MSTP FOR E-LEARNING: ANTHROPOMORPHISM!

How vividly I remember the awe-inspiring impact such wizard

Share This Post

Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
Share on twitter
Share on email

How vividly I remember the awe-inspiring impact such wizard characters had on my psyche, when I was a kid! Especially those creations of J.R.R. Tolkien!

They would take me along to an ethereal world and let me ‘live’ with them.

Back to the real world and I accost the wizard in a different avatar. As a computer terminology!

How is that? Where is the connect? I scratch the surface a little bit… I see it is Anthropomorphism that is at work. Attributing human characteristics or behavior to things that are not human!

A ‘user interface’ or an ‘application programming interface’ that is supposed to guide the learner, is metaphorically anthropomorphized into a wizard.

Metaphor has its charm. My connecting to something new becomes much easier when it is presented to me on lines of something that I am completely familiar with.

“But, be on the watch out”, cautions the MSTP. “Anthropomorphism could often be the result of an imprecise or incomplete understanding of the topic at hand.” Not just that. “Not all readers would grasp the limits of the metaphor. Further, anthropomorphic metaphors may be interpreted differently by people from different cultures.” For instance, “a child object is said to inherit attributes from its parent or ancestors” could as well be a nightmare for an ill-informed learner.

At the end of the whole thing, the lesson I take home is this. While metaphor has its pluses, it nevertheless needs to be employed with utmost care, keeping in mind the learner’s sensitivities.

Written by Nirmal Ranganathan

_________________________________

(Visited 204 times, 1 visits today)

More To Explore

Corporate Culture - Learnnovators
E-Learning

Corporate Culture vs. Company Values

It’s easy to print your values on posters. It’s much harder to live by them every day. This article unpacks the growing disconnect between company values and actual workplace culture – and why that gap matters. It explores how culture isn’t built on buzzwords but on behaviours, decisions, and what leaders choose to reward. When values are lived, they create trust and meaning. When they aren’t backed by action, people notice. The piece offers practical ways to close the gap and build a culture that not only says the right things, but does them too.

Micromanaging - Blog - Learnnovators
E-Learning

Stop Micromanaging. Start Trusting.

Micromanaging rarely starts with bad intentions—but it can quietly erode trust, stifle creativity, and drain ownership from even the most capable teams. In remote settings, where reassurance can’t come from a smile or a quick hallway chat, the impact runs deeper. This piece unpacks how micromanagement shows up, why it’s often invisible to the manager, and what it really takes to build a culture of trust. Because real support isn’t about control—it’s about creating space for people to take the lead, make mistakes, and grow.

How to Develop and Retain a Highly Engaged Workforce - Learnnovators
E-Learning

How to Develop and Retain a Highly Engaged Workforce

Engagement isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about getting the everyday things right. This article breaks down what it really takes to build and keep a workforce that’s motivated, committed, and ready to grow with the company. From meaningful onboarding and recognition to encouraging autonomy and psychological safety, it’s a practical look at how small, thoughtful efforts can add up to a culture people want to be part of—not just today, but for the long haul.

The Power of Recognition: Building Employee Loyalty Through Appreciation - Learnnovators
E-Learning

The Power of Recognition: Building Employee Loyalty Through Appreciation

Appreciation might seem like a nice-to-have, but in reality, it’s a game-changer. This article unpacks why recognition is more than just good manners—it’s a smart, strategic move that drives loyalty and performance. From making praise timely and personal to encouraging peer-to-peer shout-outs, it explores how small, thoughtful gestures can shape a culture where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to give their best. Because when recognition becomes a habit, it does more than lift spirits—it builds teams that last.

Creating a Sense of Belonging in Remote Work Environments - Learnnovators
E-Learning

Creating a Sense of Belonging in Remote Work Environments

Remote work comes with plenty of perks, but it can also leave people feeling disconnected. This blog dives into five straightforward ways to create a stronger sense of belonging across remote teams. From taking time for real conversations and celebrating everyday wins to encouraging openness and involving everyone in decisions, it’s about making the small things count. Because when people aren’t in the same room, connection takes intention—and a little thought can go a long way in building a team that feels truly supported.

How to Cultivate Resilience in the Workplace
E-Learning

How to Cultivate Resilience in the Workplace

Resilience at work isn’t just about getting through tough times—it’s about learning, growing, and coming out stronger. This blog looks at simple, practical ways to build resilience across your team, from creating a safe, supportive environment to encouraging real connections and open conversations. It also highlights the importance of recognizing growth, even when things don’t go as planned. When resilience becomes part of everyday culture, teams are better prepared to handle whatever comes their way—and keep moving forward.

REQUEST DEMO