41 AI Prompts For Instructional Designers (Storyboards, Scenarios, Assessments And More)

AI In Instructional Design

Instructional Designers deal with the reality of creating multiple projects, like modules, scenarios, assessments, and storyboards, all within tight deadlines. With constant revisions and multiple stakeholders, it's easy for them to lose focus and creativity. This is where AI can help. In the past year, tools like ChatGPT have become valuable partners for Instructional Designers. They can help with brainstorming, draft storyboard outlines, or adjust a learning objective for different audiences, all through effective AI prompts. With AI in the ID workflow, you can make content creation faster and more creative. If you're searching for AI prompts for Instructional Designers that you can paste directly into ChatGPT or your LMS/authoring tool, this guide gives you 41 ready-to-use examples.

Prompts are the way you talk to AI. The clearer your prompt, the better the results. A generic prompt like "Write a course outline about compliance" might lead to generic content. In contrast, a specific prompt like "Create a 3-module outline for compliance in healthcare with scenario-based examples" gives AI the context needed to generate useful content.

So, what does it mean to work in Instructional Design with AI? It involves using AI in ID workflow, from analyzing learner needs to designing storyboards and developing course content and assessments. AI can help you with tasks like generating learner personas for a new course, drafting realistic scenarios or case studies, suggesting quiz questions based on different ID models, rewriting learning objectives, and adapting content for different delivery methods, like microlearning or blended learning. Each of these tasks can take hours if done manually, but with AI prompts, you can create a first draft in minutes. The key is knowing how to ask. That's why prompt libraries are important for Instructional Designers.

In this article, we will explore a complete library of AI prompts for Instructional Designers. These prompts cover all stages from prompts for storyboards to prompts for scenario-based learning and will help you use AI effectively, save time, and get new creative ideas.

What You'll Find In This Guide...

• AI Prompts For Instructional Designers: Each Phase Of Instructional Design
  • Analysis Phase
  • Design Phase
  • Development Phase
  • Implementation Phase
  • Evaluation Phase
• AI Prompts For Instructional Designers: Scenario-Based Learning
  • Brainstorming Ideas
  • Branching Scenarios
  • Dialogue And Characters
  • Feedback
• Best Practices For Using AI In Instructional Design
• Integrating AI Prompts With Your LMS And Authoring Tools

AI Prompts For Instructional Designers: Each Phase Of Instructional Design

Analysis Phase

Before creating storyboards and outlines, it's important to know who your learners are and what they need to learn. This is called the analysis phase of Instructional Design. Thankfully, AI can help you save time in brainstorming, research, and understanding your audience. Try these prompts:

Prompt 1: Create Learner Personas

• Prompt: "Create learner personas for a course on [topic]. Include their job roles, challenges, and motivations."
• Best for: Early research, ADDIE Analysis, and audience profiling.

Prompt 2: Identify Performance Gaps

• Prompt: "List common performance gaps in [job role] that training could address."
• Best for: Needs analysis, understanding workplace challenges.

Prompt 3: Create Needs Analysis Questions

• Prompt: "Write interview questions to find out learning needs for [department]."
• Best for: Stakeholder interviews, training needs assessments.

Prompt 4: Suggest Learning Objectives

• Prompt: "Suggest learning objectives for a course on [topic] using [ID model]."
• Best for: Defining objectives, structuring course goals.

Prompt 5: Identify Key Skills

• Prompt: "What are the key skills needed for success in [job role]?"
• Best for: Competency mapping, role-based training design.

If your LMS tracks learner analytics, copy important data, like quiz results or completion rates, into your prompt. This gives AI more context to provide insights that match your audience's needs.

Design Phase

Once you understand your audience, you can plan how the learning will happen. This is the design phase, and although it's a creative process, it can sometimes be overwhelming. Using Instructional Design tools and AI, you can create storyboards, design branching scenarios, and shape your course's tone and flow. You can use these ChatGPT prompts for Instructional Design:

Prompt 6: Create A Storyboard Outline

• Prompt: "Create a storyboard outline for a [topic] microlearning module."
• Best for: Storyboarding, early Instructional Design planning.

Prompt 7: Build An eLearning Flow

• Prompt: "Generate an eLearning flow using [ID model] for [topic]."
• Best for: Lesson structure, sequencing, designing learning journeys.

Prompt 8: Write An Intro Lesson Script

• Prompt: "Write an engaging script for an introductory lesson on [topic] that motivates learners to complete the module."
• Best for: Course intros, tone setting, learner engagement.

