Branching and Storyboards
Tim Slade (2020) defines a storyboard as a written document broken down slide by slide that documents the content of the course. He advocates for presenting the content in isolation, focusing exclusively on the learning material itself. The storyboard displays how the course content is broken out, the flow, and the scaffold overall.
Similar to Tim Slade, I approach storyboards from a content-only perspective. This approach is deliberate, as involving SMEs and stakeholders in design decisions at this stage can lead to cognitive overload, detracting from their ability to provide meaningful feedback on the content. Focusing on multiple events at one time, such as design and content, is simply confusing and could clutter SME and stakeholder feedback. In addition, poor feedback early on in the development stage can lead to significant course revisions later, impacting the project plan and project timeline.
Therefore, to maintain a professional balance and optimal experience for the entire team, I provide branching scenarios separately from the storyboard. In some cases, this can work well. However, I prefer to separate them to set up the SMEs and stakeholders to have the opportunity to provide focused feedback. The branching map is a panoramic visual representation presenting decision-making pathways, while the storyboard is key with all content information, supporting each decision point.
Before learning about Twine (download here), I would likely map out branching scenarios on Figma. Figma is commonly used among UX designers as a tool to prototype while building apps, websites, and other user interfaces. However, after being introduced to Twine by Dr. Salik, a Clinical Learning Design Professor at Arizona State University, I recognize its strengths and superior functionality for presenting branching scenarios built into the storyboard. Twine’s usability and interface allow for a clear visual representation of the branching scenario, allowing SMEs and stakeholders to view the entire scenario flow from above, or as a learner going from slide to slide.
Recently, I faced developing a branching scenario in a work-related project. When asked by my manager, “How do you explain and model branching scenarios to SMEs?” I responded with, “Figma is my go-to.” However, after working with Twine, I now recognize it as a more advanced and realistic option, offering both a comprehensive view of the branching structure and a detailed breakdown of each slide before, during, and around each branching split. To improve my skills in Twine and embrace learning, I converted the Haji Kamal branching scenario into Twine. This would ideally be viewed by SMEs and stakeholders to review, reflect, and provide potential improvements to decision points. Figure 1 provides an overview of the branching map, while the link below offers a slide-by-slide breakdown of the map. the map from an overview perspective, while the link below shows it as SMEs would experience it.
Figure 1
Source: Lawson, L (2024). Haji Kamal Branching Map. [Photograph]. Twine. Link to Haji Kamal Branching.
Link: Link to Haji Kamal Branching
So, how can we further the storyboard beyond slide-by-slide details and branching?
Learning theories – like Merrill’s Five Principles of Instruction. As Merrill’s Principles center on task-based learning (Pappas, 2017), they environmentally create an effective learning experience rooted in problem-solving. Applying information to the real world requires online learners to actively engage with the eLearning content to fully grasp, comprehend, and apply the information to real-world scenarios.
So, what principles can we definitely include in our storyboard, adding to the design of the eLearning module?
Apply Principle
As this comes in the form of interactive problem-solving and task performance (Pappas, 2017), this principle would be conveyed in the storyboard by adding one category to each slide and providing details into the branching map.
Learner Action Category
With this, the learner action would provide exactly that: the learner’s action. For the Haji Kamal eLearning module, there would be multiple learner action options. To support where they go, perhaps the storyboard can show an arrow to the slide(s) the learner action would move to, if selected.
Branching Map Overview
Provide snapshot view to zoom in and out
Provide the link to experience the branching as per learner action(s)
This provides the SMEs and stakeholders with a deeper understanding of the direction, purpose, and learner’s experience of applying the knowledge.
Activate Principle
This principle requires the scaffolding of information, and asks online learners to link it to pre-existing knowledge and mental schemata (Pappas, 2017). It would be conveyed in the storyboard in the following ways:
Melding the old with the new
In the Haji Kamal eLearning module, this occurs when SGT Ramos and SGT Butler provide their perspective on what the lieutenant should say next.
Cue previously learned material to apply to the next learner action.
Ensure that the narration/on-screen text provides purpose and scaffolding in the learner action(s). This provides learners with achievement in applying previously learned information to current situations. As Gelhaus states (2018), much goes into changing an employee’s behavior. In this case, an Army soldier’s behavior.
As there are many simulated environments in the Haji Kamal eLearning module, this principle elevates the learner experience drastically.
While there are more of Merrill’s Principles present, this is a start. We must first begin with a concept and grow from there.
Thank you for joining me today! Let’s keep learning altogether, as lifelong #LearningMatters.
Best,
Laura Lawson
LearningMatters, LLC
Instructional Designer
Sources:
Gelhaus, N. (2018, March 8). Using training audience analysis to inform training design. eLearning Industry. Links to an external site.https://elearningindustry.com/training-audience-analysis-inform-use-training-designLinks to an external site.
Lawson, L (2024). Haji Kamal Branching Map. [Photograph]. Twine. Link to Haji Kamal Branching MapLinks to an external site.
Pappas, C. (2017, September 29). Merrill’s principles of instruction: The definitive guide. ELearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/merrills-principles-instruction-definitive-guideLinks to an external site.
Slade, T. (2020). The eLearning Designer's Handbook (2nd ed). Tim Slade.
Slade, Tim. (2018, August 31). Why You Should Start with an eLearning Storyboard [Video]. YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF-REyym-GULinks to an external site.
