So you’ve been tasked with creating content and launching an new elearning course. Where do you begin? There is so much to do! You have to be clear on the learner expectations, understand and write engaging content with visual appeal, work with SMEs, coordinate with IT….ahhh...it can feel overwhelming. I know how you feel as I’ve been there!

As I am in the midst of creating and launching a new elearning course, I thought I would share with you the steps that I follow:

Create a course outline. Be clear on the course objectives, goals and the end outcome you wish to achieve.
Perform an elearning audience analysis - make sure you know who your learner is before you develop the course.
Review the course outline you created in Step 1 - does it still match your learner audience based on the analysis you did in Step 2? Update as needed.
Develop a storyboard that shows the screen design, layout and interactions that will occur on each page of the course. I create my storyboard in PowerPoint.
As you create your storyboard, create a style guide. My storyboard usually begins with a style guide - I figure out right at the beginning the fonts I will use, the colors for titles, information text, callout captions, etc. I also figure out what colors and fonts I will use for buttons and any other user interactive features. The key is to be consistent with colors and fonts throughout your course.
Decide what type of characters you will use, give them names and make them real! Based on your learner analysis you did in Step 2, pick characters that your learners will connect to. Again, be consistent with the characters you use throughout your course.
Write the script for voiceovers and develop the course content. This step can actually be done concurrently while you create your storyboard.
Build the course in your content authoring tool. I currently create all my courses in Articulate Storyline 360 and Articulate Rise.
Test the course. Get feedback from colleagues and learners who will be taking your course.
Hit publish and go live!

I would love to hear from you….what steps do you follow when creating an online course?