Prompt 9: Design A Branching Scenario

• Prompt: "Design a branching scenario with 3 decision points for [situation], including correct and incorrect choices."
• Best for: Scenario-based learning, decision-making activities.

Prompt 10: Suggest Visual and Multimedia Elements

• Prompt: "Suggest visual and multimedia elements like images, icons, and interactions for a lesson about [topic]."
• Best for: Visual planning, multimedia ideas for authoring tools.

Using design tools at this stage is great because it helps you visualize options. While it can't replace your creativity, it can inspire you. For extra help, ask the tool to generate different storyboard options, and then combine the best parts. This will help you create a more learner-centered design in less time.

Development Phase

During this phase, your course comes to life. You will create content such as scripts, dialogues, quiz questions, feedback messages, and possibly voiceovers. ChatGPT for eLearning can be very helpful here. Some of the suggested eLearning course design prompts are:

Prompt 11: Write A Dialogue For Feedback Skills

• Prompt: "Write a 2-minute dialogue between a manager and an employee that shows effective feedback."
• Best for: Scenario scripts, soft skills training.

Prompt 12: Generate Multiple-Choice Questions

• Prompt: "Generate 5 multiple-choice questions with explanations for each correct answer about [topic]."
• Best for: Knowledge checks, quizzes, assessments.

Prompt 13: Create A Case Study Scenario

• Prompt: "Create a short case study scenario with 3 discussion questions for learners."
• Best for: Critical thinking activities, reflective learning.

Prompt 14: Write A Short Video Script

• Prompt: "Write an engaging script for a 3-minute video explaining [concept]."
• Best for: Microlearning videos, explainer content.

Prompt 15: Suggest Visual Aids

• Prompt: "Suggest visuals, icons, and examples that make [concept] easier to understand."
• Best for: Graphic support, designing learning assets.

If the results seem too general, add more details. For example: "Write a friendly script between a doctor and a patient about their prescribed medication for [illness or symptom], using clear, empathetic language for adult learners." This will tailor the result to your audience.

Implementation Phase

Once your course is ready, it's time to launch it on your LMS or delivery platform. This is the implementation phase. AI can help make this easier by suggesting course descriptions and creating messages for learners. Here are some ChatGPT prompts for Instructional Design you can use:

Prompt 16: Write An LMS Course Announcement

• Prompt: "Write an enthusiastic course announcement for the LMS about a new [topic] module."
• Best for: Course launches, learner motivation.

Prompt 17: Write An LMS Course Description

• Prompt: "Create a short LMS description that highlights key points for [course name]. Keep it under 150 words."
• Best for: LMS listings, promotional copy.

Prompt 18: Create Welcome Messages

• Prompt: "Generate welcome messages for learners starting their first online course in [LMS]."
• Best for: Learner onboarding, engagement.

Prompt 19: Draft Reminder Emails

• Prompt: "Draft reminder emails for learners who haven't finished their training yet."
• Best for: Increasing completion rates, nudging disengaged learners.

Prompt 20: Write Completion Messages

• Prompt: "Write friendly completion messages to congratulate learners who finished the course."
• Best for: Positive reinforcement, learner recognition.

This type of copy is important for keeping learners engaged. With AI, you can easily try different tones, too, like formal, friendly, or motivational, before sending them out. Also, you can use AI to customize messages based on what learners are doing. For instance, when learners are halfway through a training course and haven't logged in for a while, create a motivational message.

Evaluation Phase

After launching a training program, every Instructional Designer wants to know if it was effective and successful. This is the evaluation phase, and it involves collecting feedback, analyzing data, and finding ways to improve. AI can help summarize insights and suggest next steps based on learner responses. To do that, try these prompts:

Prompt 21: Write Post-Training Survey Questions

• Prompt: "Generate 5 post-training survey questions to measure knowledge retention and engagement."
• Best for: Feedback collection, Kirkpatrick Level 1 evaluation.

Prompt 22: Summarize Learner Feedback

• Prompt: "Summarize learner feedback comments to find suggested improvements."
• Best for: Data analysis, improvement planning.

Prompt 23: Create Training Results Summary

• Prompt: "Write a short summary of training results for [stakeholder]. Use a professional tone."
• Best for: Reporting, stakeholder communication.

Prompt 24: Recommend Course Improvements

• Prompt: "Suggest ways to improve course engagement based on this feedback: [paste learner comments]."
• Best for: Continuous improvement, future iterations.

