So, you've been handed the exciting task of creating an eLearning course. Now what?

Let us help you get with it and nail each aspect of the content development process.

You might be wondering, "Is there a magic formula for crafting eLearning content that's both relevant and captivating?"

Well, the truth is, each project is a unique beast because of a bunch of factors like the size of your team, how much content you need to produce, what the subject is, the best way to deliver that content, how much your audience already knows, and of course, your business objectives. These elements all play a huge role in shaping your course's direction.

Tip #1: Setting the Bulls' Eye: Define Clear Learning Objectives

Start with a clear target: what should learners be able to do after completing your course?

Setting precise, actionable learning objectives early in the content development process is crucial. These objectives should pinpoint the specific skills or knowledge learners need to acquire. They're not just the starting point; they're the compass that guides every aspect of your course design.

Here are some tips: 

• Use straightforward language and actionable verbs. Aim for clarity and simplicity to ensure objectives are understandable and attainable.
• Identify the specific skill or knowledge gap. What exactly do your learners need to learn? Define measurable outcomes that you expect learners to achieve by the end of the course.
• Clarify the benefits. Make it clear what learners will gain by completing the course. This motivates and gives them a clear understanding of the value of the course.
• Consistency is key. Every piece of your course, from content chunks and activities to assessments and visuals, should align with these objectives. This alignment ensures that all course elements are working together to meet the defined goals.

Remember, well-defined objectives are the foundation upon which your entire course is built. They not only guide the development process but also help in evaluating the effectiveness of your eLearning course.

Also read: Are You Writing Rockin’ Course Objectives? 7 Do’s and Don’ts

Tip #2: Get to Know Your Audience: Pinpointing Gaps

Let's face it, many L&D leaders are flying blind when it comes to truly understanding what their workforce wants and needs. It's a stark reality that, without proper insight, resources are poured into programs that miss the mark, leading to wasted budgets and disengaged learners.

Here's how you can avoid that pitfall and ensure your efforts hit the bullseye:

1. Bypass Assumptions with Engagement:

• Direct Interaction: Beyond surveys and assessments, engaging directly with your audience can unveil what they truly need. It's about active listening—what are they saying in meetings, forums, or even casual conversations?

• Real Feedback Loops: Implement mechanisms for ongoing feedback. This isn't a one-and-done deal; it's about continuously tuning into your learners' evolving needs and preferences.

2. The Power of Pre-Assessments:

• Reveal Hidden Needs: Pre-assessments can uncover not just the obvious gaps, but the nuanced, individual needs that blanket approaches fail to address. This is where personalized learning paths begin to take shape.

• Avoid the Common Trap: Don’t create content in a vacuum. The insights from these assessments are crucial for developing programs that are truly needed, not just what we assume to be needed.

3. Tailoring Content to Real Needs:

• Avoid Wasteful Spending: Understanding your audience allows for strategic allocation of your L&D budget. Invest in programs that address real gaps, not generic one-size-fits-all solutions.

• Adaptive Learning Strategies: Use the insights gained to adapt your strategies in real-time. If a method isn't working or a topic isn't resonating, pivot. Flexibility is key to maximizing impact and efficiency.

Remember, understanding your audience isn't just a box to check off—it's the cornerstone of creating a course that resonates, engages, and, most importantly, teaches. So, put on your detective hat, and let's make learning personal, effective, and downright transformative.

Recommended reads:

• These 27 Questions Will Help You (Really) Know Your Learners
• DON'T Skip the Training Needs Analysis! Here's Why

Tip #3: Planning is Key -Design Last, Storyboard First

Just got back from a deep dive with your Subject Matter Expert (SME)? Armed with a treasure trove of insights, it's tempting to share every nugget.

But hold up—remember, you're the architect of this learning journey, blending the science of education with the art of engagement. Your mission? To craft a path that's enlightening, not overwhelming.

