Module 3: Learning Path Architecture

Overview

Great content needs great structure. This module reveals how to transform your research into a compelling learning journey that guides students from confusion to confidence. You'll learn the exact architectural decisions that make courses effective.

What You'll Learn

Designing clear learning progressions
Writing compelling course overviews
Structuring modules for maximum impact
Creating meaningful prerequisites
Estimating time requirements accurately

Prerequisites

Completed Modules 1 & 2
Research materials ready
Example structures provided to AI
Understanding of your target audience
35 minutes for design work

The Architecture Process

Building on Your Foundation

Now that you've:

Researched your topic thoroughly
Shown AI your content structure

It's time to architect the learning journey.

The Learning Journey

Notice the progression in successful courses:

Foundation first → Build confidence
Skills layer → Add complexity
Application → Real-world use
Mastery → Advanced techniques

This is intentional architecture.

Designing Learning Progressions

The Cognitive Load Principle

Structure modules to manage cognitive load:

Design a learning path for [TOPIC] that:
1. Introduces one major concept per module
2. Builds on previous knowledge
3. Provides practice before advancing
4. Includes reflection points
5. Prevents overwhelm

Progressive Complexity

Ask AI to structure complexity:

Arrange these [TOPIC] concepts from simplest to most complex:
- [Concept 1]
- [Concept 2]
- [Concept 3]
- [Concept 4]
- [Concept 5]

Explain why this order makes sense for beginners.

The 70-20-10 Rule

Structure each module:

70% new content
20% reinforcement
10% preview of next topic

Writing Course Overviews

The Hook-Promise-Plan Formula

Every course needs:

Hook: Why this matters
Promise: What you'll achieve
Plan: How you'll get there

Crafting Your Overview

Write a compelling course overview for [TOPIC]:
- Start with why it matters NOW
- List 5-7 specific achievements
- Show the transformation
- Include time investment
- End with excitement

Example Structure

# [COMPELLING TITLE]

[TAGLINE THAT PROMISES TRANSFORMATION]

[TIME] hours | [X] modules | [LEVEL]

## What you'll achieve

- [SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1]
- [SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2]
- [SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3-7]

## Prerequisites

- [REQUIREMENT 1]
- [REQUIREMENT 2]

## Course Modules

[MODULE OVERVIEW CARDS]

Module Structure Design

The Effective Module Formula

Each module needs:

Overview (Why + What)
Prerequisites (What you need)
Core Content (The teaching)
Exercises (The practice)
Checkpoint (The proof)

Module Scoping

Ask AI to scope modules:

I have 4 hours of content about [TOPIC].
Divide into modules where each:
- Teaches one core skill
- Takes 30-45 minutes
- Has clear outcomes
- Builds on previous modules
- Includes practice time

The Opening Hook

Every module should start strong:

Write an opening paragraph for a module on [TOPIC] that:
- Connects to learner's goals
- Shows immediate value
- Creates curiosity
- Sets expectations

Prerequisites That Work

Effective Prerequisites

Bad: "Basic computer knowledge" Good: "Ability to create files and navigate folders" Best: "Completed Module 1 with Git repository created"

Prerequisite Patterns

Define prerequisites for [MODULE]:
- Technical requirements (specific)
- Knowledge requirements (from previous modules)
- Project requirements (what they should have)
- Time requirements (realistic estimate)

Progressive Prerequisites

Module 1: Just enthusiasm
Module 2: Output from Module 1
Module 3: Skills from 1 & 2
Module 4: Working project
Module 5: Deployed solution
Module 6: Everything prior

Time Estimation

Realistic Time Estimates

Our formula:

Reading/watching: 1 minute per 200 words
Exercises: 2-3x the demo time
Checkpoint tasks: 15-30 minutes
Confusion buffer: +20%

Time Estimation Prompt

Estimate time for this module:
[MODULE CONTENT]

Consider:
- Reading speed (200 wpm)
- Exercise complexity
- Potential confusion points
- Checkpoint task
Give conservative estimate.

