“When you read, you may forget but when you see, you will remember”
A visual representation that helps in the process of creating digital storytelling in a sequential order is what a storyboard is.
Just recall the comic books that we had in our childhood days- “Tintin” one of the most liked comics by children was somewhat on the lines of a storyboard. Or a contemporary example could the videos that we watch; it has some text with a voice over aiding in the explanation of that text.
So, what exactly is a storyboard, it is a sequence of drawings with some dialogues that represents the shots generally in films or television productions. Also designed to create eLearning modules.
Now the question is, how is storyboard linked to instructional design and eLearning. Just like in films, shots are planned in a sequence, similarly in instructional design too the content development, mode of delivery and evaluation activities are organized in a series using a storyboard for visual aid.
A storyboard is the central document while developing eLearning modules for online courses. Various components of eLearning storyboard include visual, textual and audio elements.
Storyboards also convert the instructional design content to eLearning modules for online learning. It is a rapid growing tool in the sphere of digital learning.
To create a good engaging storyboard few tips need to be followed.
The 5 major tips to remember while creating a storyboard are –
- SELECT A STORYBOARD TEMPLATE
Once the content is developed on paper, what is required is to select a suitable template for converting the content to eLearning storyboards. The template could be decided as per the discretion of the developer, subject matter expert and client. It could in the form of a Word, PowerPoint or any other commercial application.
- SELECT THE MULTI-MEDIA ELEMENTS
To make an eLearning module more interactive, various multi-media elements can be incorporated say images, graphics, some animations, videos etc that grab the audience’s attention. Depending on the content, which multi-media suits the need can be decided by the developer that would best deliver the essence of the content. One important tip here would be to leave some room for video and audio elements say narrations, clips because visual learning is more effective compared to textual. Helps retain information better.
Audience when recalling information on a particular topic will relate more with the visual part because what you see leaves a lasting imprint on your minds.
- CHOOSE YOUR SCRIPT
A script is an additional aid to explain your content better but it should not take up the entire room in the storyboard.
Keep your script short since the major chunk of it would be explained in the voice over. Since you have just one chance to deliver the point, make the most of it, add more video and audio content because too much of text can tire and even the bore the audience.
- TARGET AUDIENCE ANALYSIS
Before stepping into designing a storyboard what is necessary is to get knowledge about the audience that you are catering to. Conduct surveys or one to one interactions to understand the psyche of the audience, what is their educational and professional background, what skills are they looking for to be addressed in the module etc.
Have a word with the client too so as to understand what will be suitable while designing an effective storyboard, how would it add value to the audience.
- DECIDE THE CONTENT SEQUENCE
Once the learning material has been created, it necessary that you break it into modules that sequentially supports the content.
To design an effective storyboard, the content needs to be presented in a sequence that follows a logical order. Think what modules should be covered before and after and arrange accordingly.
For example, if the module is on problem solving, how would you begin, ideally by explaining what problem solving is followed by the model and steps involved in problem solving.
These are a few tips to be kept mind while creating a storyboard.