Tips to Design an effective e-learning storyboard
Developing an e-learning project or working on an idea involve a process of feeling stuck in a maze while searching for a map that can be of help.
For e-learning content development, that map is the storyboard.
In this article, we cover all an e-learning agency needs to know about e-learning storyboards.
1) What is a storyboard for e-learning?
As the name implies, a e-learning storyboard tells the story of the entire digital e-learning course. With a storyboard, the designer highlights the framework of the training course.
Instructional storyboards are essential tools in developing e-learning content and should be developed according to established principles.
This is the first step for any e-learning agency.
2) The importance of storyboards for an e-learning agency
A basic benefit of a storyboard is the associated proper planning of the course. Other benefits of storyboards areas highlighted below:
Training design visualization: Storyboards are a visual representation of how the course will be to guide the development and design.
Improved team collaboration: Improved team collaboration benefits storyboards because before the content is developed, experts get to validate it.
Time effectiveness: Storyboards allow the approval of ideas and content before they are developed. The time effectiveness benefit comes from the fact that the approval prevents mistakes.
Training design modification: Training design modification can be effected with storyboards because the possible design according to the user’s perspective will be seen. Modifications can then be carried out.
Course design and e-learning tool
3) Types of storyboards
According to the needs and requirements of the project, storyboards can be developed in all kinds of ways.
However, general types of storyboards are available. Prototypes could also be created. Other types of storyboards include:
Word storyboards: Word storyboards are also called text-based storyboards. The storyboards are developed in landscape form, having columns and rows. They are typically applied when design elements of the project are not the focus. The design elements may have been covered through other resources. These storyboards are also applied in situations with digital illiteracy.
Powerpoint/keynote storyboard: These storyboards focus on the visual elements of the project. They are also called visual storyboards. With this type of e-learning storyboard, the visual representation of the project, from the learner’s perspective, is communicated. Visual storyboards are developed in landscape mode.
Prototype: Prototypes are the rough versions of interactions or slides designed with narrations and animations. They can be created with UX prototyping software and e-learning authoring tools. Prototypes are typically designed at very early stages for a quick review.
E-Learning Tool & e-learning course design Agency
4) Elements of e-learning storyboards
The different types of storyboards share basic components. These components are highlighted below.
Slide/screen number: Slide/screen numbers are created according to desired naming conventions. The naming conventions create consistently and make the storyboards easier to navigate.
Slide name/title: Just like with slide/screen numbers, they are created with consistency in mind.
Screen elements and texts: Screen elements and texts are a major component of storyboards. The text elements should be ordered according to the design.
Animation and graphics: Placeholder images and graphics mockup could be applied. Custom items could also be developed and applied.
Navigation: This is the description of the path that learners will take after making different actions.
Branching: This is an element of the complex projects where the next screen is dependent on the user’s action.
Developer notes: This element is to enable the developer to translate aspects of the learning content.
Audio narration script: This is the voiceover’s narration text. The development of the script should be according to established guidelines.
E-Learning tool and course design
5) How to create e-learning storyboards
The creation of e-learning storyboards should be according to established steps. The following steps can serve as a reference.
Needs assessment
Design approach/instructional technique decision
Content collection and organization
Story template identification
Content addition and sequencing
Authoring tool decision
6) Tips for creating good quality e-learning storyboards
The creation of e-learning storyboards should be strategic. Here are some tips for developing e-learning storyboards.
Go for consistent style and theme.
Apply storyboard templates.
Apply visual elements.
Get expert feedback.
Address different learning patterns.
Stay true to learning objectives.