After completing your course storyboard and developing your content structure, the next crucial step is organizing your course in a Learning Management System (LMS). This phase is vital as it sets the stage for your course’s launch and the student experience.
Why the Right LMS Matters
Choosing the right LMS can significantly impact the ease of your course creation and your learners’ experience. Whether you are using an LMS like Thinkific, LearnWorlds, or another platform, the setup process is relatively similar. However, the platform you choose will shape how you organize, present, and deliver your course content.
Recommended Platforms
Among the options, I recommend Thinkific or LearnWorlds for their user-friendliness and excellent customer support. Notably, Thinkific and LearnWorlds integrate seamlessly with Zoom, which can be particularly beneficial during the beta testing phase of your course. This feature lets you conduct live sessions directly within your course, making the testing and learning process more interactive and engaging.
If you haven’t selected an LMS yet or want to test the features of Thinkific or Learnworlds, you can try their free trials here:
For those seeking advanced features like Zoom integration, the Pro Plans might be the right choice.
Structuring Your Course in an LMS
To effectively structure your course in an LMS, follow these guidelines:
1. Set Up Your Course Structure: Begin by entering the storyboard you’ve created into your LMS. Your course structure will typically be divided into modules, each representing a major learning goal.
2. Organize Modules and Lessons: Within each module, break down the content into lessons. Each lesson should lead students step by step toward achieving the module’s milestone. A typical lesson structure might include:
– An introduction that outlines the milestone, goal, and purpose.
– Core content that addresses what students need to learn.
– A section on how to apply this knowledge.
– Practical activities or assignments to reinforce learning.
3. Incorporate Multimedia and Support Materials: Use a variety of content formats to keep learners engaged. This might include videos (5-15 minutes long), audio recordings, downloadable PDFs, quizzes, and assignments. Thinkific and LearnWorlds allows for easy integration of these elements, ensuring your course is interactive and supportive of different learning styles.
4. Create Engaging Module Introductions: Start each module with a compelling introduction that sets the tone for the lessons ahead. This could include a brief overview, learning outcomes, and the relevance of the module to the overall course. A well-crafted introduction can motivate students and provide context for the content they are about to engage with.
Final Checks Before Launch
Before launching your course, it’s important to review the setup checklist to ensure all elements are in place. This includes verifying that all content has been uploaded correctly, multimedia components function as intended, and interactive elements such as quizzes and assignments are correctly linked.
Get the setup checklist with The Ultimate Course Creation Guide.
Get Started with Your Course Creation
Organizing your course within an LMS is a significant step toward launching a successful online program. If you’re ready to get started or want more detailed guidance, my book, The Ultimate Course Creation Guide, provides in-depth examples and a step-by-step approach. Additionally, you can explore Thinkific and LearnWorlds with their free trials using the links below:
Sophie H Higgins 