Creating an engaging, error-free eLearning course takes more than great instructional design – it requires a structured, collaborative review process. Whether you’re using Articulate tools like Storyline and Rise 360 or other platforms, each is a great tool for content creation. A systematic approach to feedback ensures that your course meets learning objectives, technical standards, user expectations, and prioritizes the learner experience in effective eLearning course design.
Within the broader eLearning industry, robust review processes are recognized as best practice for ensuring quality and credibility.
Why eLearning Reviews Matter
Even the most experienced instructional designers can miss small errors. Reviewers bring fresh eyes and different perspectives, helping spot:
- Content gaps or inaccuracies
- Spelling and grammar issues
- Confusing instructions or navigation
- Technical faults like broken links or audio issues
Thorough eLearning reviews can positively impact business performance by reducing errors and improving training outcomes, which benefits overall business operations.
Skipping or rushing the review stage can lead to rework, compliance risks, or negative impacts on business such as reduced productivity and effectiveness.
Clarify the Review Process Early
One of the most common pitfalls in eLearning development is leaving the review process undefined. Don’t wait until the course is nearly complete—set expectations at the start.
Questions to ask before development begins:
- How many review rounds are planned?
- Who are the stakeholders providing feedback?
- What are the review timelines?
- What changes are in scope versus billable extras?
- How will feedback be shared and consolidated?
If multiple reviewers are involved, ask for a single point of contact to compile the final review version. This approach helps save time and streamlines communication, while review tools provide the ability to manage feedback efficiently. This is especially important for teams collaborating on the same course, as it prevents conflicting feedback and saves time for your team.
Version control is crucial when multiple reviewers are involved to ensure consistency and avoid confusion during the review process.
Use Review Tools to Streamline Feedback
Modern eLearning authoring tools (often referred to as an ‘authoring tool’) often include review features to simplify feedback collection. For example, Articulate Review 360 allows stakeholders to comment directly on slides or screens, keeping everything in context. These user friendly and flexible tools make content creation and feedback management much easier, removing the need for spreadsheets or email chains and speeding up revisions.
Even if you’re not using a built-in review tool, you can still streamline the process by:
- Sharing SCORM packages or HTML5 links, or distributing content via a website
- Using PDF or Word exports with slide references
- Creating a shared document or table for feedback
Whatever method you use, make sure it’s clear, consistent, and manageable for your team. A good authoring tool supports various formats and workflows, making the review process more flexible and adaptable to your organizational needs.
Step 1: Review for Content Accuracy
Start by checking that the course is factually correct and complete. This review process applies to a variety of education and training materials.
Ask:
- Are names, dates, figures, and terminology accurate?
- Is the content current and aligned with policy or practice?
- Are there any typos or spelling mistakes?
- Does the voiceover script match the on-screen text?
- Are quiz questions and answers correct?
- Are instructions clear for learners?
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are key at this stage. Their knowledge is essential for reviewing training materials to ensure accuracy and quality. A simple checklist can guide their review and help keep the process focused.
Step 2: Check for Consistency in Design and Language
A consistent learning experience builds trust and professionalism.
Review:
- Are fonts, colours, and layouts consistent across screens?
- Are headings styled the same way throughout?
- Is terminology consistent? (Stick to one term—like ‘module’, not a mix of ‘unit’ or ‘session’.)
- Are similar interactions or templates reused for a cohesive look?
Using templates within your chosen tool – whether it’s Rise, Storyline, or another platform – can help maintain visual and structural consistency. Many authoring tools offer capabilities that allow you to adapt templates for personalized learning experiences, ensuring both consistency and the flexibility to tailor content to individual or organisational needs.
Step 3: Test Functionality and User Experience
Before the course goes live, it’s important to test how it performs in the environment where it will be hosted especially if using a Learning Management System (LMS).
Test for:
- Working navigation (e.g. next buttons, menu access)
- Video and audio playback (ensure all videos play smoothly and are accessible)
- Interactive elements (drag and drop, quizzes, branching)
- Links that open correctly (internal and external)
- Mobile responsiveness
- Font size and colour contrast for readability
- Tracking learner progress and ensuring courses can be marked as completed
If you’re using tools like Articulate Storyline, test in multiple browsers and LMSs to ensure tracking and functionality are reliable. Developers should be involved in the testing process to troubleshoot issues, especially when dealing with complex training modules that require advanced customization. Be aware that new users may face a steep learning curve when testing or developing these complex training courses.
Step 4: Consider Accessibility
Accessibility isn’t optional—it’s a key part of quality assurance.
Ensure your course includes:
- Alt-text for images
- Keyboard navigation
- Closed captions or transcripts for audio
- High colour contrast and readable font sizes
- Logical tab order for screen readers
Platforms like Rise and Storyline support many of these features, but they must be enabled and tested during the review. However, some platforms are limited in their accessibility options or are unable to provide certain features, such as advanced screen reader compatibility or customizable keyboard shortcuts.
Step 5: Manage and Resolve Feedback
As feedback is collected, track which issues have been actioned and which are pending. Maintaining focus on key feedback points is crucial to avoid duplication and ensure transparency with your stakeholders. Dealing with conflicting or unclear feedback can be challenging, so clear documentation and communication are essential.
If you’re using a tool like Articulate Review, mark comments as resolved once changes are complete. For manual reviews, a shared spreadsheet or document with version history can do the same job. Using a cloud service for feedback management also provides enhanced security, data privacy, and easy access for all reviewers.
Final Tips for an Effective Review Process
- Start early: Avoid bottlenecks by planning reviews from the beginning, whether you are evaluating an online course or online training materials.
- Stay structured: Use a checklist to guide reviewers and ensure all key aspects of the online course or online training are covered.
- Limit rounds: Too many reviews = scope creep and delays. Allocate resources wisely and be prepared to pay for additional review rounds if your project requires more iterations.
- Use your tools: Take advantage of built-in review features when possible that can streamline the review process and adapt to different project needs.
- Make it collaborative: Encourage discussion, not just comment dumping. A flexible approach helps accommodate various workflows and organisational requirements.
- Leverage reviewer skills: The effectiveness of your review process depends on the skills of your reviewers. Ensure they have the necessary competencies to evaluate content quality and provide actionable feedback.
- Learn from others: Review case studies and best practices from industry leaders to see how successful organisations manage reviews and achieve high-quality results.
Final Word: Make Reviews a Standard Part of Development
Reviewing eLearning content isn’t just about fixing mistakes – it’s about improving quality, enhancing learner engagement, and building trust in your course. With a clear process, the right tools, and a commitment to collaboration, you can produce digital learning that delivers real results.
Need expert help developing or reviewing eLearning?
At B Online Learning, we help organisations create, review and optimise eLearning content using industry-leading tools like Articulate Storyline and Rise 360.
Contact us today to learn more about our eLearning development services.
