Before you learn which buttons to press, it helps to understand what makes a good course and why it's structured the way it is. With that in mind, you'll design curricula that are easy for learners to follow. This guide walks through the basic thinking behind course design in Manabu2.
- Start by putting into words what learners will be able to do
- Keep each course focused on a single theme
- Don't overload a course, and build in points where learners check their understanding
The most important thing in course design
The most important part of designing a course is being clear about what learners will be able to do when they finish. A course isn't a place to line up information; it's a path to gaining knowledge and skills.
- What will learners understand when they finish this course?
- What level do you want them to reach?
Writing these answers down first is the starting point for a good course.
Focus each course on one theme
Give each course one clear theme. When the theme is too broad, learners easily lose track of what they're actually learning.
| Good | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Generative AI basics | AI, security and internal tools, all in one |
| Basic rules for company information security |
Think about course length
How much you put into a course has a big effect on whether learners keep going.
About 30–90 minutes per course
A length that works well for most corporate training programs.
Easy to take in short sittings
Learners can make progress even when they can't set aside a long block of time.
Use sections to shape the flow
Inside a course, use sections to organize the flow of learning. Sections make it easier for learners to see where they are in the course.
A typical structure looks like this:
Introduction
Fundamentals
Examples and application
Summary and review
Keep each lesson to one learning point
A lesson is the smallest unit of learning. Design each lesson around:
- One topic
- One message
Build in points to check understanding
Just watching or reading isn't enough for learning to stick. Adding a short quiz to lessons partway through and at the end of the course, or giving learners a checklist, lets them check their own understanding.
Common mistakes
- Cramming in too much information
- Assuming inconsistent background knowledge
- Unclear learning goals
A course that leaves learners wanting a little more usually gets completed more readily in the end.
What to read next
The next guides show more concrete design examples.
