Fairy Tales From Grimm to Disney Audio Syllabus

My Design Solution

I transformed a standard course syllabus into an enchanting audio narrative inspired by classic fairytales from the Brothers Grimm to Disney. Students embark on a magical journey through an "enchanted forest" of learning, where course expectations unfold like a captivating story with mystical elements and whimsical characters.

Using timeless fairytale storytelling structure, I created a narrator who guides listeners through their academic adventure, weaving course policies and assignment details into an engaging narrative. The audio incorporates enchanted forest atmospherics and magical character voices that transform mundane syllabus content into a memorable experience that feels more like entertainment than obligation.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon listening to this audio syllabus, students will be able to:

1. Identify and articulate all major course policies, including attendance requirements, late work policies, academic integrity expectations, and grading criteria.

2. Navigate the course structure confidently by understanding the sequence of units, major assignments, due dates, and assessment methods.

3. Describe the instructor's educational philosophy and approach to fairy tale analysis and its connection to broader themes in literature and cultural studies.

4. Recognize key assignment expectations for each major project including evaluation criteria and submission requirements.

5. Access course policies on-demand during commutes or other multitasking scenarios, supporting flexible learning and accessibility needs.

6. Engage emotionally with course content from the first interaction, reducing anxiety and increasing motivation to participate.

Research Methodologies:

Problem Identification:

• Reviewed educational research on student syllabus engagement and comprehension challenges

• Analyzed student feedback from previous semesters showing policy-related questions correlated with lack of syllabus engagement

• Identified adult learner preferences for multimodal content delivery

Theoretical Framework:

• Examined cognitive science literature on narrative transportation theory and information retention

• Reviewed research on dual coding theory and multimedia learning

• Analyzed studies on andragogy emphasizing emotional engagement in reducing resistance to mandatory academic content

Narrative Structure Analysis:

• Studied classical fairytale structure frameworks including Propp's morphology of folktales and Campbell's hero's journey

• Mapped course policy content to fairytale story arc elements

• Researched Disney and Grimm storytelling techniques for maintaining listener attention

Accessibility Research:

• Investigated Universal Design for Learning principles emphasizing multiple means of representation

• Reviewed accessibility guidelines for audio-based educational content including narration pace and atmospheric audio levels

• Analyzed research on audio learning effectiveness for students with reading disabilities and those requiring multitasking-compatible formats

Technology & Production:

• Evaluated AI voice generation tools for character authenticity and emotional range

• Tested multiple atmospheric sound design approaches with colleagues to assess clarity versus distraction balance

• Conducted script development through iterative drafting applying principles of conversational tone

Pilot Testing:

• Shared prototype with students from previous course sections, collecting feedback via structured survey

• Conducted follow-up interviews to understand emotional responses and memorability of key policies

• Analyzed retention data by measuring recall of key course policies after listening

🛠 Tools Used

• Adobe Audition – For editing, mixing, and polishing audio to create a professional-quality listening experience.

• ChatGPT (Custom GPT) – Used to transform static syllabi into conversational, narration-ready scripts with storytelling elements.

• Murf AI – To generate clear, natural-sounding voice narration for course introductions.

• ElevenLabs – For creating realistic character voices and enhancing the overall engagement of the audio syllabus.

The Audio Syllabus Assistant

This CustomGPT serves as an Audio Syllabus Assistant, designed to help educators transform static course syllabi into engaging, conversational audio scripts. It rewrites traditional outlines into narration-ready content, suggests storytelling elements, and incorporates character dialogue cues to make the syllabus more interactive and learner-friendly. Grounded in adult learning principles, the assistant provides a practical tool for reimagining how instructors introduce their courses.

Audience: College instructors, corporate trainers, instructional designers

Responsibilities: Instructional Designer, Prompt Engineering, Custom GPT Development

Tools Used: ChatGPT (Custom GPT)