Book a call today and bring your e-learning game to the next level!
BOOK A CALL
Colourful storyboard in a creative workspace.

How to Write an eLearning Storyboard

4 Min Read e-learning e-learning content e-learning tools edtech
When designing an e-Learning course, creating a storyboard is a crucial first step. This workshop delves into the process of writing an eLearning storyboard, providing insights and practical examples to help instructional designers navigate this essential task.

Key Takeaways

  • Understand the purpose and importance of an eLearning storyboard.
  • Learn the steps to collect and organise your content effectively.
  • Discover different storyboard formats and when to use them.
  • Explore the process of drafting, reviewing, and editing your storyboard.

What Is an e-Learning Storyboard?

An e-Learning storyboard is a detailed document that outlines the course content slide by slide. It serves as a blueprint for the course, detailing audio narration, on-screen text, graphics, and interactivity. This document is essential for ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned on the course’s structure and content before development begins.

Why Write an e-Learning Storyboard?

Writing a storyboard is vital for several reasons:

  1. Focus on Content: It allows you to concentrate on the course content without getting distracted by design elements.
  2. Collaboration: A storyboard facilitates collaboration with stakeholders and subject matter experts, enabling them to review and provide feedback on the content.
  3. Ease of Iteration: Making changes in a storyboard is much simpler than altering a fully developed course, saving time and resources.

Step One: Collect & Organise Your Learning Content

The first step in writing an eLearning storyboard is to gather and organise your content. This involves:

  • Curating Existing Content: Review any available training materials, job aids, or documentation that can be adapted for your course.
  • Creating New Content: If necessary, conduct interviews or observations to gather information that may not be documented.
  • Organising Content into an Outline: Use sticky notes or digital tools to create a structured outline of your course, identifying main topics and subtopics.

Step Two: Pick an eLearning Storyboard Format

There are various formats for storyboards, and choosing the right one depends on your project needs:

  • Written Storyboards: Ideal for focusing on content, especially when audio narration is involved. They detail every element of the course without visual distractions.
  • Visual Storyboards: Include mock-ups of the course layout, making them suitable for projects where visual design is critical. They help stakeholders visualise the course flow and layout.

Step Three: Draft the Storyboard

Once you have your content organised and your format selected, it’s time to draft your storyboard. This involves:

  • Detailing Each Slide: Include audio narration, on-screen text, graphics, and technical notes for each slide.
  • Using Tables or Templates: Consider using tables to structure your storyboard, making it easier for stakeholders to review and provide feedback.

Steps Four & Five: Review & Edit Your eLearning Storyboard

After drafting your storyboard, it’s essential to manage review cycles:

  • Share with Stakeholders: Send your storyboard to stakeholders for feedback, ensuring they focus on content accuracy and completeness.
  • Iterate Based on Feedback: Be prepared to make changes based on the feedback received, refining your storyboard until it meets the project requirements.

Conclusion

Creating an eLearning storyboard is a foundational step in the instructional design process. By following these steps, you can develop a clear and effective storyboard that guides the development of your eLearning course, ensuring that it meets the needs of your learners and stakeholders. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach; adapt the process to fit your unique project requirements.