Sadly, I’ve witnessed training professionals either skipping the storyboarding phase prior to development or wasting time using PowerPoint. Let’s examine why both of these practices are flawed and then look at an efficient method for storyboarding. A storyboard artists needs to have command of drawing, storytelling and cinematography skills, and some life-experience is an asset.

Destructive Practice #1 -Skipping the Storyboarding Phase

Many instructional designers have long since said, “phooey,” to the storyboarding process, adamant that they develop e-learning material best when thinking “on the fly” or creating it “off the top of their heads.” This belief simply isn’t acceptable for an instructional design professional. I equate this haphazard method of course creation with my strategy for playing the triangular peg puzzle at Cracker Barrel. I use no forethought as I jump the pegs over one another, hungrily awaiting my meal. In the end, I almost always discover I am “just plain dumb” or an “eg-no-ramoose” as I stare down at the pegs left on the board.

Destructive Practice #2 -Wasting Time in PowerPoint

Many professionals mistake storyboarding for the prototyping. They therefore believe that they need to use PowerPoint to illustrate how the screens will look so the client has an idea of what type of product he or she will receive. PowerPoint is visual, it simulates the idea of presenting the information in screen format, and it can work. However, if you are showing a storyboard with stick figures to your clients to try and help them see your vision for the course -wouldn’t it be more effective to show them a similar course you’ve developed completely? From a finished course (even one covering entirely different content) a client may see the types of interactions you typically use; the attractive layout you can be trusted to create as a course backdrop; and they can certainly use a finished course to ascertain whether or not you are capable of writing well.

Productive Practice for Storyboarding

If the storyboard isn’t a prototype, then what exactly is it and why is it so important? It is a tool for creating effective and efficient e-learning that flows and introduces new material to the learner in the most meaningful way possible. In any e-learning course there are several factors bearing consideration:

If am hit by a bus tomorrow can someone look at my documentation and continue where I left off designing or developing this course?
What objectives does the course need to meet in order to have satisfied the overall goal?
Which interactions best facilitate the content presentation and transfer of this new information to the learner?
Will audio scripting accompany any of the screens?
What graphics will be necessary for illustrating the concept being taught?

Start storyboarding efficiently – using the table method [http://www.instructionalstrategies.org/files/Efficient_Storyboarding_for_Elearning.pdf]. Doing so addresses the points in the list above and it may surprise you with its simplicity. You don’t need to spend loads of time drawing stick figures and other shapes in PowerPoint. Just create a simple table in word and designate each column for specific information related to each screen. Each row represents a new screen. The table you viewed in the link above demonstrates how one might storyboard a Workplace Harassment Course. You can experiment with adding columns for other important information -for instance audio if it is to be included.

What are the advantages to using a table like this?

This format forces a designer to think about the information that must be contained within the course. Though he or she may have constructed an outline, the presentation and interaction must still be designed. Glancing over a table like this, one can easily see if four or five static screens are next to one another or if the majority of the interaction consists only of multiple choice questions. The mere presence of an Interaction column places pressure on the designer to include thoughtful activities throughout the course.
This format isn’t visual and that can be a good thing. While it’s suggested you use a prototype for soliciting some input from clients regarding the look and feel of a course, it is certainly not desirable to have a SME begin dictating what interactions, colors, characters, and graphics you are to use for every screen. Stated previously, PowerPoint is a visual tool. As such, it can do more harm than good if it tempts your SME to try on your Instructional Designer hat and they never relinquish it. It’s never fun to have to remind a client that while they are the subject matter authority, you are the expert at presenting the content and facilitating knowledge transfer. If you have already shown a prototype of your work to the client, then make it easy on them and instruct them to simply review the middle column for content accuracy and reply to any questions you’ve included in the Notes column. They may also leave notes for you in this column.
Assuming all instructional designers in the department are familiar with standard interactions and their names, this table can be used to disperse course development among several employees as needed -resulting in faster delivery. One person can gather graphics, another can make edits/additions to the storyboard, while a third person programs the course. Click here to see the works of our storyboard freelancers.

Michele K. Morgan

Owner of Instructional Strategies, LLC.

