How to Develop an Online Training Course

Lesson 1 • Roles in Course Development

Defines the responsibilities of instructional designers, subject matter experts, and developers. Clarifies collaboration structures students will navigate in real projects.

Lesson 2 • How People Learn Online

Examines cognitive load, attention spans, and memory retention specific to screen-based learning. Informs content chunking and pacing decisions throughout the course.

Lesson 3 • Adult Learning Principles Explained

Covers andragogy, self-direction, and experience-based learning as applied to digital contexts. Grounds all subsequent design decisions in learner-centered theory.

Lesson 1 • Choosing the Right Delivery Model

Compares self-paced, instructor-led, blended, and cohort models against audience and objective data. Selecting the correct model prevents costly redesign later.

Lesson 2 • Defining Your Target Audience

Guides creation of learner profiles covering demographics, prior knowledge, and technical access. Audience clarity drives every subsequent content and design decision.

Lesson 3 • Conducting a Training Needs Analysis

Teaches gap analysis methods to distinguish training problems from non-training problems. Ensures course development effort targets real performance deficiencies.

Lesson 4 • Setting Measurable Learning Objectives

Applies Bloom's Taxonomy to write action-verb objectives tied to observable outcomes. Objectives become the blueprint for content, activities, and assessments.

Lesson 1 • Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction

Maps Gagne's instructional events to online module structure for systematic engagement. Provides a lesson-level checklist applicable to any content type.

Lesson 2 • Backward Design for Alignment

Applies Wiggins and McTighe's backward design to ensure assessments and content serve stated objectives. Eliminates misalignment between what is taught and what is tested.

Lesson 3 • Selecting and Adapting a Framework

Guides evaluation of project constraints to choose and customize the most suitable design model. Students finalize their framework choice for use in subsequent chapters.

Lesson 4 • The ADDIE Model in Practice

Breaks down Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate phases with practical tasks at each stage. Provides a repeatable process scaffold for any course project.

Lesson 1 • Scripting Video and Audio Content

Guides production of narration scripts optimized for listening rather than reading. Scripts built here feed directly into the media production chapter.

Lesson 2 • Incorporating Real-World Examples

Demonstrates how case studies, scenarios, and job-relevant examples increase transfer of learning. Connects abstract objectives to authentic workplace situations.

Lesson 3 • Writing for Online Learners

Covers plain language, active voice, and conversational tone suited to screen reading. Applies directly to scripts, slide text, and on-screen instructions.

Lesson 4 • Structuring Content Logically

Applies sequencing strategies such as simple-to-complex and known-to-unknown for online modules. Logical structure reduces cognitive load and supports retention.

Lesson 1 • Ensuring Validity and Reliability

Applies item analysis and alignment checks to confirm assessments measure what they claim to measure. Validity and reliability protect the credibility of course completion data.

Lesson 2 • Scenario-Based and Performance Assessments

Designs branching scenarios and task simulations that assess higher-order thinking and application. These formats align with complex objectives requiring judgment and decision-making.

Lesson 3 • Providing Meaningful Feedback

Teaches corrective, explanatory, and motivational feedback strategies for automated and instructor-led contexts. Effective feedback closes the learning loop and reduces repeat errors.

Lesson 4 • Writing Effective Quiz Questions

Covers multiple-choice, true/false, and short-answer construction with common error patterns to avoid. Well-written questions measure learning rather than test-taking skill.

Lesson 1 • Visual Design Principles for Learning

Applies contrast, alignment, proximity, and repetition to instructional slide and screen design. Strong visual design reduces extraneous cognitive load and guides attention.

Lesson 2 • Accessibility in Media Design

Embeds captions, transcripts, alt text, and color contrast standards into media production workflows. Accessible media meets learner diversity needs and regulatory expectations.

Lesson 3 • Recording and Editing Video

Guides screen recording, talking-head, and screencast production with basic editing techniques. Video assets built here are integrated in the authoring chapter.

Lesson 4 • Creating Instructional Graphics

Covers diagrams, infographics, and process visuals that replace or supplement text explanations. Graphics must carry instructional weight, not serve as decoration.

Lesson 1 • Adding Interactions and Animations

Implements click-to-reveal, drag-and-drop, and timeline animations to increase active engagement. Interactions must serve learning objectives, not add visual complexity without purpose.

Lesson 2 • Choosing an Authoring Tool

Compares slide-based, responsive, and HTML5 authoring tools across cost, capability, and output standards. Tool selection determines workflow and LMS compatibility throughout production.

Lesson 3 • Building Course Structure in the Tool

Covers creating scenes, slides, and navigation hierarchies that reflect the designed content outline. Proper structure ensures learners move through content in the intended sequence.

Lesson 4 • Integrating Assessments in the Tool

Embeds quiz questions, branching scenarios, and result slides with scoring and feedback logic. Assessment integration connects the design work from Chapter 5 to the live course.

Lesson 1 • Deploying on a Learning Platform

Covers LMS selection criteria, course upload, enrollment setup, and launch communication strategies. Successful deployment ensures learners can access and complete the course without friction.

Lesson 2 • Iterating and Maintaining the Course

Establishes a content maintenance schedule, version control practices, and criteria for major redesign. Ongoing maintenance preserves course accuracy and learner trust over time.

Lesson 3 • Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Evaluation

Applies reaction, learning, behavior, and results evaluation levels to measure training effectiveness. Each level requires different data sources and collection timing.

Lesson 4 • Collecting and Analyzing Learner Data

Uses LMS reports, completion rates, quiz analytics, and survey responses to diagnose course performance. Data analysis identifies specific modules or questions needing revision.