Analogy between Movies and eLearning

Most movies are made for entertainment and most eLearning modules are created for the learning purpose. But, there are quite similarities between making a movie and building an eLearning module. What do you think?

‘Content is king’ is true for both movies and eLearning. A solid script is required to make a blockbuster movie, while interesting content is required to build an engaging eLearning module. Similar to the movie, the eLearning module will have a start, a middle part and a proper end. However, the module starts with an objective screen and ends with a summary screen. The eLearning module can use a story-based approach where the content is explained using a single story. Sometimes, in a movie, multiple tracks run parallelly. Similarly, the eLearning module can use a scenario-based approach where small scenarios are created to explain different topics. Along with script and content, the people who involved building these assets also play similar roles.

For example, the role of an instructional designer is quite similar to that of a scriptwriter. A bad script can destroy a movie. similarly, an average storyboard always gives a bad output. A client plays the role of a producer. A bad client makes your life difficult. At both places, you hear terms such as budget constraint, overshooting the budget, releasing date. In the eLearning industry, the roles of a cameraman, make up man, choreographer, costume designer are played by graphic designers, animators and developers. Who is the most important person in movie making? It is the director of the movie. So, who plays the role of a director in eLearning? A project manager. Most directors always have knowledge of film making but the same cannot be said about project managers. It may sound funny but a project manager can deliver a project without having a deep knowledge of instructional design, graphic, user interface, various development tools. The main task of the project manager is to manage people and tasks and deliver the output.

Before the movie is released, it is sent to the editing table. The editor edits the scenes, rearrange the scenes and make it more concise. Opposite to this, in the eLearning the duration of the module is determined first and accordingly the content is fit in. Once the content is developed into a visually and instructionally sound output, it is sent to the quality team. The tester plays a similar role to the editor. Basically, the tester makes sure that there are no flaws in the output with respect to content, graphics, functionality perspective. Once the tester provides sign-off on the module, it is released to the client for their action.

A movie is released across theaters in the state, country and sometimes around a globe for moviegoers to watch it on a big screen. In eLearning, Learning Management System (LMS) plays the role of theaters. LMS is a platform similar to Netflix or Amazon Prime where various eLearning modules, videos, interactive games are uploaded for the learners to access them.

Anything else do you think similar between movie making and eLearning?