Storyboarding for Scenario-Based eLearning Objects

Scenario-Based Storyboarding

When creating a scenario-based eLearning object, vital information can get lost or left for interpretation. This can cause confusion between departments and result in wasted time. That's where storyboarding saves the day!

What is a Storyboard

Storyboards are a visual representation of how an e-learning object will appear and function as an end product, serving as a communication document, a risk-management tool, and a project management tool that improves communication and engagement among all members involved in the project (Canon & Harding, 2017). Storyboards identify constraints, goals, scope, and changes, serving to mitigate risk by identifying and monitoring these factors. Communication is maintained by keeping all members, including subject matter experts (SMEs) and stakeholders, informed throughout the project, validating it through the sign-off process. Storyboards expedite the build process by providing all the necessary information to the build team, enabling the e-learning project to be completed within scope and schedule (Cannon & Harding, 2017; PMBOK Guide, 2017). Storyboards add value to both the instructional designer (ID) and the organization by streamlining processes and ensuring quality control. Lastly, storyboards provide an avenue for working in partnership with clients and stakeholders by offering a tangible product that is customizable to meet project needs.

Why storyboards matter

Storyboarding aids in selecting appropriate instructional strategies for the project, ensuring, among other things, that the methods and media used align with the content and the learner (Sugar & Luterback, 2015). Storyboards also help ensure that the information presented is accurate and that the sequence includes necessary details for both the learner's knowledge acquisition and the build team's needs to design the learning object. Completing these tasks on the front-end of the project helps reduce rework. Additionally, using appropriate instructional strategies for the project helps ensure that the learning objectives are met and learners transition into the productive stage successfully. 

Storyboarding demonstrates an ID’s ability to perform highly sought-after skills.

Complex Problem Solving

Identification of client needs and creating a solution to close the performance gap.

Critical Thinking

Evaluation and determination of key elements to include or exclude, depending on the client and project needs.

Creativity

Taking conceptual ideas and producing a tangible end product.

People Management

Assigning project sections to team members and the ability to gaining sign-off on the project.

Coordinating with Others

Maintain effective communication and collaboration with clients, stakeholders, and team members to ensure seamless operations and efficient workflow.

What to include in a storyboard

When creating a storyboard, it's not always evident what to include. A procedural storyboard might be relatively straightforward. However, when making a scenario-based e-learning object, the task becomes a little more daunting. Additional details are vital to the project's success. Every project will vary and require customization to determine which elements to include, meeting the specific needs, constraints, and specifications. The video below outlines some best practices for a scenario-based e-learning storyboard.

FREE Storyboard Template

Scenario Based Storyboard Template Docx
Word – 152.5 KB

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References

Cannon, A. & Harding, M. (2017). Webinar Recap: Adaptive Storyboarding Tools. [Video] Retrieved September 22, 2025, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU0hpvrEQ80 

Grey, A. (2016, January 19). The 10 skills you need to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. World Economic Forum. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/the-10-skills-you-need-to-thrive-in-the-fourth-industrial-revolution?utm_campaign=elearningindustry.com&utm_source=%2Ffuture-traits-of-instructional-design-aware&utm_medium=link

PMBOK Guide (2017). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (6th ed.). Newton Square, PA: Project Management Institute. 

Sugar, W. A. & Luterback, J. A. (2016, April). Using critical incidents of instructional design and multimedia production activities to investigate instructional designers’ current practices and roles. Educational Technology Research and Development 64(2), 285-312. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1094500 

 


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