How To Create A Reusable eLearning Template From Scratch
There are certain factors that need to be taken into consideration for designing winning eLearning templates. eLearning templates offer a variety of benefits. For instance, the fact that they are reusable eliminates most of the redundant steps of the eLearning course design process. On the other hand, simply using an eLearning template does not guarantee an engaging and meaningful exchange with online learners. Your eLearning course still needs to be informative and relevant to leave a lasting impact. Here is a 5-step approach that will take the headache out of designing a reusable eLearning template, even if you don’t have any prior experience.
Step 1: Choose A Reliable, Versatile eLearning Authoring Tool
When you start to make a presentation from scratch, the first thing you need to do is choose a reliable eLearning authoring tool. There are a plenty of tools out there, but choosing the one that suits your eLearning needs and budget can be a little tricky. Select an eLearning authoring tool that has a wide variety of themes and libraries. This will maximize resources and prevent additional software costs. Some eLearning authoring tools even offer pre-built eLearning template designs. You can use these designs to get started or as an idea to design one from the ground up. For best results, opt for a responsive design tool that is multiplatform-friendly. This allows every member of your audience to receive the same benefits from your eLearning course.
Step 2: Carefully Design An eLearning Course Layout
Layout is the core structure of any eLearning course. It is the framework on which you build up your eLearning course. You must be aware of the concept of master slides, which serve as the basic building blocks. A master slide enables you to use an eLearning course layout again and again for different subjects. Therefore, investing time in this step is crucial. Focus on elements such as borders, text size, colors, and logo integration. Don't add elements that you will be changing based on your specific target audience every now and then. Keep in mind that the goal is to create a reusable eLearning template which is easily customizable.
Step 3: Incorporate The Essential Elements Of An eLearning Course
It doesn’t matter how many different topics you plan on covering with your eLearning courses. The basic structure remains more or less the same. An eLearning course usually comprises of seven parts. Let’s go through the eLearning template must-haves individually:
1. Welcome Screen
Start by working on the welcome screen. Here you should include a welcome message for your online learners assuring them of the amazing eLearning experience they are about to engage in.
2. Instructions
Add instructions you think online learners should follow in order to make the most of the eLearning course. You should also leave a placeholder for the eLearning course summary and benefits online learners can expect to receive.
3. Learning Objectives
Include a section that highlights the key learning objectives of the eLearning course. This also includes the desired outcomes.
4. eLearning Activities
Although each eLearning course will have different content, you should still leave ample space for the eLearning activities and modules. In most cases, it’s best to use an eLearning storyboard to map out the entire eLearning course. Then leave a little wiggle room at the end to accommodate additional eLearning content. It’s easier to shrink the eLearning template down to size as opposed to stretching it.
5. eLearning Assessment
The fifth stage is all about eLearning assessments. Depending on your eLearning assessment strategy, you can plug-in your eLearning assessment template after each eLearning activity or wait until the end.
6. Recaps
It is important to incorporate notes or recaps at the end of your eLearning course in the form of a summary. This will be different for each eLearning course but try to make it a common eLearning template. You can do this by adding spaces for clickable links, sub headers, bullet lists or a resource online training library.
7. What's Next
Lastly, designate a section that shows the next step you have in mind for your online learners. This can include recommendations, links to other relevant eLearning courses or helpful material with connection to this eLearning course.
Step 4: Add Placeholders And Reminders
Once you are done with making a series of eLearning templates which covers all of the aforementioned topics, then you are ready to move towards the finishing step. That is, add placeholders and notes for your fellow collaborators. This will ensure that you will have enough space to add content to your eLearning template when the need arises. Another important feature you should make use of is reminders. Reminders are a useful tool to ensure that everything goes as planned, even if you miss something the first time around.
You can add tags or notes to different slides so you and your eLearning team won’t forget to include the essentials. Remember, the more placeholders you add the better. You can always remove placeholders at the end but you can’t expand your eLearning templates once they are finalized.
Step 5: Test The Navigability
Now it’s time to test out how your template facilitates eLearning navigability and ensure that everything flows. It’s also wise to include buttons and icons at this point. If you’re still working on the eLearning navigation graphics, simply include a brief text caption of what belongs where. You can also enlist the aid of a colleague to review the eLearning template and offer their feedback. Fresh eyes might reveal glitches or missing components that you overlooked. They can also help you reposition images or placeholders to enhance the aesthetic appeal.
Use these 5 steps to create an amazing, reusable eLearning template for your next eLearning course. Both novices and professionals can benefit from them. In addition to starting from scratch, you can use these 5 tips and tricks to update your current eLearning course layout. It’s always a good idea to regularly refresh your eLearning course to meet the changing needs of your online learners.
Want to learn more about eLearning templates? Download our free eBook eLearning Templates From A To Z to discover everything you need to know about these time-saving tools. We’ll also explore tips to choose the right eLearning template and some innovative ways to use eLearning templates in your eLearning course design.
