How to Develop an eLearning Storyboard

So you want to create a storyboard for your new eLearning project? Most of us begin this process with only a manual, a slide deck, or a stack of material, and the idea of being creative and engaging can seem incredibly challenging!

Here are some of my tips to get you started… Firstly, get a feel for your overall eLearning course by asking yourself these questions:

• Who is your audience and what will appeal to them?
• What tone should the eLearning have? For example, is it meant to be formal, instructional, or humorous?
• Where will your eLearning environment be? For example, a simulated world, a presentation by an avatar, an interactive system?
• What are your key learning objectives?

Once you have the overall theme of the eLearning course you want to build, break it down even further by fleshing out each key learning objective one at a time. I like to use TIPAR – Think, Input, Practice, Assess, Review – as a way to ensure a meaningful experience for the learner. Remember to use your theme to help you stay on target!

T – Get the learner THINKING about the topic

Before handing them the information, take a moment to get the learner thinking about the topic and their own experiences. This is great for adult learners as it allows them to draw from their current knowledge and build on it. Getting them thinking may be through posing a question, playing a video, outlining a scenario, or playing a song. Any of these things will get the learner in the right state of mind!

I – Give them the INPUT

Once they are in the right frame of mind, give the learner the input they require for the learning objective. This works well when presented as key information, bullet points, or sections that can then be expanded upon. Use examples or scenarios that work in with your theming to make this section engaging.

P – Allow them time to PRACTICE

It’s not enough to just give the learner the information and hope they will retain it, you need to put it into context and give them a chance to have a go – this is the “use it or lose it” section! Create a scenario they need to engage with, simulate the system environment, or even just give them a chance to respond to what they have just learned.

A – ASSESS their understanding

Once they have had a chance to practice using the information, you need to ascertain their understanding through an assessment. Just remember that this step can be fun too! Forget your multiple choice questions – instead try having the learner help someone new in their team, create puzzles with key terms, ask them to reorder a process, or even to explain something in their own words.

R – Take a moment to RECAP

Before you move on to the next key learning objective, take a moment to recap the key learnings. This could be as simple as a summary statement, a video, a resolution to the scenario provided, or even a prompt to have a real-life conversation with a colleague or team leader.

Take a moment for yourself now, make a cuppa, and congratulate yourself on planning one key learning objective that will be relevant, engaging and fun! Then get ready to use the same model for each objective, and you’re on your way to having your eLearning storyboard complete.

Ellen Valvasori was Digital Content Manager at eCreators (now part of Open LMS) and led the development of many modules across a range of industries and subject matter.