Creating an effective online learning course can transform ordinary training into an engaging experience that actually changes behavior. The difference between forgettable content and courses that drive real results often comes down to a structured approach.
This 10-step framework will guide you through how to create online training that captivates learners and delivers measurable outcomes, whether you’re building employee training, customer education, or partner enablement programs.
Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Define your learning goals
Creating an effective e-learning course starts with clear learning objectives. These objectives define what learners should know or be able to do after completing your course and serve as the foundation for everything that follows.
But most importantly, your learning objectives should align with your business goals.
So how do you start?
Start by identifying the specific knowledge gaps or performance gaps your course will address. Start by asking the right questions: What problem does this training solve? What should learners be able to do differently afterward?
Write SMART learning objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of “Learn cybersecurity,” a SMART objective would be “Identify and respond to common phishing attempts within 10 minutes.”
Connect your training goals to business objectives to demonstrate value. A compliance course might aim to reduce violations, directly supporting risk management goals.
Step 2: Identify your audience needs
Understanding your target audience shapes every aspect of your course design. Different adult learners have different backgrounds, technical abilities, and learning preferences.
Conduct a training needs analysis through surveys or interviews to identify what learners need and prefer. Ask about current knowledge levels, technical comfort, and preferred learning environments (mobile devices, desktop, quiet office, busy floor).
Create learner profiles that capture key characteristics of your audience segments. A profile might include job role, technical proficiency, available learning time, and primary motivations.
Tailor your training materials to match audience characteristics:
Technical experts: Advanced concepts with minimal explanation
Beginners: Foundational knowledge with step-by-step guidance
Field workers: Mobile-friendly content with offline access
Busy executives: Microlearning lessons focused on key takeaways
Step 3: Select the right authoring tool
Choosing the appropriate authoring tool is crucial for efficient course development. The right tool matches your technical skills, budget, and course requirements.
Consider ease of use versus feature richness. Beginners might prefer template-based tools, while experienced developers might need advanced capabilities for interactive content creation.
Evaluate template availability. Quality templates can significantly reduce development time while ensuring professional design principles are applied consistently.
Check output formats like SCORM, xAPI, and AICC to ensure compatibility with your learning management system. SCORM is the most widely supported standard, while xAPI offers more detailed tracking capabilities.
Modern learning platforms like Docebo include built-in AI authoring tools that can dramatically reduce development time and can be used by both instructional designers and stakeholders who are subject matter experts. These tools can generate digital content, suggest improvements, and even create interactive quizzes based on your learning objectives.
Step 4: Develop your course outline
A well-structured course outline organizes your content logically and ensures comprehensive coverage of your topic. Not to mention, it helps streamline the development process. Think of it as the blueprint for your e-learning course.
1. Group related topics
Break complex subjects into course modules that focus on specific concepts. This chunking helps learners process information more effectively.
Organize content using approaches that match your subject matter:
Chronological organization for processes
Complexity-based organization starting with simple concepts
Problem-based organization around common challenges
Role-based training for job-specific skills
Consider microlearning approaches for complex topics. Breaking content into 5-10 minute segments improves knowledge retention and allows for flexible learning schedules.
2. Sequence modules for clarity
Establish prerequisites between topics to ensure learners have necessary foundation knowledge. Clearly indicate when certain modules should be completed before others.
Create learning paths that build on previous knowledge. Each module should connect to and expand upon concepts introduced earlier.
Structure your course structure to accommodate different learning approaches. Some learners prefer theoretical foundations before practical applications, while others learn better through examples first.
Step 5: Create compelling learning content
Engaging content keeps learners motivated and improves knowledge retention. Focus on clarity, relevance, and variety in your e-learning courses.
1. Chunk your content
Break information into bite-sized pieces that address one concept at a time. This prevents cognitive overload and helps learners process information more effectively.
Keep content segments to 5-7 minutes for optimal attention. Longer sections should be broken into smaller chunks with clear transitions.
Apply the “need to know vs. nice to know” principle to prioritize essential information. Move supplementary details to optional resources or a knowledge base.
