E-Learning Storyboard

What is an e-learning storyboard?

An e-learning storyboard is an organized visual and textual sequence of an e-learning course’s planned structure that presents a preview of proposed learning content. Instructional designers use e-learning storyboards to save time in the development process by connecting content to learning objectives and aligning all key stakeholders early. A storyboard template presents screen-by-screen details of images, text, narration, interactive elements, and assessments. 

Example: Our L&D department uses e-learning storyboards to align learning objectives with organizational goals. 

Benefits of using an e-learning storyboard

Organizations use instructional design storyboard templates for three primary purposes: aligning key stakeholders, saving time in development, and enhancing learner engagement. Instructional designers, subject matter experts (SMEs), and clients participate in editing and approving narrative and visual flow. Storyboard templates establish learning objectives, interactive elements, and assessments prior to course creation. This helps save time and resources by reducing the need for costly changes later. 

Whether you use a purely visual storyboard or include text as well, storyboarding helps visualize how learners will move through your course. Early attention to interactive elements facilitates intuitive transitions and reduces unnecessary distractions. This process helps instructional designers focus on creating relevant and engaging content for a better learning experience. 

How to create an effective e-learning storyboard

The e-learning storyboarding process starts with identifying learner needs and writing clear learning objectives tied to organizational goals. Once goals and objectives are established, begin storyboarding by drafting the entire flow of the proposed course from start to finish. Add details or placeholders for text, audio, multimedia, interactive elements, and assessments. Review the draft with key stakeholders, adjust as needed, and move on to course creation. 

Articulate 360’s course creation tools not only bring your e-learning storyboards to life, but can be used as storyboarding tools as well. Instructional designers often use Storyline to develop a toned-down version of a course and then edit and add to the project as stakeholders review and approve slides. Additionally, Articulate’s AI Course Drafts feature can take raw materials like PDFs, notes, and slides and convert them into a shareable, organized course outline within Rise.