I’ve been working on a lot of content scripts lately, and was surprised that I haven’t yet addressed the concept of scripting in one of my Terminology Tuesday posts, so today is the day!
Scripts in E-Learning
When it comes to writing scripts for e-learning, I’m familiar with two main approaches: content scripts, and audio/narration scripts.
Content scripts are essentially content dumps of all client-furnished materials related to the module, course, or topic you’re working on. When I write a content script, it typically includes the learning objectives, any lessons contained within the course and/or module, and any knowledge checks or assessment items located within those lessons. The goal is to have all of this content handy so that it can just be copied/pasted into the authoring tool or storyboard (depending on what milestones exist within your project). Scripting content also familiarizes you with the content, so when you get further down the wormhole of development, you have some ideas when it comes to factors such as interactivity and/or media treatment.
Audio/narration scripts are developed for the voice talent, and include elements such as screen identifier, pronunciation guide, the text requiring narration, and an audio filename. In my process, I tend not to script the audio narration until the client has signed off 100% on the textual content. Revisions to audio are often timely and expensive, so having the client review the textual content ahead of the audio scripting phase is a best practice.
Sure. Scripting is an additional step (or two) in the development process, but it really does help in the long run. It makes all of the subsequent development tasks a lot more smoother, and there is often less revision involved…or the revisions are caught in the scripting phase, leading to fewer revisions in the storyboarding and/or authoring phases. Time is money, so efficiency is always at a premium.
How do you use scripts? Are you using them primarily for content or audio scripting? What elements do you include in your scripts? Let me know in the comments!
Ashley,
I have really enjoyed looking at your site and blog posts. This Terminology Tuesday post is excellent. I am just beginning my blog and site. I hope to become as self-efficient as you have in gaining more knowledge about Instructional Design, as well as a better understanding of e-learning when it comes to effectively writing and narrating scripts.
I have been aware of scripts, but never too knowledgeable of the differences among scripting. You incorporated some very valuable and useful information within this blog and others as well. I look forward to reading your posts along my educational journey to help me in fulfilling some o the necessary requirements to complete various forms of coursework.
Marla