Creating Learning Pathways
Build structured learning journeys with multiple courses
Overview
Learning pathways (also called Course Chains) allow you to:
- Group related courses into a structured programme
- Sequence training in a specific order
- Combine e-learning with instructor-led sessions
- Track progress across the entire pathway
How It Works
Learning pathways create structured training journeys by combining multiple learning items (courses and sessions) into a cohesive programme. The system tracks progress across all items and manages completion requirements automatically.
Pathway Components
- SCORM e-learning courses
- Calendar-based training sessions
- Can mix both types in one pathway
- Each item has its own completion tracking
Progress Tracking
- Overall pathway progress percentage
- Individual item completion status
- Automatic updates as users progress
- Shown on user dashboards
How Pathway Completion Works
Pathways support different completion requirements:
All Items Required
User must complete every course and session in the pathway:
- All SCORM courses must be completed
- All required sessions must be attended
- Pathway shows as complete only when all items are done
- Best for comprehensive training programmes
Any One Item Required
User needs to complete just one item from a group:
- Useful when multiple options meet the same requirement
- For example: "Complete any one of these safety courses"
- Pathway progresses as soon as one item is complete
- Reduces redundancy for users with existing knowledge
Percentage Completion
User must complete a specified percentage of items:
- For example: "Complete 80% of pathway items"
- Flexible for large pathways with optional content
- Progress bar shows percentage completed
Sequential vs Flexible Ordering
Pathways can be structured in two ways:
Sequential Ordering
- Items must be completed in order
- Later items are locked until prerequisites are done
- Ensures proper learning progression
- Best for foundational → advanced pathways
Flexible Ordering
- Users can complete items in any order
- All items are available immediately
- Users choose their own learning path
- Best for modular or self-paced training
How Sessions Work in Pathways
When pathways include calendar sessions:
- Booking Required - Users must book a session before it counts toward pathway completion
- Multiple Options - If a session requirement has multiple dates available, users choose which to book
- Attendance Tracking - After the session, attendance must be marked for completion to be recorded
- Pathway Progress - Once attendance is confirmed, the pathway progress updates automatically
- All Sessions Requirement - If "all" is required, users may need to book multiple sessions
Progress Calculation
The system automatically calculates pathway progress:
- Real-Time Updates - Progress updates immediately when a course is completed or session attendance is marked
- Percentage Display - Shows X% complete based on items finished vs total items
- Dashboard Visibility - Progress appears on user dashboards and reports
- Completion Status - Pathway shows as complete when all requirements are met
- Certificate Eligibility - Once complete, users may be eligible for certificates or badges
Assigning Pathways to Users
Pathways can be assigned like courses:
- Group Assignment - Assign to dynamic or static groups (recommended)
- Individual Assignment - Assign to specific users
- Mandatory Pathways - Can be set as required training
- Due Dates - Optional completion deadlines can be set
- Automatic Assignment - Can be assigned to new starters automatically
Tip
Pathways provide flexibility to combine different learning types while maintaining structured progress tracking. Users see clear progress indicators and understand what they need to complete.
Accessing Learning Pathways
- Log in as an Admin
- Go to Admin → Course Chains
- Or access via Admin → Courses and click Learning Pathways
Creating a New Pathway
1
Click Create New
- Click Create Course Chain or Add Pathway
- The creation wizard opens
2
Configure Basic Details
Pathway Name
Enter a clear, descriptive name:
- ✅ "New Manager Induction Programme"
- ✅ "Health & Safety Level 2 Pathway"
- ❌ "Course Chain 1"
Description
Add a description explaining:
- What the pathway covers
- Who it's for
- Expected outcomes
3
Set Pathway Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | Make this required for assigned users |
| Due Date | Set a completion deadline (optional) |
| Status | Active or Inactive |
| Completion Requirement | All courses, or a subset |
Completion Requirements
- All - User must complete every item in the pathway
- Any - User completes any one item
- Percentage - User completes a specific percentage
Ordering Type
- Sequential - Users must complete items in order
- Flexible - Users can complete in any order
Adding Courses to the Pathway
1
Browse Available Courses
The wizard shows all active courses you can add.
2
Select Courses
Click on courses to add them to the pathway.
