A learning path in e-learning is a planned and structured path through an electronic learning material that enables the learner to acquire information in a purposeful manner. These pathways can include content, exercises, tests, and feedback and are designed to encourage and track learning progress.

A learning path is important in e-learning courses because it supports and enhances the learning process. Since they are mostly computer-based courses, one can also speak of a “click path”. A well-designed learning path:

• Promotes motivation and commitment
  The learning path provides a clear structure and linear progress, which motivates the learner and encourages him to continue.
• Ensures that important concepts are understood
  The learning path can be designed so that the most important concepts are introduced first and then explored in greater depth.
• Tracks progress
  A learning path can track the learner’s progress and indicate which areas need improvement.
• Provides feedback
  A learning path can provide feedback to the learner to confirm learning progress or identify problem areas.
• Promotes the application of the acquired knowledge
  A well-designed learning path should also provide opportunities to apply the acquired knowledge in practical exercises or projects.

Overall, a learning path in e-learning can be an effective way to support and enhance learning. Elements such as storytelling can be designed based on the learning path so that it conveys the practical influences of the learning content throughout the e-learning.

To create an effective learning path, consider the following steps:

• Define the learning objective
  Think about what you want to achieve with the learning path and formulate clear and measurable learning objectives.
• Identify the target audience
  Think about who your target audience is and what their needs and prior knowledge are.
• Think about a structure
  Think about how you can present the learning in a logical and effective way by breaking it down into smaller sections.
• Choose suitable learning formats
  Consider which learning formats are best for your audience and learning objective, e.g., texts, videos, audio recordings, quizzes, exercises, etc.
• Review and test the learning path
  Review and test the learning path before you publish it. Make sure it is intuitive to use and effectively communicates the learning objectives.
• Monitor and evaluate the learning pathway
  Monitor and evaluate the learning pathway regularly to see if it is meeting the needs and expectations of learners and if there is a need to improve it.

By following these steps, you can create an effective and successful learning path that meets the needs and expectations of your audience and helps them achieve their learning goals.

A simple textual overview of a simple learning path might look like this:

• Introduction: Welcome to the e-learning course “Introduction to XYZ”. In this section you will be informed about the learning objective and the structure of the course.
• Basics: This section teaches the basic concepts and terms of XYZ. This content is taught with the help of texts, graphics and quizzes.
• Application: In this section, you will learn how to apply the concepts and terms to practical applications. This section includes exercises and interactive tutorials.
• Deepening: In this section, the concepts and terms are deepened and further explained. This content is taught with the help of texts, graphics, videos and quizzes.
• Summary: In this section, the key concepts and terms are again summarized and reviewed.
• Graduation: Congratulations! You have successfully completed the e-learning course “Introduction to XYZ”. In this section, you will be asked to provide a brief evaluation of the course to help us improve it.

This is just a simple overview, but you can design the learning path to meet your needs and requirements. It is important that it is logically structured and easy to understand so that learners can achieve the learning objective.

More complex learning paths can be found in our e-learning formats. They were created, based on a wide variety of content types (video, graphics, audio, …) and opportunities for collaboration on a wide variety of customer projects.

Storytelling is important in knowledge transfer because it captures the attention of the listener/learner and helps them remember and understand better. Here’s what storytelling can accomplish:

• Improves understanding
  Stories can make complex concepts and information more vivid and understandable by creating an emotional and narrative context.
• Increases engagement
  Stories can increase listener/learner engagement by capturing their attention and getting them emotionally involved.
• Supports memory formation
  Stories can anchor information better in memory because they are associated with emotions and images that are easier to remember.
• Conveys values and beliefs
  Stories can also be used to communicate values and beliefs by showing how certain behaviors or choices have positive or negative consequences.