Implementation of a Branching Scenario in E-learning: Haji Kamal’s Theory

Branching is an efficient tool which makes workplace learning interesting, competitive, impactful, and immersive. It provides learners with a better platform to apply their knowledge and even simulate real-life scenarios. There are ample ways branching scenarios can be made useful for new-age learners such as by adding gamified elements and other interactivities to make the content adaptive as per the pertinent needs of all. Scenarios are incorporated with technical, procedural as well as behavioral learning.

One of the excellent examples of integration of a branching scenario with the storytelling approach for a behavioral topic is Haji Kamal Scenario. Developed by Cathy Moore for the US army, this was an online assignment for the soldiers and had to be taken before a face to face class, the next day. Haji Kamal branching scenario proved to be the highly impactful approach, and 70% of the learners wanted to discuss it during the class.

The Haji Kamal content is based on a real-life discussion between a US soldier and an Influential Pashtun leader, Haji Kamal. The goal is to strike a rapport with Haji Kamal so that he can help against the insurgents in Afghanistan. The conversation can be driven through 12 paths crossing each other. So, one bad decision would not lead to failure. It is something very similar to what people experience in real lives where they tend to correct themselves after taking a wrong decision. We don’t necessarily follow a utterly wrong path but try to come back on track. In addition to this real-life approach, there are surprise elements which makes it even more realistic. Haji Kamal is a masterpiece by Kathy Moore and worth adopting. To be continued…

Reference Article: Amazing Example of a Branching Scenario- Haji Kamal