Storyboard is one of the most important part in the eLearning development stage as it gives you all the required information and guidance to come out with the best online module. It consists of Text, audio, videos, graphics, images and inter-activities. While developing the online course or a module mistakes are something that does not happen intentionally but even that can cause a huge damage to the entire effort put in to develop the module. So, to overcome such scenarios one has to develop an error free and effective storyboard by avoiding all the possible errors or mistakes.
Let us now look at the common Instructional Design pitfalls in E-learning storyboards:
Adding to many content on a single page: The content available on the screen might seem familiar and easy to understand to the developers but it might not be the same for the learners. Too much of content filled on a single page will make the module look complex, which will result in learners losing the concentration. The content available can be divided into bit sized learning wherein only the relevant information is added and rest are eliminated. This will help the organization as well as the learners in overcoming all the shortcomings.
Copy pasting the images and content that are irrelevant: Images plays a crucial role in conveying the message in a better way to the learners without confusing them, so choosing an appropriate image becomes very critical. Take for an example: If you want to demonstrate the ways of conducting yourself as a sales guy and improving your selling skills. In such cases, you cant use an image of a person with Jeans and T-shirt as it does not connect to the motto of it. Using an appropriate image as per the context plays a very crucial role to ensure that their learners get only the relevant information without being confused or misguided.
Use of poor audio quality: Poor audio quality disturbs the whole motive of making the module effective. It is advisable not to use the audio itself if the audio is of poor quality. Those unwanted noises and mismatch between the audio and on-screen text make the learners uncomfortable and the module less effective. With the help of an audio, the module turns out to be more effective and enhances the interest level of the learners. When there is scenario-based learning involved, it is advisable to use more than one audio character for the module to make it more effective.
Lazy effort on being creative and innovative: Even if you receive the content from the client putting in your own innovation plays a crucial role. Being an Instructional Design professional one must always live up to the expectation of delivering the best module. Instead of using the same images and graphics presented by the client for a referral they can come out with their own version of graphics that will help the module in becoming more effective and educating the learners in a better way.
Unclear or missing instruction: Passing unclear or missing instruction about the module is something that creates havoc for the learners. This might result in employees getting more frustrated and skipping that particular slide or the entire module. Proper instructions act as a guide for the learners to complete the course. It is better to take down the notes and point out all the effects required to the developers for the content.
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