Association eLearning Course Template Case Study
One Course Designed to Modernize a Full Library
Client
NAISMA
Industry
Nonprofit / Association
Service
Custom eLearning Development
Key Result
4-module course built from scratch; pilot for full library modernization
LMS
D2L Brightspace
Accessibility Standards
WCAG 2.1 AA
Case Study Summary
The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) needed a brand new forest pest management course with no existing content to draw from. KnowledgeNow applied its association course development expertise to build a four-module course using storytelling, practical case studies, and interactive knowledge checks applicable across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Built with full accessibility compliance integrated throughout, the course now serves as a pilot and instructional design template for modernizing NAISMA's broader course library.
NAISMA needed to create a course on forest pest management with no existing source material to draw from, targeting newcomers to the field and professionals seeking practical knowledge across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Their existing library consisted largely of pre-recorded webinars and text-heavy formats that did not meet modern learner engagement expectations or accessibility standards. Without a scalable instructional model, updating the library would remain difficult and resource-intensive.
KnowledgeNow developed a four-module course from the ground up, building the content framework alongside NAISMA's team through a collaborative instructional design for associations process.
Visual hierarchy techniques, redesigned interactive knowledge checks, strategic use of imagery, carousels, and embedded video replaced static text delivery. KnowledgeNow's learning design services accessibility specialist reviewed each module as it was completed, adapting graphics and knowledge checks to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
The completed course spans four modules and addresses forest pest management in a format designed to remain current and applicable across all of North America. The course, Forest Pest and Pathogen Short Course, is available to NAISMA's membership and to the broader public through paid registration.
NAISMA is pursuing continuing education credit recognition with professional societies to expand the course's reach. The course serves as a design pilot and template for modernizing NAISMA's existing library of older courses, with additional development planned.
Visual Design
Below are examples of course assets created for this project.
Testimonial
I really appreciated all the guidance and encouragement along the way. Being able to look at the big picture and think about how we could make something different from what is already out there was incredibly valuable. I see this course as a pilot for what we can do with our entire course library.
Teagan Wilmot, Education and Prevention Manager
North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA)
Frequently Asked Questions
We have no existing course content. Can KnowledgeNow still develop a course for us?
Yes. KnowledgeNow works with clients at all stages of content readiness, including situations where no source material exists. Our instructional designers guide subject matter experts through a structured content development process, building the course framework alongside the client. The NAISMA forest pest management course was developed entirely from scratch using this approach.
How does KnowledgeNow make a course engaging when the subject matter is highly technical?
KnowledgeNow uses storytelling structures, case studies, and practical scenario-based learning to make technical content accessible and memorable. For NAISMA, this meant moving away from memorization toward practical management pathways, outreach tools, and reporting procedures, woven together with real-world examples. Knowledge checks were redesigned as interactive exercises rather than simple quizzes to reinforce application, not just recall.
What accessibility standards do KnowledgeNow's courses meet?
KnowledgeNow builds accessibility into the development process rather than treating it as a final step. Our in-house accessibility specialist reviews each module as it is completed, addressing image descriptions, knowledge check design, colour contrast, and screen reader compatibility. This ensures issues are identified and resolved early, reducing rework and producing a more consistently accessible learner experience.
Can a single course serve as a template for updating an existing course library?
Yes, and this is a common outcome of working with KnowledgeNow. The NAISMA forest pest management course was deliberately designed as a pilot, establishing an instructional model, visual system, and interaction approach that can be applied across NAISMA's older courses. This reduces the cost and effort of subsequent updates by removing the need to rethink design decisions from scratch each time.
Can courses be designed to generate revenue for the organisation?
Yes. KnowledgeNow regularly works with associations and nonprofits that offer courses as a paid service to members and the public. We consider the intended audience, pricing model, and marketing pathway as part of the project scoping process. For NAISMA, this included designing the course for a clearly defined audience and structuring it to support future continuing education credit applications.
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