Create An Online Course Outline (+Template & Examples)

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Follow this step-by-step guide to learn the process of creating an online course outline in CreativeMindClass, a free tool used by top creators.

→ Start your course outline

How to create a course outline in 5 easy steps

Plan each lesson you need.

Planning the entire online course can be overwhelming. Sorting through piles of content creates a risk of confusion about what should be included in the course. But a clearly defined course outline will make sure it's manageable.

A course outline is a simple but incredibly useful way of planning your online course lessons. It's similar to a do-to list of every video you want to make on the day of filming the course. It usually contains a list of specific lessons with notes about content details and learning outcomes, so you won't forget a thing.

In this guide, you'll learn the pragmatic approach to creating a course outline using CreativeMindClass. You can create the outline and reference it on the video recording day so you won't forget a thing. Plus, there is a free template that will help you get started in minutes.

1. List the things you're covering

An online corse outline starts with listing the core subjects and elements you want to cover. These could be introducing yourself, course overview, hands-on project, and conclusion. No need to get into specific details yet. What could you cover in 3-10 minutes video lessons?

How to do it in CreativeMindClass

Create a new class for your course outline.
Click LESSONS tab to open it.
Click ADD LESSON button to create a new lesson.
In Lesson page tab, type LESSON TITLE.
Add 10-20 lessons to your course.

PRO TIP: It's best to list the subjects quickly and type the lesson titles without overthinking. You can change them later.

2. List the individual learning outcomes

This is the heart of the course outline. It's where you write down all the key points you want to include in each video. List specific learning outcomes and think about content that answers your audience's needs and determine the gaps your competitors don't address.

No worries, if you don't know where to begin. Below you can find a blueprint you can use for creating the first lessons for your course:

3. Use the course outline blueprint

Video lessons outline examples:

Create an "About me" lesson outline—introduce yourself.

Making your first lesson can be fun as it doesn't need much preparation. Open up by introducing yourself. What do you want your students to know about you? What makes you feel inspired? What led you to the decision to make this course? This helps new students to get to know you better.

Maybe you have any awards or mentions? It's no place for modesty here. The powerful self-introduction makes a lasting positive impression.

How to do it in CreativeMindClass

Navigate to "About me" lesson.
Type LESSON DESCRIPTION to create your lesson outline.

Create a "Course overview" lesson outline—explain what this course will cover, and mention the exercises.

In the course overview, describe the course format, mention the hands-on project(s), inform if it has downloads and materials, and make a preview of what students will learn. What is the course about? What materials or equipment do they need?

This makes your students excited about the course, helps them prepare, and manages their expectations.

Create an outline for your instructional lessons—transfer your knowledge and skills.

It's time to work on lessons based on the things you want your students to learn from you. Think about learning objectives and the topics you will cover to meet these objectives. Design your lesson content around clearly defined learning objectives and exercises. This is where you decide on what your students are supposed to understand and plan activities to help them in each step. What are the key concepts that your students need to understand? What are the topics that cover it? What are the hands-on exercises you could design?

How to do it in CreativeMindClass

Type LESSON DESCRIPTION for your instructional lessons.

PRO TIP: Write short points and use them as a to-do list during the filming day.

online course outline guide step 3: List the individual learning outcomes

How to do it in CreativeMindClass

Navigate to "Course overview" lesson.
Type LESSON DESCRIPTION to create your lesson outline.

4. Go from messy to organized

You may have written the lesson plan that you've found to need to be shorter or more clear. If that's the case, consider breaking your course into sections. You can remove the lessons with no clear learning objective. Try to be ruthless and decisive at this stage so it can be a manageable exercise.

How to do it in CreativeMindClass

Click Add Section button to create a section.
Type Section title.
Add more sections to group your lessons.

PRO TIP: Group together similar themes, tips, and ideas into sections.

5. Reference it on the video recording day

Traditionally you'd print out your to-do list to refer to on the filming day. But these days, a to-do list can be accessed on phones or laptops. This way, you can check off each lesson or adjust it as you need.

And you're done!

Now that your course outline is complete, you can use it as a reference on the filming. If you are starting an online course right now, use the free template below to get set up in minutes or check out our full guide on how to create an online course.