We are designing paths to replace and expand programs. This takes time, since programs are a cornerstone of the learners’ experience; until then, both have characteristics that can be an advantage or a disadvantage, depending on your needs. Note that program-specific features will gradually be integrated into paths in 2022.
In this article, we’ll cover the major use cases for which you should use one or the other.
Both programs and paths use courses as basic building blocks. If you need to write about a single topic that isn’t mandatory, you may want to create a standalone course instead, and share it to the Catalog.
If you need to schedule Classrooms, or send automated emails
Learn more about:
If you need courses with open-ended questions
Learn more about adding open-ended questions to a course.
If you need learners to play courses in a specific mode, with a minimum score, a time limit, or an availability date
Learn more about the following properties of a course in a program:
- choosing between Learning, Training, and Examination modes;
- adding a minimum score;
- adding a time limit (min or max);
- adding an availability date.
If you need a session-specific forum
The section Messages will be available to all users registered to the program session. Only members from a common private group will be able to see each other’s posts. Learn more in Write a post.
If you need to add requirements
You can add requirements on a program template or program session; they will not be visible in the users’ Catalog until they meet those requirements (remember that being assigned to a program session takes precedence over requirements).
If you need learners to play again courses they have already played
Learners registered to the program session will have to play all courses in the program, regardless of whether they’ve completed them before.
If you need to add users who don’t already have an account on the platform
You will then be able to invite them from the program session.
If you need OPCO logs for the session
Learn more in Download OPCO statistics.
If you need to add the session to the Public channel
Learn more in Add a session to the Public channel.
If you need to manipulate sessions through API
We’re gradually adding more routes to Paths Use Cases, but it’s not as exhaustive as the Programs ones currently.
In all other cases
In particular, paths offer the following advantages:
- they can be linear or non-linear;
- they can have optional steps;
- they can include programs and other paths;
- they can be edited by multiple users (whereas program templates can only be edited by their author, and platform administrators);
- they can be edited after a session has started.