The Online Learning Minute: What is Backwards Design?

 

Welcome back to the Online Learning Minute with Brian Runo at Marketscale. Today we’re going to explore the Backwards Design.

Personally, I use backwards design in the majority of my developments because I want to be absolutely sure that the learning objectives are assessed correctly and content is more oriented toward the big picture. Instead of building out a course in a linear fashion, you’ll want to first start with identifying the desired results, or setting up your learning objectives.

Next, you’ll begin working on the assessments and determining what evidence would demonstrate that the learner has acquired the necessary knowledge.

Last, you’ll build out the content to support those assessments. Any videos, written pieces, graphics would begin production after the assessments to ensure that the learning activities will make the desired results happen. I personally prefer this over a typical development where we have broad concepts of content to be taught and then design a test around those content pieces.

In businesses, we have a specific set of goals that we want to accomplish through online learning, and backwards design can help to achieve those goals and remain within budget.

That was your Online Learning Minute with Brian Runo!

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

identity
Identity Fuels Direction: Understand Who You Are to Lead with Purpose and Navigate What’s Next
June 25, 2025

The nature of leadership is shifting. As organizations face rapid change, the leaders best equipped to navigate it are those who understand themselves first. Executive development programs now center identity as the foundation for decision-making, strategy, and culture. McKinsey’s The State of Organizations 2023 highlights that developing self-awareness—what it calls a “leader self-journey”—is essential for…

Read More
values-based leadership
The Power of Values-Based Leadership: Lead with Purpose and Align Your Work with What Matters Most
June 25, 2025

Many executives climb the ladder of business achievement only to realize it rests against the wrong wall. According to research, 89% of Gen Z and 92% of millennials say purpose is vital to job satisfaction and well-being. As these generations move into leadership roles, the demand for values-based leadership frameworks that connect personal purpose to…

Read More
focus
Finding Focus Through Community: A Purpose Factory Success Story
June 25, 2025

Solopreneurs often face confusion when navigating early-stage business growth. Purpose Factory provides the structure, support, and clarity needed to build focus and momentum. Julian Placino, Founder of Pathways Media, shares how the peer-driven environment fueled his transformation from scattered efforts to a focused media business and the production of the Ultimate Coding Championship. He credits Purpose…

Read More
growth-oriented community
Purpose Factory: A Growth-Oriented Community for Leaders Rooted in Self-Improvement, Accountability, and Helping Others Grow
June 25, 2025

As more professionals seek development beyond traditional coaching, growth-oriented communities are emerging as powerful spaces for accountability, transparency, and purpose-driven leadership. These networks bring together executives committed to personal growth and meaningful impact. In this short video, Donald J. Glacy, Founder and Mentor at Purpose Factory, shares the vision behind building a growth-oriented community for…

Read More