Here's an example of one way to simulate multiple learning paths in a single course.

The example came from a recent forum question where a user wanted to offer separate learning paths with his course. Learners would select the learning path that aligned with their job role. They wouldn't have to go through the other content since it was unrelated to their current role.

I like this example because it’s a great introduction to branching.  The branching occurs on Slide 1 where learners select their job role. After that, it’s more or less a linear course.

Each slide includes a simple course map to help visualize your current place in the course.  The map also shows how the navigation buttons, combined with the on-slide buttons, move learners across slides.

Keep in mind that while it’s possible to create multiple learning paths in a course, it might not be your best option for larger courses.  An alternative might be to create a static, HTML start screen and have each button load a job-specific course.

Video course:

View screencasts on Screenr:

  1. Introduction
  2. Slide Masters
  3. Content slides and placeholders
  4. Slide navigation and hyperlinking
  5. Slide Properties and branching
  6. Player customization

Source files

Post written by David Anderson

13 Comments
David Anderson
David Anderson
art mahoney
Rebecca Fleisch Cordeiro

Regarding Jennifer Diaz's question: "What if you create the course branching and, at a later date, need to add a slide to a specific scenario? Will the added slide mess up the branching? Also, will the added slide mess up the hyperlinks at the beginning?" I just completed this tutorial series...it was great! TX, David. And to answer the question, I added slides to two of the "roles" by duplicating (or copying) existing slides. ---BRANCHING: I needed to adjust previous or next "assignments" depending on where the slide was "inserted." Its position dictated whether it should be using the default previous/next buttons, or whether the Learner should be taken to the Home or Conclusion slides. --BRANCHING: Because PowerPoint automatically adjusts the slide numbers when new slides are ins... Expand