Flow Chart

The pictorial representation of an algorithm using some shapes and symbols is known as flow chart.

Flow Chart

The Flowchart Symbols and Their Usage

Terminal points indicate the starting [sometimes known as a 'trigger'] and ending points of a process.

Step represents a single step within a process, and usually contains the name of a specific action.

Page symbols refer to individual web pages, which may or may not contain multiple elements.

File symbols represent those data elements that exist independently of navigational properties outside of that page, e.g., audio sounds, movie clips, or a portable document file (PDF).

A decision point indicates a sequence in the process at which the end user chooses an option, i.e., a "yes-no", or "true-false" response, and then branches to different parts of the flowchart.

Arrows and connecting lines diagram the logical progression through the course, subject to the choices made at decision or action points within the process.

The input/action symbol represents a user response that directs the course flow from that point onwards, i.e., an online test, or questionnaire form.

Represents the choice made by the user from mutually exclusive options, e.g., a student choosing among different lesson plans.

Conditional selector is similar to the conditional branch except that the user has the option to choose from a number of paths that will fulfill the requested conditions, e.g., the results of a search engine request.

Pages that share one or more common aspects, and are functionally identical may be simplified as a rounded corner rectangle, such as an on-line test or feedback form.

Reference is used as a connecting point when the flowchart necessitates using more than one page, or refers to a complicated subroutine that would be impossible to contain on the main flowchart page.

Annotations provide helpful comments or explanations, e.g. denoting the location where an undeveloped new page/process will fit into the navigational flow structure, or notes for specific team members for further development.

Flow references and flow areas are symbols for reusable sequences, such as logging in with a specific user id and password to enter the course or to initiate an on-line

quiz. The flow reference symbol acts as a placeholder for the flow area sequence in the chart in every situation in which it is repeated.

Flow area is used as a flow area, it documents sections that share similar components/repeated steps within that flow, and requires the use of the following two symbols: entry and exit points.

Exit point concludes the subroutine, such as when the proper user id and password are verified, and documents where the user re-enters the master flowchart.

Entry point documents the place within the master flowchart where the process deviates into a subroutine.

Process Flowchart Drawing Guide-lines

There is no one right way to develop a flowchart, but the following guide-lines provide a general structure to follow, whether it's of the overall course navigational process, or at the hand-off phase to the various team members to develop more detailed treatment.

1.   Start with a simple one-line description or title of the process being flowcharted , e.g., "How to..."

2.   Using a top-down hierarchy, start with a terminal symbol, naming this trigger event, e.g., "User accesses course database..."

3.   Connect each successive action step in the logical sequence of events.

4.   Reference detailed information through annotations or connectors.

5.   Follow the process through to completion, denoted by a labeled end terminal symbol, e.g., "exit course."

A well-developed functional flowchart created in the design phase can save hours of wasted manpower time by ensuring the structure, sequencing and branching decision points in a computer based instructional program, support the course goals and objectives before development.

Whether you are the sole creator wearing many hats, or one of many on the development team, sharing a common visual language will guide the project through its many iterations and development phases throughout the instructional design process.

Process Flowchart