Full Answer
Before we dive into how to use WordPress and Sensei, let’s talk some about learning management systems. In simplest terms, a learning management system (LMS) is a tool that allows educators to deliver lessons and administer courses online. This can be part of an online schooling program or for professional training.
There are several steps that go into creating an LMS, beginning with creating the course you’ll be teaching. Some people may choose to write their course content inside the LMS itself, while others may upload their content from existing material. You can also include sources from online material, such as essays, videos, news articles, and more.
There are a number of benefits of using an LMS, some of which we’ve learned in the last year.
If you’re familiar with WordPress, you might be surprised to learn you can use it to create a learning management system. WordPress is an incredibly versatile site-building tool that makes it easy for anyone from beginners to web coding experts to create their own website.
Sensei is one of those LMS plugins that can help you easily create the learning system you need. Because Sensei is a WordPress plugin, it can integrate seamlessly with your site and make it easy to set up your courses.
One of the best things about using Sensei to build your LMS is that you don’t have to have any coding experience whatsoever. Writing a traditional LMS means hiring a developer with experience creating these systems. But with Sensei, you just install the plugin with your favorite theme, and you’re off to the races!
When you set up your LMS, your first step is going to be installing Sensei on your WordPress platform. Make sure you have your WordPress website set up, including selecting a compatible theme (more on that later).
Regular pricing for Sensei is listed from $149.00 – $299 per year although sales occur during the year that allow for purchasing at a lower rate. As of this writing, the pricing shows $129.00 – $249.00.
Most of the courseware plugins covered in this series use extensions to enhance their offering. As with the others, Sensei provides some extensions for free, while others are premium.
Each of the plugins and platforms that I cover provide the ability to create lessons and quizzes. They all have a slightly different vocabulary for describing the course structure and they have different ways to configure and assign items within that structure. For Sensei under the course, you have modules with lessons ordered within the modules.
The following information is excerpted from the upcoming Sensei course within my program How to Build an Online Course. Make sure you’re on the mailing list to get alerts when the course launches.
Grab my Platform Planning Workbook. This is Workbook 1 in the How to Build an Online Course Series. Plus I'll send you additional information to help you build and launch your online courses.
Provide certification training, formal education, or simply share your knowledge — Sensei LMS can help you accomplish all your course creation goals.
Create courses directly in the WordPress editor and customize them to your brand and course requirements.
Integrate videos, slideshows, image galleries and other rich media into your lessons and quizzes to reinforce concepts and assess their understanding of the subject.
With Sensei you can easily manage your students, evaluate their grades, track course progress, and set a course content schedule. You can also provide personal attention and feedback via instant messaging.