[http://www.instructionalstrategies.org]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Michele_Morgan/129450

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/761576

Mobile marketing can mean many things. The essential definition of mobile marketing is promoting business through the use of cell phones or other mobile devices.The following article will give you to see how mobile marketing advice that works. The availability of surfing app can be found in Iphone or IOS.

You should understand what your customers need to know their desires and targets in order to market them correctly.

Mobile marketing messages should be easy to read and brief. Make sure your message is concise and to the point.

Recruit friends and family to help you test your marketing methods before trying them on the public.

Your campaign is about getting people to your home base and staying in touch with folks that already use it. Your entire business shouldn’t be based on a mobile platform.

Wait until the results of one campaign before you cook up a new one.

Remember that the audience you are targeting are people and they are busy, living their lives.

You may have been aware of the ability to offer free applications to your customers, but were you aware that it’s super easy? You could create an app to help your business to better promote your company via mobile marketing. You have a large array of options to choose from.

Although many mobile users actively send text messages and use their phones to check their email, most people haven’t got a clue what they mean.If your target audience can’t understand your advertisements, you might lose a customer.

You may find people telling you to go away or telling you they want more, but keep in mind that any information from a consumer should be treated as valuable input.

Make sure that your mobile marketing ad to send on and they perhaps they will.

If your business decides to have a mobile app, make sure it is easy to use and relevant to your business.

If you plan on adding SMS to go along with your mobile marketing, make sure you have an opt-in mechanism and, and have an easy way to opt-out. If done without regard to the correct guidelines, beware of mobile device notification systems if you’re using SMS improperly. It can seem like it’s invading peoples’ privacy.This honesty will go a long way to build up your brand.

Location is of the utmost importance when you are engaging in mobile marketing campaign. Mobile marketing is unique chance to know where you are located. This means that mobile campaigns can do not exist anywhere else.

Make sure any directions and maps to your site are smartphone ready. It has become a standard trend for individuals to use their mobiles to find Check to be certain your maps and clear on different mobile devices and turn up easily when a mobile searches. Include a link to the customer to find your location through Google Maps.

Do all the research on your audience. Know them and what their preferences are before you start designing a mobile marketing plan. Are they more than a computer? Which operating systems do they use on their phones? Find out about the people you want to reach, and you will have an easier time connecting with them.

QR codes are a great way to provide interactive content to your customers. You can use these codes to pass on various discounts to your business.They are easily used as well as simple to capture via a cell phone. QR codes are just one more way to engage customers while providing them with important information.

You need to make sure that your mobile marketing on all devices. You do not want to leave any customers out of devices from random phones into account when developing your messages do not work properly on their particular device. You need to write a script that can be used across all of your campaign.

Use mobile marketing combined with all relevant online functions. Have material that is specific with your mobile landing page, input different things that will make people come visit your website and you should allow them participation.

If you have a big mobile marketing list and are planning to have a big company event or maybe a sale send a reminder a little before it starts, send out a reminder a couple of hours before the event kicks off unless this is going to fall at early morning hours.This way your customers know something exciting is happening that they may want to be a part of.

Make sure to share your business presence on all of the best social networking site. This helps people find your business get found. Start out simple with your social media presence for your business. At the bare minimum you should claim your business on Facebook, create an online presence for your company on Facebook and Foursquare.

Use your social media networks, your website and your physical store to inform people of your mobile phone offers.This will provide you with the exposure you are seeking, and allow your fans plenty of opportunities to sign up for your offers.

If you are serious about the success of a mobile marketing campaign, only send them top-notch offers. This will ensure that your customers look forward to your messages and continue to view them instead of ignoring them due to high volume.

As stated above, mobile marketing is not defined in the same way by every businessman. There is no single definition that stands out. Although, the general consensus is that this type of marketing uses cell phones. By using what you have learned in the article above, you can now start to understand ways in which mobile marketing can benefit your business needs.

Having an automobile repaired is something that can make you feel rather overwhelmed. You can become more about auto repairs to make sure you are taking good care of your vehicle. The following article will give you some great auto repair. Detailing your car always takes time but it is really worth, start by contacting car detailing Port Melbourne.

