Pilot Course Development & Testing
De-risking Online Learning with Targeted Pilots
Launching a new online programme or course is a significant investment. Before committing to a full-scale rollout, a pilot course allows institutions to test, refine, and optimise their online learning strategies in a controlled, low-risk environment. At Learning Design Solutions, we design and implement pilot courses that provide valuable insights into content, engagement, and delivery effectiveness—helping institutions ensure success before scaling up.
We tailor our approach to each institution’s needs, offering flexible pilot models that can focus on stakeholder feedback, technical and accessibility testing, pedagogical effectiveness, or learner engagement. Our team provides end-to-end support, guiding institutions through planning, development, delivery, and evaluation.
Why Run a Pilot Course?
✓ Validate Course Design & Learning Approach
Test whether the course meets learning objectives, engages learners, and aligns with pedagogical best practices.
✓ Gather Stakeholder Feedback
Incorporate insights from faculty, leadership, and key institutional stakeholders to refine content and delivery before launch.
✓ Identify Technical & Accessibility Issues
Ensure the course functions seamlessly across different platforms, devices, and learning environments, meeting accessibility standards.
✓ Reduce Risk & Improve ROI
Make data-informed decisions about full programme development, avoiding costly redesigns post-launch.
How We Support Pilot Course Development
We provide comprehensive support to help institutions design, implement, and evaluate effective pilot courses, including:
✓ Strategic Planning & Pilot Design
Defining pilot objectives, selecting content, and setting success metrics.
✓ Content & Learning Experience Development
Creating sample course materials, activities, and assessments tailored to your institution’s digital learning strategy.
✓ Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation
Ensuring key stakeholders—including faculty, learning designers, and academic leads—are involved in refining course design.
✓ Technical & Accessibility Testing
Assessing course functionality on different devices, platforms, and LMS environments to ensure a seamless learning experience.
✓ Evaluation & Recommendations
Analysing feedback and performance data to refine and optimise the course for full-scale rollout.
Why Work with Learning Design Solutions?
✓ Proven Experience – Successfully piloted online learning projects for universities, professional bodies, and training providers.
✓ Scalable & Flexible Approach – Tailoring pilots to focus on design validation, stakeholder feedback, or technology testing, depending on institutional needs.
✓ Pedagogical & Technical Expertise – Combining evidence-based learning design with technical testing to ensure quality and engagement.
✓ End-to-End Support – Managing the entire pilot process, from planning to analysis, to provide clear next steps for full course development.
Case Studies: Our Pilot Course Development in Action
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) – Piloted components of the fully online Chartered Accountant qualification, ensuring effectiveness before full implementation.
Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology – Developed a pilot course to test digital learning models for engineering education, evaluating pedagogy, engagement, and delivery.
Reel Connections – Created a short-course model for the creative sector, demonstrating how pilot courses can inform broader learning strategies.
Let’s Pilot Your Online Course
A well-structured pilot course can save time, reduce costs, and ensure high-quality learning experiences. Whether testing an entire online programme or refining a single course, we help institutions make informed, strategic decisions before full-scale development.
Book a Consultation to explore how we can support your pilot course development.