2. Mix text audio and visuals
Write clear, concise on-screen text that uses active voice and conversational language. Avoid jargon unless necessary for the subject matter.
Develop narration scripts for voice-overs that complement rather than duplicate on-screen text. Audio narration should expand on visual elements rather than reading them verbatim.
Go beyond simple powerpoint presentations, and use multimedia elements like diagrams, charts, and animations to reinforce key concepts. Visual elements can explain complex ideas more efficiently than text alone.
Balance different content types to maintain interest:
Screen recordings for software demonstrations
Video tutorials for physical processes
Interactive exercises for practice opportunities
Case studies for real-world applications
AI learning platforms offer avatars that can present content with natural speech patterns. This adds a human element to your course without the expense of professional video production.
Step 6: Incorporate multimedia and interactions
Interactive elements transform passive viewing into active learning experiences. They increase employee engagement and help learners apply new knowledge.
1. Quizzes for real time feedback
Create different question types to test various levels of understanding:
Multiple choice for basic recall
True-or-false for concept verification
Matching questions for relationships
Fill-in-the-blank for key terminology
Scenario-based quizzes for application
Place knowledge checks throughout the course rather than only at the end. This helps learners identify knowledge gaps before moving forward.
Write effective quiz questions that align with learning outcomes. Avoid tricky wording and ensure questions test understanding rather than reading comprehension.
Docebo’s e-learning authoring tool Creator can generate relevant interactive quizzes based on your course content. This automation saves time while ensuring assessments align perfectly with the material presented.
And don’t forget gamification. Gamifying the experience makes quizzes more fun.
2. Scenarios for practical application
Create realistic branching scenarios that reflect situations learners will encounter in their work. Authenticity increases engagement and transfer of learning.
Use dialogue simulations to let learners practice decision-making. Different choices lead to different outcomes, showing the consequences of various approaches.
Implement role-play simulations where appropriate. These help learners practice interpersonal skills and apply knowledge in realistic contexts.
Develop interactive modules based on real-world examples. These show how concepts apply in practice and demonstrate their relevance to job performance.
Step 7: Test and refine your course
Testing identifies issues before your course reaches its full audience. This quality assurance step is essential for effective learning experiences.
1. Pilot with a small group
Select representative test users who match your target audience profile. Include both novice and experienced learners to get diverse perspectives.
Set up structured pilot tests with specific tasks and questions. Ask testers to complete the course while noting any confusion or technical issues.
Collect feedback on content clarity, navigation, user interface, and overall user experience. Use a combination of surveys, observations, and interviews.
Document all issues and suggestions systematically. Create a tracking system that prioritizes each item for resolution.
2. Gather feedback and adjust
Organize feedback into categories like content issues, technical problems, and design concerns. This helps prioritize changes effectively.
Prioritize changes based on impact and effort. Fix critical issues that affect learning outcomes first, then address less crucial improvements.
Common areas requiring refinement include:
Unclear instructions
Navigation problems
Content that’s too complex or too simple
Technical glitches
Conduct additional testing after making significant changes. This ensures that your solutions work as intended and don’t create new problems.
Step 8: Publish and deliver your e-learning course
The publishing process makes your course available to learners. Proper delivery ensures a smooth learning experience.
1. Choose a hosting platform
Select a learning management system or e-learning platform that matches your organizational needs. Consider features like user management, personalized paths for learner engagement, reporting functionalities, automated workflows, and integration options. Plus, modern learning platforms also include social learning features with social media-like forums that encourage participation and knowledge sharing to foster learning from the e-learning course you just developed.
For standalone online courses, consider dedicated course websites or platforms. These offer simplified management for independent courses.
Consider technical requirements like bandwidth, cloud space, and server capacity. Ensure your hosting solution can handle your expected user load.
2. Ensure mobile readiness
Apply responsive design principles so your course displays properly on all devices. Test layouts on phones, tablets, and desktops.
Test interactions on touchscreens to ensure they work without a mouse. Some drag-and-drop activities may need alternatives for mobile users.
Adapt video content for mobile viewing with larger text and clear visuals. Remember that mobile users often view content in brief sessions and potentially noisy environments.
