When starting your Instructional Design process, templates are crucial to transition focus from structure to creative development. While each project varies and has different requirements, I created a basic Instructional Design: eLearning Storyboard template for you to further customize for your individual needs. This post includes a free downloadable template, with an example of the template in use below.
Download the template here!
Using the eLearning Storyboard Template
Section and Screen #
The section and screen number is the sequential numbering system for your storyboard. In the storyboard, you will divide up your content into sections. This could be to align with the learning objectives or by overall larger topic within the course. Within each topic, you will create various screens to walk through the content. Let’s put this into action using the simple topic of weekly meal planning for a family of four.
This could break down into several sections and screens. The sections for the weekly meal planning include, eLearning course introduction, meal planning, and meal prepping. Within each section we have divided the content into screens.
Voiceover Code
Most eLearning course will use voiceover talent to professionally record the course audio. It is the Instructional Designers responsibility to create all voiceover scripts, written precisely as they should be recorded. The voiceover talent will not take any liberties with the content.
When creating the voiceover code, this should be a unique identifier. Be mindful that you may also need to create unique identifiers for any photos/images or videos also referenced in your eLearning course. I recommend, using the screen number + V for the voiceover code. This process can be used for photos/images, screen number + P, and for videos, screen number + D.
Narration Script
The next aspect of the eLearning storyboard is the eLearning script. This is the copy that the voiceover artist will read verbatim. When creating narration script, you might find the need to divide the content into additional screens. Developing eLearning courses is a balance of screen movement and learner engagements without exhausting the learner.
Onscreen Text and Graphics
The items in the Onscreen Text and Graphics column are the visual elements that will appear on the screen. Some of the visuals, you, the Instructional Designer will create, and others you may need expertise from a graphic designer. If you are requesting visuals or engagements to be created, use extreme specificity when detailing the elements required.
Programming Notes
The last section of the eLearning Storyboard template is programming notes. Items included in this column are anything the eLearning developers/programmers need to know in order to create the course. I typically include items such as, animation requirements for bullets, automatic advance vs. click to advance, active vs. passive states for clicking, and interactive requirements.