You don’t always need a mechanic when your car problem. There are a lot of things you can be fixed quite easily. If it’s not hard to fix, you can usually do it yourself.

You must wash your car often to avoid rust.Cars eventually rust, but the process can be slowed by keeping salt and chemicals away from the paint whenever you can. Use a decent wax for protecting paint jobs as much as possible.

Go over your automobile’s manual and dog ear the most useful pages.You could even find the manual and fix the problem yourself.

Make sure that you replace old parts with OEM parts.These are original parts designed by the manufacturer. Generic parts may be cheaper, but also less reliable. What is a deal now can cost twice as much as buying OEM in the first place.

Assemble an auto repair tool kit and put it inside of your trunk. Your car came with equipment needed for changing a tire and other necessary items. A lug wrench and jack are essential. You should have a few screwdrivers with various shapes as well as different wrenches like for this kit.

Speak with friends about where they get their auto shop recommendations before you pick a shop. You may get some great recommendations from your friends and family. You should still do some research on the person they tell you about. Check online reviews at the shop in question.

Just because it’s winter does not mean you should quit washing your vehicle. Winter can be the most damage causing time of the year for your vehicle. Salt and sand lead to rust spots and other flaws.

Check the air pressure in your tires when you fill up on gas. Look over your tires and make sure that they there is nothing has become embedded in them. You don’t want to have to drive around with less-than-perfect tires.

Warranties can be very important when you need to replace parts.Ask the mechanic about any warranties on parts they ordered for your car.

Don’t let a mechanic talk you that flushing your engine flushed when it doesn’t need it. This service and it may not something that is typically done during the course of normal maintenance.

Not many people read their car’s owner’s manual. You really ought to study the manual and learn how to use it so that important details are easy to find. Your manual contains everything you need to know about maintaining your car and performing small repairs yourself.

Bleed your brakes before taking your car out on a test drive. Test it for any leaks to ensure that no fluid can run out. You are then be ready to test drive your car for a spin down less-busy roads. Start slowly to be certain you’ve made a good repair is done well before risking higher speeds.

OEM is the Original Equipment Manufacturer. Remember this when you need to have parts replaced. You will sound like a knowledgeable person on repairs if you ask your mechanic to use OEM parts. This will reduce the likelihood of getting used parts from someone.

Consistency is actually very important when dealing with auto repairs.Stick with a trusted mechanic whom you have used before instead of going around to various ones for repairs. Different shops may find different issues with your car. They could also charge different amounts that cause you to pay more for repairs.

You can easily do some preventative maintenance such as adding more oil or refilling the windishield wiper fluid on your own. It is a myth that these routine jobs should be left to the professionals.Learn how to do the job before beginning, and then roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Don’t hire the mechanic who diagnosed your car as soon as you receive a quote for service. Contact other shops and compare what they would charge for repairs suggested by the first mechanic. If you find someone that can repair your car for less, pay the shop for the labor and get your car fixed elsewhere.

Having written documentation is useful should you in the road.

When you are getting a quote for repairs from an auto mechanic, you should have him or her write down the costs of each component. This will allow you need to compare their quote with another one. The car parts should cost about the same amount, so you are really comparing the cost of the service.

Get auto repairs performed at a service station that are authorized by your manufacturer’s authorization. Going to any other auto repair shop may void your warranty.

Keep documentation of all the repairs that is performed on your car. Keep the record in you can. This can help whoever is working on the car to find any problems you might have. This is able to save a lot of time.

Don’t attempt repairs on your car unless you are absolutely sure of how to fix it yourself. You may make problems worse or void a warranty by tampering with the wrong thing. This means you to be held responsible for all of your future repairs yourself.

If your mechanic wants to perform more repairs than what the manual lists, then you should just follow the manual. This could help you save lots of money on unnecessary repairs.

The belts in the engine compartment are very important components. A failed belt can cause great damage to the engine. You probably need belt replacements if your car screeches when it starts.

Most people would agree with that having car trouble is very frustrating and inconvenient. However, knowing crucial information on how to obtain qualified repairs can alleviate most of your worries. Keep this article handy, and you are going to have good information to help you handle the next problem. Simply click here for any detailing request.