training & Development.

"The number of new and innovative approaches to e-learning seems underwhelming, but up-and-coming e-learning firm substanz:® thinks its use of hyperstories may change your mind."

Basically, a hyperstory is a form of interactive movie. It’s similar in concept to a hyperlink, except rather than linking to another page, learners link to another perspective of the story being told. substanz:® describes it as 'an interactive, multi-perspective story that uses the engaging quality of a movie to create an evolving learning experience.' That definition is accurate, but it doesn’t convey the power within this blend of art and technology."

"Hyperstories are actually short movies with actors, dialogue, and a plot. Stories are told in classic movie-style drama and substanz:®, whose founders has a background in new media and digital arts, have gone to great lengths to create high-end productions. The sets, scripts, and acting are impressive.

"The power of hyperstories becomes evident when, at certain intervals, learners can choose to change perspective and watch the same events unfold from another character’s point of view. The concrete events remain the same but the interpretation and feelings are different. What seemed an appropriate comment or behavior through one set of eyes now takes on new meaning from this other viewpoint."

Follow the link to read Paul Clothier's full report on how the Boeing Leadership Center is using interactive digital movies (hyperstories) for its soft-skills training.