Stress Free Tips for Creating e-Learning Modules
Creating e‑learning modules can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out. In one of my previous roles, a large part of my job was to create e‑learning modules from scratch—often on topics I knew nothing about. It was a steep learning curve, and I quickly realised I needed a clear method and structure to make the process manageable. Over time, I developed a simple approach that helped me stay organised, reduce stress, and produce engaging, learner‑friendly content. I’m sharing those steps here in the hope they help you too.
Start With Clear Goals
Before you write a single word, define what you want your learners to walk away with. Setting clear learning outcomes early helps you stay focused when gathering content.
For example, when creating a module about a company product, I would structure it like this:
- Begin with the background or history
- Move into product functionality
- Finish with the benefits for customers
Having this roadmap upfront makes the rest of the process far smoother.
Do Your Research
If you’re new to the subject matter, research becomes your best friend. I relied on:
- Internal documentation
- Conversations with subject matter experts (SMEs)
A quick tip about SMEs: they often think they’re simplifying things, but they still assume you have baseline knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask questions—yes, even the ones that feel “dumb.” Listen carefully, repeat back what you’ve understood in your own words, and keep going until the explanation is genuinely clear. This is what allows you to translate complex information into simple, learner‑friendly content.
During this stage, I would dump everything I found into a Word document. No structure. No editing. Just a raw collection of potentially useful information.
Build the Flow
Once you’ve gathered your research, start shaping it.
- Group similar information under sub‑headings
- Remove duplicates
- Create a logical narrative that flows smoothly from one idea to the next
Your module should feel like a story—not a series of disconnected facts. A clear flow keeps learners engaged and prevents confusion.
Re-Write in Your Own Words
Never copy and paste. Rewriting ensures the content is accurate, digestible, and aligned with your brand’s tone.
Here are the key things to consider:
Know Your Audience – Pitch the content at the right level. If your learners are non‑technical, avoid jargon. If they’re experienced, don’t oversimplify.
Use Accessible Language – Many of my modules were about technical products, but the goal was to make them understandable for everyone. That meant using simple, clear language without being patronising.
For soft‑skills modules, the tone shifted slightly—assuming a baseline understanding and building on it with practical tips.
Choose the Right Tone of Voice – I prefer a conversational tone because it feels more human and keeps people reading. Overly formal writing can be off‑putting, especially in e‑learning
Keep Learners Engaged
Nobody wants to sit through a module that’s just text. People learn in different ways, so mix it up:
- Add videos
- Use graphics
- Include knowledge checks or short quizzes throughout
These elements help reinforce learning and keep the experience interactive.
Review Your e-Learning Modules Thoroughly
Before launching, always get a few people to review your module:
- An SME can confirm accuracy
- Someone with an eye for detail can catch typos or inconsistencies
Fresh eyes make a huge difference.
Upload and Launch
Once your reviews are complete, upload the module to your Learning Management System (LMS). We used JollyDeck, but there are many options available.
Do one final check to ensure everything looks good and functions correctly—then it’s time to launch!
Gather and Act on Feedback
Feedback is gold. Ask learners what worked, what didn’t, and what they’d like more of. Acting on this feedback will help you continuously improve your modules and build your confidence
In Conclusion
As you continue to create e‑learning modules, your confidence will grow. Listen to your learners, refine your approach, and enjoy the creative process. E‑learning is incredibly rewarding when you see your content helping others develop new skills.
If you’d like advice or support with creating your own e‑learning modules, I’d be happy to help.