Before you start diving in and writing learning objectives, take a step back and ask “why are you designing this program or module”? Keep digging on the why until you have clarity. This will make it easier for you as you build the rest of the content.

It does not matter what format your learning program is in (e-learning, in-person or live online), having clarity on “why” will make it easier on you from a learning design perspective.

For example, recently, I was asked to put together learning objectives for a series of live-online sessions, where the learning audience was not so clear. One of the topics suggested was SEO (search engine optimization) fundamentals and advanced.

This is a huge topic to cover in a 2.5 hour live online session! Rather than write obscure and vague objectives, it would be better to start with answering the question “why is SEO important?” and use that as a starting point to break down the topic and target specific learning audiences. Do your research and start jotting down notes. For example:

SEO for a Brand Manager

SEO for a Small Business Owner
Technical Aspects of SEO
SEO for Marketers

The key to successful learning design is to have the learner walk away with a new skill or behavior change that they can implement immediately in their day-to-day work. Uncovering “why” as you put your module together, will help achieve this.