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README authoring guides

SCORP Roleplay Authoring Documents

For Authors: Which Document Do I Use?

Welcome! Here are the three authoring documents and what they're for:

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1. How to Author a Roleplay ← START HERE

📄 File: `how-to-author-a-roleplay.md`

For: First-time authors who want a guided walkthrough Length: 10-15 minute read What it covers:
  • Step-by-step instructions (5 easy steps)
  • Writing tips and examples
  • Common scenarios you can copy/paste
  • Troubleshooting Q&A
Start here if: You're new to SCORP or educational roleplays and want someone to walk you through the process.

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2. SCORP Roleplay Authoring Guide for Educators ← THE TEMPLATE

📄 File: `roleplay-authoring-guide-for-authors.md`

For: Authors who want detailed explanations of every field Length: 30-minute read + 60 minutes of writing What it covers:
  • Every section of the template explained in plain English
  • What each field means and why it matters
  • All 21 available activity types and how to use them
  • Quick checklist of what you need to write
Use this as: Your authoring template. Follow the structure, fill in your content, and submit it.

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3. SCORP Human-First Roleplay Authoring Template (HF v1) ← TECHNICAL REFERENCE

📄 File: `roleplay-authoring-template-hf-v1.md`

For: Developers, curriculum specialists, and people integrating with systems Length: Brief reference format What it covers:
  • Exact field names and syntax
  • Conversion rules and technical specifications
  • Schema requirements
Use this for: Reference only. Most authors should use Document #2 instead.

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Recommended Path for First-Time Authors

``` 1. Read "How to Author a Roleplay" (15 min) ↓ 2. Open "SCORP Authoring Guide for Educators" (your template) ↓ 3. Write your roleplay (60-90 min) ↓ 4. Submit to SCORP team ```

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Recommended Path for Experienced Authors

``` 1. Use "SCORP Authoring Guide for Educators" directly ↓ 2. Refer to activity types (Part 10) as needed ↓ 3. Submit ```

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Files in This Set

| File | Purpose | Audience | |------|---------|----------| | `how-to-author-a-roleplay.md` | Step-by-step guide | Educators (first time) | | `roleplay-authoring-guide-for-authors.md` | Complete template + explanations | Educators (all) | | `roleplay-authoring-template-hf-v1.md` | Technical specification | Developers | | `roleplay-authoring-to-yaml-mapping-v1.md` | Conversion rules | Developers | | `roleplay-yaml-template-v1.yaml` | Intermediate YAML format | Developers |

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What Happens After You Submit

1. Conversion (2-3 days) We automatically convert your template into the technical format the platform needs.

2. Testing (1 week) You test your roleplay with a small group of students.

3. Refinement (1-2 days) We make adjustments based on your feedback.

4. Publication (same day) Your roleplay is live and available for other educators to use.

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Getting Help

Questions about the template?

→ Check "How to Author a Roleplay" section "Troubleshooting"

Need an example?

→ See "SCORP Authoring Guide" section "Scenario 1, 2, or 3"

Not sure which activity type to use?

→ See "SCORP Authoring Guide" section "Part 10: Available Activity Types"

Technical or integration questions?

→ See "SCORP Human-First Roleplay Authoring Template (HF v1)"

Still stuck?

→ Email us at [email@scsw.org]

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Video Tutorials

Short videos demonstrating how to use these guides:

  • [Coming soon] How to Write a Roleplay (15 min)

Walkthrough of the 5 steps, with a real example

  • [Coming soon] Roleplay Design Patterns (10 min)

Three common scenarios (debate, negotiation, multi-round game)

  • [Coming soon] Activity Types Deep Dive (15 min)

When and how to use Chat, Decision, Inject, etc.

  • [Coming soon] Running Your First Simulation (20 min)

Tips for instructors facilitating the roleplay

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Additional Resources

SCORP Platform:
  • Main website: [scsw.org](https://scsw.org)
  • Library of published roleplays: [scsw.org/library](https://scsw.org/library)
  • Documentation: [scsw.org/docs](https://scsw.org/docs)
Support:
  • Email: [support@scsw.org](mailto:support@scsw.org)
  • Office hours: Tuesdays 2-4 PM EST (virtual)
  • FAQ: [scsw.org/faq](https://scsw.org/faq)

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License & Attribution

These guides are free and open for educators to use and adapt.

Attribution: If you create a roleplay using these guides, please credit:

> Created with the SCORP Roleplay Authoring System (Seachange Simulations Project)

Share your creations: We'd love to feature your roleplay in the public library! Email us or submit through the SCSW website.

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Version History

| Version | Date | Changes | |---------|------|---------| | 1.0 | Aug 2026 | Initial release for educators | | 0.9 | Jul 2026 | Beta testing with pilot group |

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Quick Reference: Activity Types

By learning goal:
  • Discussion/debate: Chat, AskTheMediator, Brainstorm
  • Decision-making: Decision, Vote
  • Information gathering: ShowDocument, Introduction, Cast
  • Reflection: DebriefQuestions, NeedsAndFears
  • Surprise/events: Inject, Announcement
By phase:
  • Opening: Introduction, Cast, ShowDocument, Schedule
  • Main activity: Chat, Decision, PrivateChat, Brainstorm
  • Closing: DebriefQuestions, Announcement
By audience:
  • Students: Chat, Decision, ShowDocument, Cast, etc. (most types)
  • Facilitator only: Control, EditDocument, LastLogins
  • Both: Introduction, Schedule, Announcements

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Checklist: Before You Submit

  • [ ] All required sections filled in
  • [ ] Roleplay name and blurb are clear
  • [ ] At least 3 student roles defined with distinct interests
  • [ ] 2-4 phases with clear progression
  • [ ] Learning objectives stated (2-3 goals)
  • [ ] Activities planned for each phase
  • [ ] Character descriptions include both public and private info
  • [ ] Debrief questions written
  • [ ] Any images/documents named and ready to upload
  • [ ] You've proofread for typos and clarity

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Ready to Start?

👉 [Open the SCORP Authoring Guide](roleplay-authoring-guide-for-authors.md)

or

👉 [Watch the tutorial video] (coming soon)

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Questions? We're here to help!

Email: [support@scsw.org](mailto:support@scsw.org) Office hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 2-4 PM EST Slack community: [Join our educator community](https://slack.scsw.org)

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Version 1.0 | August 2026 | SCORP Roleplay Authoring System
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