What are learning paths? Definition explained!

Table of contents

1. What are learning paths?
2. The key elements of learning paths
3. Learning pathway example
4. How to create effective online learning paths in Easy LMS

What are learning paths?

Learning paths are like well-thought-out roadmaps for education

Learning paths are like well-thought-out roadmaps for education. They guide learners through a structured journey of gaining knowledge. They're not just a random collection of courses but carefully designed to make learning more interesting, efficient, and personalized to each person's needs.

Learning paths enable knowledge to advance steadily as courses build upon each other. This gradual progression is learner-friendly, helping learners become more skilled in the subject. As a result, it boosts their self-confidence and self-reliance, making them feel genuinely capable of comprehending and applying the knowledge [1].

Do you want to know more about the benefits of a learning path? Check out this article.

The key elements of learning paths

Think of a learning path like a recipe. You need to add all the ingredients to make it a success. If you miss an element, it'll collapse like a deflated pudding. Here is a comprehensive list of the elements that a well-rounded learning path should include:

1. Learning objectives: Provide your learners with a clear and specific learning objective they can work towards. Learning objectives help learners understand what they will gain from the path and provide a sense of direction.
2. Content: The core material or resources that make up the learning path. This can include textbooks, articles, videos, online courses, and any other materials relevant to the subject matter.
3. Sequencing: The content's presentation order matters. Arrange it logically, beginning with prerequisites and moving on to advanced topics. This sequential structure should support gradual skill development and progression.
4. Timeframes: Suggest timeframes for completing each part of the learning path. Time management is crucial for successful learning.
5. Feedback: Create opportunities for reflection and feedback at every step of the learning journey. This empowers learners to identify their strengths and areas for improvement while also giving you the chance to fine-tune the training materials.
6. Support and resources: Information about where to go for help, such as contact information for instructors, discussion forums, or external resources for further exploration. For online learning paths, this is especially important.
7. Tracking and progress reporting: Tools or systems to help learners track their progress through the learning path. This can include a progress bar, completion badges, dashboards, or analytics.
8. Assessments: Enhance the learning path with interim assessments to better understand your learners' progress. These check-ins help learners solidify their knowledge and remember what they've learned. Cap it off with a final test to see if they've met their goals.
9. Recognition of achievement: Wrap up a successfully completed learning path with a reward or recognition. This strengthens the sense of achievement! And a certificate or diploma always adds a little extra motivation.

Customize your learning path to accommodate different learning styles

Just like with a recipe, the same applies to a learning path: be flexible. Add more of one ingredient and less of another until you find the ideal combination. After all, everyone has different learning styles and paces. Customize your learning path to accommodate this diversity. For instance, keep extra information on hand for those who want to delve deep into a specific topic.

Furthermore, it's crucial to keep evolving your learning path. Feedback is essential here. Ask learners for their opinions and use their input to enhance the overall learning experience [2].

Learning pathways example

Now that we know the components that make up a learning path, let's make it even more tangible with the help of learning pathway examples:

Example of an online learning pathway

Goal: Learn how to optimize text for SEO

• Module 1: SEO: Why should you use it?
• Module 2: Three SEO pillars: technology, content, and links
• Quiz time on SEO terminology
• Module 3: Optimizing your texts
• Module 4: Finding and determining keywords
• Module 5: Strategically incorporating keywords into your pages
• Assignment time: Do keyword research and write a short text
• Module 6: Recap SEO writing tips
• Module 7: Tools: measure your progress and work faster
• Self-assessment: How happy are you with the progress
• Module 8: Meta description, tags, and keywords
• The end test consists of multiple-choice questions.

Each module includes:

• Videos
• Infographics
• Resources for extra information [3]

How to create effective online learning paths in Easy LMS

Intuitively drag and drop your Courses and Exams into the preferred sequence

You’ll definitely need our Academy add-on. With this powerful add-on, you have the freedom to establish groups within your Academy that align seamlessly with your customers' unique departments, such as HR, communication, and office management.

But that's not all. The true magic lies in your ability to fine-tune the training materials for each group, crafting a tailor-made learning path that leads your customers' employees through a curated sequence of courses and resources. The process is a breeze. Effortlessly design custom learning paths in your Academy by intuitively dragging and dropping your Courses and Exams into the preferred sequence. Make the order mandatory to guarantee path completion.

Useful resources

1. Teach floor
2. Instancy
3. Learn Experts

Frequently Asked Questions