Prompt 25: Create Reflection Prompts

• Prompt: "Create prompts for encouraging learners to apply new skills after the course."
• Best for: Post-training reflection, transfer of learning.

You can paste raw survey responses into your prompt and ask AI to group them by positive and negative sentiment or identify patterns. This can save you hours of manual analysis. If your LMS provides detailed analytics or xAPI data, copy metrics into your prompt to detect trends you might otherwise miss.

AI Prompts For Instructional Designers: Scenario-Based Learning

Scenario-based learning is a great way to enhance Instructional Design. When done well, it turns generic concepts into practical decision-making, adding emotional connection. With AI tools, this creative process can become faster. However, AI does not replace your creativity; it boosts it. Instead of starting from scratch, you can use AI to brainstorm scenario ideas, create outlines, or even write the first draft of your dialogue. Below, you will find some categories of prompts you can try. You can use them as they are or adjust them based on your needs. To get the best results, remember to be specific about your topic, audience, and goals.

Brainstorming Ideas

These ChatGPT prompts for Instructional Design are useful in the early stages when you're not sure what type of scenario fits your course yet.

Prompt 26: Generate Scenario Ideas

• Prompt: "Generate 5 realistic scenario ideas for a training on [topic] that helps learners practice [skill]."
• Best for: Early brainstorming, concept development.

Prompt 27: Create A Workplace Dilemma

• Prompt: "Create a workplace dilemma related to [topic] that encourages critical thinking."
• Best for: Scenario inspiration, ethics training.

Prompt 28: List Ethical Challenges

• Prompt: "List 3 ethical challenges a [job role] might face in [industry]."
• Best for: Compliance training, ethical decision-making.

Prompt 29: Suggest Scenario Themes

• Prompt: "Suggest scenario themes for teaching [topic] to entry-level employees."
• Best for: Beginner-friendly scenarios, onboarding.

Branching Scenarios

After you have an idea, you can ask AI to help you with the structure. Branching scenarios create engaging experiences where each choice leads to a different outcome. So, let's see some prompts for scenarios:

Prompt 30: Create A Branching Scenario

• Prompt: "Create a branching scenario with 3 decision points for a [topic] training. Each choice should lead to realistic consequences."
• Best for: Interactive scenarios, complex decision-making.

Prompt 31: Generate A Decision Tree Table

• Prompt: "Generate a table outlining a decision tree for [situation], showing choices, consequences, and feedback messages."
• Best for: Scenario planning, storyboard structure.

Prompt 32: Fast Vs. Correct Decision Scenario

• Prompt: "Write a scenario where a learner must choose between doing what's fast vs. what's correct. Show how each decision affects the outcome."
• Best for: Quality training, time-pressure scenarios.

Prompt 33: Leadership Style Scenario

• Prompt: "Design a problem-solving scenario where each learner's choice reveals a different leadership style."
  Best for: Leadership training, interpersonal skills practice.

Dialogue And Characters

Good dialogue makes your scenarios engaging and realistic, and it helps learners connect with the story on an emotional level. Writing natural-sounding conversations can be difficult, but AI for eLearning development can help you improve them quickly.

Prompt 34: Write A Professional Dialogue

• Prompt: "Write a dialogue between a new employee and their manager about [situation]. Make it sound natural and professional."
• Best for: Scenario conversations, workplace interactions.

Prompt 35: Write A Conflict Conversation

• Prompt: "Create a short conversation between 2 team members who disagree on how to handle a client complaint."
• Best for: Conflict resolution training, customer service.

Prompt 36: Create Different Feedback Styles

• Prompt: "Generate 3 different types of feedback dialogue for a supervisor correcting an employee's mistake: supportive, neutral, and critical."
• Best for: Feedback training, behavior modeling.

Prompt 37: Write A Tense Email Exchange

• Prompt: "Write an email exchange full of tension due to a workplace conflict about [topic]."
• Best for: Written communication training.

Feedback

Reflection helps learners understand what they have learned. Use AI to create thoughtful questions or feedback for each choice in your scenario.

Prompt 38: Write Feedback For Each Choice

• Prompt: "Write feedback messages that explain why each choice in this situation is effective or ineffective."
• Best for: Branching scenarios, corrective feedback.

Prompt 39: Create Reflection Questions

• Prompt: "Create 3 reflection questions that help learners think about their choices in the situation."
• Best for: Post-scenario reflection, deeper learning.