Use storyboarding to determine the direction of content, without trying to load too many concepts into one course. With a storyboard, you can maintain an outline while you create your course. This level of organization ensures you include all main points without venturing into less important topics.

Here's how to refine your process: 

1. Prioritize Your Content:

• Identify the "Must-Knows": These are the non-negotiables, the core insights that are essential for achieving the learning outcomes. This content forms the backbone of your course.

• Distinguish the "Should-Knows": Important, yet not critical. This is the context that enriches understanding, perfect for supplementary materials or optional deep-dives.

• Catalog the "Nice-to-Knows": The interesting extras. While they add flavor, ensure they're clearly marked as optional to keep the main path focused and clear.

2. Embrace Storyboarding:

• Sketch Before You Build: Use storyboarding to lay out your course's blueprint. This visual plan lets you sequence content logically, ensuring each piece leads smoothly to the next.

• Involve Your Team Early: Share your storyboard with your team and stakeholders for feedback. This collaborative review helps pinpoint gaps and trim excess, fine-tuning your course's focus.

3. Draft with Purpose:

• Structure Your Content: Break down your topics into digestible modules. Aim for a sweet spot of 3 to 8 sections, ensuring each one aligns with your learning objectives.

• Choose Your Presentation Style: Decide how to best convey each point. Mix it up with bullet-point screens, interactive elements, or videos to match the content's nature and the learners' preferences.

• Craft a Captivating Intro: Hook your learners from the start. The opening moments should grab attention and clearly communicate the journey ahead.

• Design for Application: Every lesson should bridge knowledge to action. Ask, "How will learners apply this?" Ensure your design facilitates real-world application, reinforcing the learning experience.

4. Plan for Engagement:

• Incorporate Practice and Assessment: Build in activities and checks for understanding. These should not only reinforce learning but also provide immediate, actionable feedback.

• Align with Objectives: Constantly refer back to your learning objectives. Each piece of content, each activity, should serve these goals, ensuring relevance and focus.

Also read: The Art of Creating Short but Effective eLearning Courses 

Tip #4: Master Your Content Arsenal

Before diving into a new project, take stock of your content arsenal. A thorough content inventory can unveil treasures ripe for reuse or repurposing, saving time and enhancing coherence across your materials.

Here’s how to make your content inventory work harder for you:

1. Catalog Your Existing Resources:

• List It Out: Compile a comprehensive list of your current assets, including PDFs, presentations, videos, and any other materials. This is your content baseline.

• Assess Availability: Mark what's readily available and note any gaps. This clarity is crucial for leveraging existing content effectively.

2. Evaluate with a Critical Eye:

• Quality Check: Assess each piece for relevance and quality. Ask yourself:

  • Is this content outdated, inaccurate, or unengaging?

  • How has this material performed in the past?

  • What gaps or redundancies exist in our current offerings?

• Feedback Loop: Look for any available feedback on the content's performance to guide your revisions.

3. Ask the Hard Questions:

• Knowledge Gaps: Identify what your employees need to know but don’t. This insight drives content development that fills critical knowledge voids.

• Integration Without Dictation: Consider how new content can complement existing materials without being constrained by them. How can you enhance or update your arsenal for better impact?

4. Strategize Repurposing:

• Modernize and Repurpose: Determine how you can transform existing materials for online platforms. This could mean converting presentations into interactive eLearning modules or updating and segmenting a long-form video into digestible clips.

• Fill the Blanks: Use the insights from your inventory and evaluation to strategically develop new content that fills in the gaps, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Read more: The Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Content Inventory for eLearning

Tip #5: Integrate Storytelling Into Your eLearning Content

Leverage the tips outlined above to craft exceptional learning experiences that not only engage but also leave a lasting mark on your learners. While it's true that every subject and audience brings its own set of challenges and nuances, these foundational strategies in content creation are your key to maintaining both team alignment and content excellence.

We're eager to hear your thoughts and experiences! Have you tried implementing any of these strategies in your learning projects? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? Share your stories, insights, or even questions in the comments below.