Scripts and narrative control as external representations for supporting student s contextual awareness

The use of case based learning environments (CBLEs) is expected to benefit students by guiding them to study contextually rich real world situations where knowledge is applied. In this report we argue that scripts and narrative control can be significant design features in the development of CBLEs, that can structure students' processing of the material thus leading to improved learning outcomes and enhanced students' contextual awareness. We present suggestions on how to explore this potential both in relation to the supporting theoretical assumptions and to the implied design prescriptions. As a case study we refer to the design of e-CASE, which is a Context Awareness Supporting Environment in the form of a CBLE. We also present proposals for related further research activities.