The problem / intent

The epistemic power of narrative is most evident in the context of verbal expression. Can it be extended to other forms and media?

The context

Constructivist and constructionist learning environments which offer the learner non-verbal forms of expression, specifically by means of graphical and animates digital media.

The pattern

Choose / design the medium of expression so that it supports elements of narrative:

• Context: context can be provides in the medium of expression, by including peripheral elements which link the objects in focus to events, location or activities. It can also be addressed by captions or other proximal elements.
  
• Plot: The medium of representation should afford a means of signifying the progression of time, and the ordering of events. This is easy in animated media. Otherwise, can be portrayed by graphical sequencing of scenes (e.g. as a 'comic strip').
  
• Voice: The medium should afford superfluous personalization and styling of content to distinguish the author.
  
• Moral: The medium of representation, or the manner in which objects are assembled across media, should allow the author to insinuate meanings without expressing them explicitly.
  

Related patterns

Follows: Narrative spaces
Elaborates: Narrative

Notes

Examples

• Mor and Noss (in press) demonstrates how ToonTalk programming is a medium of narrative representation.

Yishay Mor and Richard Noss (in press). Programming as Mathematical Narrative. International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning (IJCEELL).