3
Arrange Order
For sequential pathways:
- Drag courses to reorder
- First course must be completed before second, etc.
- Order is shown with numbers (1, 2, 3...)
4
Add Multiple Courses
Continue selecting until all required courses are added.
Adding Sessions to the Pathway
Pathways can include instructor-led sessions.
1
Add Session Component
- Look for Add Session option
- Click to add a session requirement
2
Configure Session Requirement
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Any One | User attends any one of the available sessions |
| Specific | User must attend a specific session |
| All | User must attend all linked sessions |
3
Link Available Sessions
Select which calendar sessions can fulfil this step:
- Browse available sessions
- Select one or more
- Users will choose from these when booking
Setting Visibility Rules
Control who can see the pathway.
- In the pathway settings, find Assignment Rules or Visibility
- Configure rules for Job Roles, Departments, and Locations
- Select specific values, or choose "All" to include everyone
Tip
If all rules are set to "All", everyone sees the pathway.
Saving the Pathway
Review Configuration
Before saving, check:
- Name and description are clear
- Courses are in correct order
- Sessions are linked correctly
- Visibility rules are appropriate
Save
Click Save or Create Course Chain. Once saved:
- Pathway appears in the catalog (for visible users)
- Can be assigned to groups
- Progress tracking begins
Managing Existing Pathways
Viewing Pathways
The Course Chains page shows all pathways with:
- Name and description
- Number of items (courses/sessions)
- Status (Active/Inactive)
- Member count
Editing a Pathway
- Find the pathway
- Click Edit
- Make changes
- Save
Tip
Changes to existing pathways: New courses are added for all users. Removed courses are removed from requirements. Existing progress is preserved.
Deleting a Pathway
- Find the pathway
- Click Delete
- Confirm deletion
Deleting removes the pathway structure but doesn't delete the individual courses.
What Learners Experience
Viewing a Pathway
Learners see pathways in:
- Their dashboard (if assigned)
- The training catalog
- Learning Paths section
Pathway Progress
The pathway shows:
- Overall progress percentage
- Status of each item
- Next item to complete
- Session booking options
Completing a Pathway
For sequential pathways:
- Complete first course
- Next course unlocks
- Book and attend sessions when required
- Continue until all items complete
- Pathway marked as complete
Best Practices
Logical Sequencing
Arrange courses logically:
- Foundational content first
- Build on previous learning
- Assessment/practical last
Reasonable Length
- 3-7 items is typically ideal
- Very long pathways may overwhelm learners
- Consider splitting into multiple pathways
Mix Content Types
Effective pathways often include:
- E-learning for knowledge
- Sessions for practical skills
- Assessments for validation
Clear Naming
Use names that communicate value:
- ✅ "Customer Service Excellence Programme"
- ❌ "CS Training Courses"
Examples
Example 1: Induction Pathway
Name: New Starter Induction Programme
Contents (Sequential):
- Welcome to the Company (video)
- IT Systems Training (e-learning)
- Health & Safety Basics (e-learning)
- Data Protection Essentials (e-learning)
- Team Induction Session (instructor-led)
Example 2: Leadership Development
Name: First-Time Manager Development
Contents (Sequential):
- Understanding Your Role (e-learning)
- Effective Communication (e-learning)
- Managing Performance (e-learning)
- Leadership Workshop (instructor-led - any one)
- Manager Toolkit (e-learning)
Example 3: Compliance Refresh
Name: Annual Compliance Refresh
Contents (Flexible):
- Data Protection Update
- Health & Safety Refresher
- Information Security
- Anti-Bribery Awareness
Troubleshooting
Pathway not appearing for users
- Check visibility rules
- Verify pathway status is Active
- Check user's department/role/location matches rules
Can't add a session
- Verify sessions exist and are scheduled
- Check session visibility allows this
- Ensure you have permission to modify
Users stuck in pathway
- Check if required items are available
- Verify sessions can be booked
- Look for any disabled courses
Progress not updating
- Give the system time to sync
- Have user refresh their browser
- Check individual course completion status
Related Guides
- Adding Courses - Create courses first
- Calendar Sessions - Create sessions for pathways
- Group Training Assignment - Assign pathways to groups
- Visibility Rules - Control access