Creating Module Flow

The Engagement Curve

Structure modules to maintain engagement:

Start: Hook with relevance
↗️ Build: Core concepts
➡️ Practice: Hands-on work
↗️ Challenge: Stretch skills
✓ Success: Checkpoint completion

Transition Design

Between modules:

Write a transition that:
- Celebrates completion
- Previews next module
- Maintains momentum
- Shows progression

Working with AI on Architecture

The Architecture Prompt

After providing examples:

Using the structure from our examples, create a learning path for [TOPIC]:

Requirements:
- 6 modules progressing from beginner to competent
- Each module 30-45 minutes
- Clear prerequisites chain
- Practical checkpoint tasks
- Matches our platform style

Include:
- Compelling overview
- Module descriptions
- Time estimates
- Learning objectives

Iteration Process

First attempt rarely perfect:

This is good, but let's adjust:
- Module 2 seems too advanced for beginners
- Add a module on [MISSING TOPIC]
- Make prerequisites more specific
- Strengthen the course promise

Practical Architecture Exercise

Design Your Learning Path

Let's architect your course:

Define the Transformation

My course takes learners from [STARTING POINT] to [END GOAL]

Module Breakdown

Break [TOPIC] into 4-6 modules where each module:
- Has one core outcome
- Builds on previous
- Takes 30-45 minutes
- Includes practice

Write Overview

Write course overview using Hook-Promise-Plan formula

Design Prerequisites

Create prerequisite chain for all modules

Estimate Time

Calculate realistic time for entire course

Advanced Architecture Patterns

The Spiral Method

Revisit concepts with increasing depth:

Module 1: [TOPIC] basics (simple)
Module 3: [TOPIC] application (deeper)
Module 5: [TOPIC] mastery (advanced)

The Project Method

One project throughout:

Module 1: Start project
Module 2: Add features
Module 3: Enhance functionality
Module 4: Deploy project
Module 5: Optimize and scale

The Problem-Solution Method

Each module solves a problem:

Module 1: "I can't [PROBLEM]" → [SOLUTION]
Module 2: "I need [PROBLEM]" → [SOLUTION]
Module 3: "How do I [PROBLEM]" → [SOLUTION]

Common Architecture Mistakes

Mistake 1: Kitchen Sink Modules

❌ Module 1: Everything about [TOPIC] ✅ Module 1: Just [TOPIC] fundamentals

Mistake 2: No Clear Progression

❌ Random skill collection ✅ Each module enables the next

Mistake 3: Unrealistic Time

❌ "Learn [COMPLEX TOPIC] in 10 minutes" ✅ "30 minutes to [SPECIFIC SKILL]"

Quality Checks

Architecture Review

Review this learning path structure:
[YOUR STRUCTURE]

Check for:
- Logical progression
- Realistic scope
- Clear outcomes
- Time accuracy
- Engagement factors

Student Journey Map

Map the student journey through this course:
- What they know at start
- What they learn each module
- Where they might struggle
- How they'll feel at end

Checkpoint Task

Your Mission

Design a complete learning path architecture:

Course Overview
- Compelling hook
- Clear promise
- Module outline
- Time commitment
Module Structure
- 4-6 modules
- Clear progression
- Specific outcomes
- Time estimates
Prerequisites Chain
- Starting requirements
- Module prerequisites
- Progressive building
Engagement Design
- Module hooks
- Transition points
- Success moments
Documentation
- Save your architecture
- Note design decisions
- Plan content creation

Success Criteria

✅ Clear learning journey
✅ Logical progression
✅ Realistic timing
✅ Compelling overview
✅ Ready for content creation

Architecture Templates

Course Overview Template

# [COURSE TITLE]

[COMPELLING TAGLINE]

[TIME] hours | [X] modules | [LEVEL]

## What you'll achieve
- [SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1]
- [SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2]
- [SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3-7]

## Prerequisites
- [REQUIREMENT 1]
- [REQUIREMENT 2]

## Course Modules

### Module 1: [TITLE]
**[TIME]**
[ONE-LINE DESCRIPTION]

[Continue for all modules...]

Module Planning Template

Module X: [TITLE]
- Core Concept: [ONE MAIN IDEA]
- Prerequisites: [FROM PREVIOUS MODULES]
- New Skills: [WHAT THEY'LL LEARN]
- Practice: [EXERCISE TYPE]
- Checkpoint: [HOW THEY PROVE LEARNING]
- Time: [REALISTIC ESTIMATE]
- Enables: [WHAT'S POSSIBLE NEXT]

Next Steps

You've architected your course! Module 4 will show you:

Writing engaging content
Creating effective exercises
Designing checkpoint tasks
Balancing theory and practice

Preparation for Module 4

Finalize your architecture
Choose one module to develop
Gather any specific examples needed

Ready to create compelling content? Module 4 teaches content mastery!

Designing Learning Path Architecture with AI

Prerequisites

Next Steps

Your Progress