Storyboards: The Blueprint of an eLearning Course

Why use storyboards? 

Like the architect drafts a blueprint once he understands the needs of his client, so too should the eLearning developer craft a storyboard for his or her client. Why? In this iteration, the client and developer can make changes prior to building the course. Anything can be changed when it’s just a simple drawing on paper. Rather than jumping straight to development, when working with a group of stakeholders and SMEs, they will (or should) want to be involved in the development of the course. Small edits could result in hours of work if one jumps straight into the development process.  However, when these edits are just on paper, in a storyboard, making a change is just a matter of moving or rewriting some text. The primary objective of an eLearning storyboard is to provide stakeholders and subject matter experts with a detailed glimpse into how the course will unfold. By meticulously mapping out the sequence of content delivery, it facilitates informed decision-making and ensures alignment with learning objectives.

Storyboarding Defined

An eLearning storyboard is a meticulously crafted written document that meticulously outlines the learning content, slide-by-slide or screen-by-screen. It serves as a visual roadmap, offering stakeholders and subject matter experts a comprehensive preview of the course's flow and content presentation.

 Storyboard Formats

There are two commonly used formats for storyboarding, written and visual.  It makes sense to use a written format when the focus is solely on content and flow of the course. The visual format is used when the developer is working with many reviewers who are already familiar with the development process.  

Storyboard Considerations for eLearning Courses

• Text-based slides: These are the simplest format, relying solely on text, images, and graphics to convey information in a static and non-interactive way.

• Animated presentation slides: These add a layer of engagement through animation. Text, images, and graphics appear, disappear, or move on the slide in a visually interesting way, often synchronized with audio narration that explains the content. However, learners cannot directly interact with the elements on the slide.

• Interactive slides:

• Click-to-reveal slides: These slides encourage active participation by requiring learners to click a button or object to reveal hidden information. This approach can be used to build suspense, control the flow of information, or keep learners engaged.

• Decision-based slides: These slides take interactivity a step further by presenting learners with scenarios or situations that require them to make knowledge-based or skills-based decisions. Learner choices can influence the flow of the course, creating a more personalized learning experience.

 

Final Thoughts on Storyboards

    Outlining and storyboarding is an excellent way to prevent a lot of future frustration.  In the same way that we would write a research paper or create a new product,  these actions allow a common space to brainstorm and organize thinking.  There is nothing worse than working with people that are not on the same page whether it be content or design features.  Doing this step first, clears up a lot of confusion surrounding deliverables.