Training Skills

Creating A Storyboard For An eLearning Course




A course storyboard helps visualize and organize content, ensuring a smooth flow and engaging experience for learners. Here's a step-by-step guide to storyboard your course effectively!

What is a Storyboard?

  • A storyboard is a detailed blueprint that outlines the structure, content, visuals, interactions, and navigation for your course.
  • Think of it as the “skeleton” of your eLearning course, showing how the course will unfold slide by slide or screen by screen.?

Step 1: Define Key Elements of Your Storyboard

Include these key components for each screen or slide in your storyboard:
1. Slide/Screen Number: Helps organize and reference each slide.
2. Learning Objective: Align each screen with the course goals.
3. Content: Write text, audio narration scripts, or on-screen instructions.?
4. Visuals: Specify images, videos, graphics, icons, or animations.
5. Interactivity: Define user interactions, such as quizzes, clickable buttons, or drag-and-drop activities.?
6. Navigation: Indicate buttons like “Next,” “Back,” or “Menu.”
7. Assessment: Include any quizzes or tests tied to that screen.

Step 2: Choose Your Storyboard Format

Here are some popular formats you can use to storyboard:
1. PowerPoint/Google Slides: Easy for visuals and adding comments.
2. Word Document/Google Docs: Simple text-based layouts for scripts.
3. Specialized Tools: Use tools like Storyboard That, Lucidchart, or Adobe XD for visual storyboards.
4. Spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets): Great for listing elements in columns.?

Step 3: Organize the Course Structure

  1. Divide the Course into Modules and Lessons:
  2. Example:
    • Module 1: Introduction
    • Module 2: Key Concepts
    • Module 3: Application/Scenarios
    • Module 4: Assessment/Conclusion
  3. Plan the Flow:
  4. Follow Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction or similar frameworks to structure content logically:
    • Gain attention Inform objectives Present content Practice Assess Reinforce.

Step 4: Storyboard Screen by Screen

Here’s an example of how to storyboard a single screen:

| Slide # | Learning Objective | Text/Script | Visuals | Interactions | Navigation |
|-------------|--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|--------------------|
| 1 | Introduce the course. | "Welcome to the course! In this module, you’ll learn" | Course title, image of a classroom. | None. | Next button only. |
| 2 | Define key concept. | "SCORM is a standard that ensures eLearning compatibility."| Diagram showing SCORM workflow. | Clickable hotspots for details. | Next/Back buttons. |
| 3 | Test learner knowledge. | "What does SCORM stand for?" | Text-based question with 3 options. | Multiple-choice quiz (drag/drop). | Submit button. |

Step 5: Add Visual and Multimedia Details

For each screen:
1. Specify Visuals:
- Add placeholders for images, videos, or infographics.
- Example: "Use an image of a teacher explaining to a group of learners."
2. Multimedia Elements:
- Describe audio narration or background music.
- Example: "Add upbeat music during the course intro."
3. Animations:
- Indicate animations or transitions.
- Example: "Fade in text on bullet points."

Step 6: Add Interactivity and Assessments

  1. Interactive Elements:
  2. Specify activities like clickable tabs, hotspots, or branching scenarios.
  3. Example: "Add a drag-and-drop activity where learners match terms to definitions."?
  4. Quizzes and Knowledge Checks:
  5. Insert assessment slides at key points.
  6. Example: "Multiple-choice question: What is SCORM used for?"

Step 7: Finalize Navigation and User Flow

  1. Navigation Buttons:
  2. Indicate where learners will go:
    • Next/Back buttons.
    • Jump to specific sections (e.g., "Click to revisit Module 1").
  3. Branching Logic:
  4. Define paths based on user choices (e.g., "If user selects incorrect answer, go to Slide 10 for review.").
  5. Example: "Add a retry button for incorrect quiz attempts."

Step 8: Review and Revise

  1. Review for Clarity and Flow:
  2. Does the content flow naturally? Is it clear and concise?
  3. Test the Storyboard:
  4. Share it with stakeholders or Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for feedback.
  5. Ask: Does it meet the learning objectives? Are visuals and interactions relevant?

Storyboard Example

Here’s a small sample for a SCORM training course:

Module 1: Introduction to SCORM

Slide 1: Welcome Screen
- Objective: Introduce the course and set expectations.
- Content:
- Title: "Welcome to SCORM Basics!"
- Script: "This course will teach you everything you need to know about SCORM."
- Visual: Image of learners interacting with a computer.
- Interactivity: None.

Slide 2: What is SCORM?
- Objective: Define SCORM and explain its importance.
- Content:
- Script: "SCORM stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model. It ensures eLearning content works across systems."
- Visual: Diagram of SCORM workflow.
- Interactivity: Clickable hotspots explaining "Content," "LMS," and "Tracking."

Slide 3: Quiz - SCORM Definition
- Objective: Test learners’ understanding of SCORM basics.
- Content:
- Question: "What does SCORM stand for?"
- Options:
1. Simple Content Online Reference Model
2. Sharable Content Object Reference Model
3. Standardized Content Object Resource Model
- Correct Answer: Option 2.
- Interactivity: Multiple-choice with feedback for each option.

Tips for Effective Storyboarding

  1. Start Small: Focus on a single module or topic first.
  2. Keep It Simple: Avoid overloading a screen with too much information.
  3. Focus on Engagement: Add interactive elements to break up passive learning.
  4. Collaborate with SMEs: Ensure content is accurate and relevant.
  5. Review Accessibility: Design for all learners, including those with disabilities.

Tools for Storyboarding

  1. PowerPoint/Google Slides: Simple and visual.
  2. Excel/Google Sheets: Great for organizing content in tables.
  3. Storyboarding Software: Tools like Adobe XD, Figma, or Storyboard That.
  4. eLearning Authoring Tools: Many (e.g., Articulate Storyline) have built-in storyboarding options.
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