Step 9: Track and evaluate learner progress
Measurement helps you understand course effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Data-driven decisions lead to better training outcomes.
1. Interpret analytics data
Track key performance indicators like completion rates, assessment scores, and time spent on modules. These metrics reveal how learners engage with your content.
Set up tracking mechanisms before launch to ensure comprehensive data collection. Most learning management systems offer built-in analytics tools.
Look for patterns in user behavior such as common drop-off points or frequently reviewed sections. These indicate potential issues or particularly valuable content.
Compare results against your learning objectives to determine if the course is achieving its goals. Low assessment scores might indicate unclear content or misaligned questions.
2. Adjust content based on results
Use data to identify weak course areas where learners struggle or disengage. These sections likely need revision or additional support resources.
Consider testing different approaches for problematic sections. Create alternative explanations or activities and compare their effectiveness.
Implement continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and updating content. Schedule quarterly review cycles to keep material current and effective.
Step 10: Scale your program and keep it current
Successful courses require ongoing maintenance and can often be expanded to serve broader audiences.
1. Update content regularly
Establish content review schedules based on how quickly your subject matter changes. Technical topics might need quarterly updates, while fundamental concepts might only require annual review.
Identify outdated information through subject matter expert reviews and learner feedback. Pay special attention to regulations and technology references.
Add new developments and information as your field evolves. This keeps your course relevant and valuable to learners.
Implement version control best practices to track changes and maintain course history. This helps manage updates and rollbacks if needed.
2. Expand to new audiences
Adapt content for different departments or roles by modifying examples and applications while maintaining core concepts. This extends your course’s value across the organization.
Consider localizing for global audiences. Beyond language translation, this includes cultural adaptations and relevant regional examples.
Create advanced versions of basic courses for learners who need deeper knowledge. This builds natural learning pathways within your program.
Develop complete training programs that connect multiple courses into comprehensive development paths. This supports long-term learner growth and employee performance improvement.
The bottom line: Unify your global learning experience with an AI learning platform
Creating effective e-learning isn’t just about individual courses—it’s about building a cohesive learning ecosystem. Modern learning platforms help organizations deliver consistent, branded experiences that scale globally.
By centralizing course creation, delivery, and tracking in a single platform, you can ensure quality and consistency across all learning initiatives. This approach is particularly valuable for organizations with distributed teams or complex training needs.
By modernizing their learning environment with Docebo, Kiehl’s achieved a 100% completion rate for its onboarding and virtual sustainability courses while simultaneously rolling the program out to employees in 45+ new countries—demonstrating how a unified, branded platform can guarantee every new hire is fully ramped and customer-ready on a truly global scale.
Integrated, AI-powered platforms streamline the entire e-learning content lifecycle—from creation through delivery to analysis. This comprehensive approach saves time, reduces costs, and improves learning outcomes.
Explore why more than 3,800 companies (like Kiehl’s) across the world trust Docebo. Book a demo today.
And don’t forget to take a tour of Creator to learn how easy it is to create courses in the Docebo enterprise AI learning platform.
Frequently asked questions about creating e-learning courses
What file formats should I use when publishing an e-learning course?
The most widely accepted format is SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model), which ensures compatibility with most learning management systems. Other common formats include xAPI (Experience API) for more detailed tracking, and HTML5 for mobile-friendly content. Choose based on your LMS or learning platform requirements and tracking needs.
How do I make my e-learning course accessible for learners with disabilities?
Include alt text for images, captions for videos, and ensure your course works with keyboard navigation and screen readers. Use sufficient color contrast and avoid relying solely on color to convey information. Testing with accessibility tools can identify potential issues before publication.
What’s the ideal length for an effective e-learning course?
The ideal length depends on your content complexity and learning objectives. Microlearning modules of 5-10 minutes work well for focused topics, while comprehensive subjects might require 30-45 minute modules organized into a larger course. Break longer content into logical segments with clear stopping points.
Do I need programming skills to create an e-learning course?
Modern authoring tools require no coding knowledge for standard course creation. Tools like Docebo Creator use visual interfaces that eliminate the need for programming.
