Learning Paths

Learning paths illustrate long-term training plans that run over several courses. These can consist of a mixture of online courses, blended learning courses, and classroom training. For better organisation, folders can be created in the learning path manager to describe different phases of the learning path. Dependencies can also be created between the individual courses, as with the learning logic in courses. Prerequisites can also be assigned. By using learning logic rules, open learning concepts with a freely selectable processing sequence can be mapped, as can closed scenarios in which the sequence is defined

Two learning path modes are available: content-oriented and level-based.

A content-oriented learning path is used to provide and track structured content over a longer period, e.g., for a 6-month onboarding program where a series of courses must be completed.

In a level-based learning path, a sequence of levels can also be defined (e.g., beginner, advanced, expert), which can be reached by a user who successfully completes all courses of the corresponding level. The defined levels can be linked to conditions and access restrictions.

If a learning path is completed by the learner or set by the administrator, the personal end date of the learning path is set to this point in time. A personal start date cannot be set because a learning path does not have the status “started” or “in progress“. For learning paths, the status “enrolled” is followed directly by the status “completed“.

Learners can obtain, if configured, certificates either for the overall learning path or, for level-based learning paths, for every achieved level. Learning paths can, for example, be booked by learners themselves via the catalogue. The information available for a learning path on the detail page can be configured using imc Learning Suite. A preview image also motivates participation in learning paths.

Supervisors also have the option of booking learners directly to courses within a learning path.

Like courses, learning paths also support automatic booking. Via participant management, learning path creators can define groups and job profiles for which conditions for automatic booking can then be defined.

In addition, it is also possible to define that courses contained in the path are automatically booked for the learner when the learner is booked on the learning path.

Learning paths can also be used in the recertification process. Accurate recertification periods can be specified, with the ability to add different recertification content for each period. Separate settings for this can be found by the learning path administrator in the backend.

If the learning path needs to be canceled, the cancellation applied at learning path level can be automatically applied to the courses contained in the learning path. Requesting cancellation keeps the learner on the Learning Path Description tab.

If multiple languages are available, a language switch for the learning path is also possible for the learner. When the language of the learning path is changed, all contained courses are also set to the new language.

The image above shows the Learning Path framework object relationship and creation process. A Learning Path is created from a Learning Path Template that predefines most settings, general description information, and syllabus content; therefore, the first step prior to creating a Learning Path is to check whether a related Learning Path Template has already been created. If not, a Learning Path Template must be created from a suitable Learning Path Type. The Learning Path Type is basically a master template used to predefine the available meta tag fields and default settings, as well as the available tabs to populate when creating a Course Template.

Note: The "Learning path type" function is not available in the "Content" category as it is rare to create new or re-configure Learning Path Types as they are intended as master templates to control settings. Learning Path Types are normally managed by System Administrators.