This presentation explores the strengths and weaknesses of using course-long role plays to increase student engagement and learning effectiveness. The presenters created fictitious business organizations and gave students the role of employee in the organizations in order to create a more realistic teaching and learning environment in which to apply communication and conflict resolution skills. The presentation will focus on the process used to create the learning environment, technology used to facilitate learning, and student perceptions of the approach.

1. Matthew J. Dodd, Ph.D.Matthew J. Dodd, Ph.D.
Abilene Christian UniversityAbilene Christian University
Innovative Professor Conference 2010
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN
Engaging Storylines:
Using Course-Long Role Plays to
Engage Online Graduate Students
Copyright Matthew J. Dodd, 2010. This work is the intellectual property of the author. Permission is granted for this material to be shared for non-
commercial, educational purposes, provided that this copyright statement appears on the reproduced materials and notice is given that the copying is
by permission of the author. To disseminate otherwise or to republish requires written permission from the author.

2. Engaging Storylines – Matthew Dodd, Ph.D., © 2010
Engaging Storylines: Agenda
Setting the Scene
Engaging the Students
Effectiveness Assessment
Future Implications

3. Engaging Storylines – Matthew Dodd, Ph.D., © 2010
Setting the Scene
Consider the Course Objective
Create the Role Play Environment
Design scenarios that require application
Set boundaries and a safety net
“Lights, Camera, Action!”
CONR 610 – Conflict in the Workplace
“Mail Room” video

4. Engaging Storylines – Matthew Dodd, Ph.D., © 2010
Engaging the Student
CONR 612: Conflict Mgmt Systems Design
Role Play – Student is an employee of “Pacifine Technology”
Student is assigned to a “New Vision Task Force” within Pacifine to
help the leadership create a better organization
7 Modules over 7 weeks that promote knowledge and skill development
and application through:
- Individual Assignments – papers, journals, reflections, websites
- Group Assignments – discussion boards, wikis, voting, polls
Supporting Content – multimedia, websites, textbooks/readings,
newsletters, emails, Flash modules/activities, etc.

5. Engaging Storylines – Matthew Dodd, Ph.D., © 2010
Multimedia Content
CONR 612: Conflict Mgmt Systems Design
“The Backdrop” “The Stage” “Curtain Call”

6. Engaging Storylines – Matthew Dodd, Ph.D., © 2010
Engaging StoryLine
CONR 610: Conflict in the Workplace
Module 1 – Entering the Workplace (Mail Room Mayhem)
Module 2 – Be Direct – Model the Way (Cashier Chaos)
Module 3 – Supervisor Skirmish (Supervisor Skirmish)
Module 4 – Loan Officer Languish (Loan Officer Languish)
Module 5 – Vice-President Vacillation (V-P Vacillation)
Module 6 – Presidential Peacemaking (Pres. Peacemaking)
Module 7 – E-Portfolio
Pacifine
National
Bank

7. Engaging Storylines – Matthew Dodd, Ph.D., © 2010
Effectiveness Assessment
Role play  more academically challenging
- 74% - Agree or Strongly Agree
Role play  more enjoyable
- 68% - Agree or Strongly Agree
Storylines  more engaging learning environment
- 68% - Agree or Strongly Agree
Storylines  helped student remember content
- 71% - Agree or Strongly Agree

8. Engaging Storylines – Matthew Dodd, Ph.D., © 2010
Future Implications…
Expanded Content (interactive media)
Integrating Social Networking
Augmented Reality
Application of Academics
???

9. Engaging Storylines – Matthew Dodd, Ph.D., © 2010
Q&
Awww.acu.edu/conflict
matt.dodd@acu.edu

10. Engaging Storylines – Matthew Dodd, Ph.D., © 2010
Q&
Awww.acu.edu/conflict
matt.dodd@acu.edu