Prompt 40: Feedback On Team Morale Impact

• Prompt: "Generate feedback for a branching scenario where the learner's choices impact team morale."
• Best for: Leadership and communication scenarios.

Prompt 41: Write A Scenario Summary

• Prompt: "Write a short summary for a scenario about [topic] that highlights the key learning points."
• Best for: Scenario wrap-ups, lesson reinforcement.

Best Practices For Using AI In Instructional Design

Using AI in Instructional Design can be really helpful, but it's important to use it responsibly. Here are some best practices to keep your AI-generated work ethical and creative.

Improve Your Prompts

AI is a helpful assistant, providing exactly what you ask for. So, it's important to create clear and specific prompts. Instead of saying, "Write a training script," try, "Write a 5-minute training script for new customer service employees about handling angry customers." Adding details about tone, audience, and goals will bring the AI-generated content closer to what you need. Feel free to experiment, though, as even small changes in wording can lead to very different results.

Consider Ethics

AI for eLearning development is powerful, but it's not flawless. One major concern is bias. AI models learn from large datasets, which can include hidden biases. Always check AI-generated scenarios, examples, or scripts to ensure they are fair, inclusive, and accurate. Data privacy is also crucial. Avoid sharing sensitive learner information or personal data with AI unless you are certain that your system is secure and adheres to relevant regulations.

Have Control

AI works best when you stay in control. This involves you guiding, reviewing, and improving the AI's results instead of accepting them without question. AI can draft scripts, suggest scenarios, or create quiz questions, but you need to guide the process to ensure everything meets your learning goals and audience's needs.

Maintain Your Creativity

A common worry for Instructional Designers is that AI will make content feel robotic. To avoid this, use AI as a starting point, and don't fully utilize what it generates. Specifically, let AI handle repetitive tasks or generate ideas, and then add your unique touch to them. By combining AI's efficiency with your creativity, you create courses that are more engaging.

Review And Improve

Always review AI-generated content and be ready to make changes. AI for eLearning development can provide good content, but your expertise is what shapes it into something learners connect with. You can use feedback from learners and data from your LMS to refine prompts for future projects. This process will make your AI work more accurate, efficient, and creative over time.

Integrating AI Prompts With Your LMS And Authoring Tools

Once you start using AI prompts for Instructional Design, the next natural step is figuring out how to bring them into your actual course creation process. That's where modern LMS platforms and authoring tools really help, as they can integrate AI for eLearning development to make your job faster, smoother, and even more creative.

Let's say you've just used an AI prompt to create a storyboard for a microlearning module. You have your learning goals, a basic outline, and maybe even some dialogue for a scenario. Without integration, you'd need to manually enter all of that into your authoring tool and make adjustments, hoping that nothing gets lost in the process. But with LMS and authoring tool integrations, you can easily turn AI-generated ideas into actual courses.

For instance, many LMS platforms now support AI for eLearning development to help organize content. This means you can use ChatGPT prompts for Instructional Design to generate course summaries, lesson goals, or even discussion questions, and the LMS can automatically suggest where to place this content in your course. Some platforms also use learner analytics. You can create AI prompts that adjust learning based on completion rates, assessment results, or engagement data, making your courses smarter and more personalized.

Authoring tools are also important in this process. Some allow you to input your AI-generated lesson outlines, and then the system will create a well-structured module ready for visuals and interactive elements. Others let your AI prompts generate complete scripts for eLearning videos, along with ideas for images, icons, or animations, so you don't start from scratch each time. You can even find tools whose AI can help you create branching scenarios with multiple choices, all with dialogue and outcomes.

The real advantage here is efficiency without losing creativity. AI helps you brainstorm and plan, while the LMS and authoring tools help you implement those ideas on a large scale. You can go from a simple text prompt to a fully interactive module without wasting time on copying, formatting, or rewriting content.

Conclusion

The best way to discover the benefits of AI in Instructional Design is to start experimenting. Use different prompts, adjust the wording, and observe how the results change, and you might find some creative ideas. Don't worry about making it perfect on your first attempt, though, because AI is meant to inspire you, not do the work for you. Experiment with prompts for storyboards, prompts for scenarios, and prompts for assessments, and let your courses develop naturally. The more you try, the more confident you'll become in using AI for eLearning development. So, try these prompts with your AI-powered LMSs and authoring tools today and transform your next course into an engaging, scenario-based experience.

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