1. Preparations
PART 1: BEFORE THE COURSE STARTS
Many courses fail before they begin
Set learners up for success
| Area | Your Plan |
| Welcome & Orientation | How will you introduce the course? (email, short video, LMS walkthrough) |
| Expectations | What do learners need to know upfront? (time, tasks, assessment) |
| Early Support | What support is available in Week 1? (tech, academic, confidence-building) |
| Access Check | How will you ensure learners can access materials and navigate the platform? |
Why this matters
Post-pilot insight: Many learners—especially those returning to education—felt overwhelmed at the start and unfamiliar with online platforms
A strong start reduces anxiety and increases early engagement