What's your workflow for keeping e-learning courses organized?

faisalmehboob​: It's great that you're thinking about how to organize projects before the files get overwhelming.

First, consider what needs to be kept from version to version—or if you even need to keep previous versions after a new version is approved and published. For example, a highly regulated industry might require that the exact content in every version be available during an audit. Less strict companies might prefer to save storage space by only keeping the current version (that is, keep only the source files that will be used when an update is needed). 

Also consider how to group types of content, such as graphics or original resource files.

As an example, this is what the file structure looked like for one of my clients in a highly regulated industry: 

In the example, version 2 is still in progress. That's why there are multiple .story files in that folder. A .story file that was published for review would no longer be updated. Instead, a copy of that would be updated based on the review. That cycle would repeat for however many rounds of reviews were allowed. When a file was finalized/approved, earlier versions would be deleted. 

Naming conventions could be adjusted as desired. For example, if every project gets a unique number, it might make sense to start the folder and project file names with that number. In other words, consider how names will sort alphanumerically and how you and others might search for files. 

• That's why I use the YYYY-MM-DD format for dates. Sorting alphanumerically = sorting chronologically.
• Unfortunately, Rise courses present a challenge, because there's no separate "file name." The title the user will see is the title you see in your Rise dashboard. (Which is why many of us have, for years, been requesting that a "version" field be included in the dashboard...) 

Also keep in mind that an organizational structure is only good when it's followed. If those responsible don't properly back up their files into the appropriate folders, then the structure falls apart.

Tagging in a few folks who I think are likely to have good advice here, faisalmehboob​! This is a great question. 

JudyNollet​ this feels right up your alley and in fact like maybe something you have already created a resource or answer around that you can point the original poster to :) 

SMcNicol​ I saw you shared an example that looks related to this a few months back. 

smous​, had a feeling you'd find this post interesting based on other conversations you've started in the past!