Instructional Design Document
Table of Contents
Course Title: WordPress & Elementor Essentials: Foundations for New Team Members
Course Overview
This minicourse introduces new team members at RJSmith Creative to the foundational tools used in the agency’s web design workflow: WordPress and Elementor. The course focuses on understanding what WordPress is, how Elementor functions within it, and how these tools work together to support RJSmith Creative’s production process.
Learners begin with an overview of the WordPress + Elementor ecosystem and its role in the agency workflow. They then explore Elementor’s foundational layout model – sections, columns, and widgets – and complete small hands-on activities to apply these concepts. This course does not teach full landing page development; instead, it prepares learners for future training modules that will cover design workflows, page-building, client SOPs, and full production processes.
By the end of the minicourse, learners will understand the core structure of Elementor, know how the tools interact, and be ready for intermediate-level training.
Knowledge Gap Being Addressed by the Minicourse
New employees, interns, and entry-level web designers at RJSmith Creative often arrive with general knowledge of HTML, CSS, and basic design principles, but they typically lack familiarity with how WordPress and Elementor work together as part of the agency’s production environment. Many have never used Elementor’s section/column/widget system, do not understand how page builders integrate into the WordPress ecosystem, and may feel overwhelmed by the interface when first beginning to design.
This foundational gap can slow down onboarding and create uncertainty when team members begin working on client websites. Without a clear introduction to the tools, learners may struggle to interpret internal instructions, follow agency standards, or troubleshoot simple issues.
This minicourse fills that gap by providing a structured introduction to WordPress and Elementor, giving learners clarity on terminology, page structure, and how the tools function together. By reinforcing core concepts through guided practice and reflection, the course ensures learners build confidence and readiness for more advanced training modules. This helps streamline onboarding and prepares learners to successfully participate in future client-facing design tasks.
Target Audience and Learner Profile
Demographics
Age Range
Primarily 18–30 years old, but may include older career changers interested in web designEducation Level
Most learners have completed at least some post-secondary education or training in web development or design, including certificate programs, bootcamps, or formal college courses.Employment Status
Learners are generally in entry-level positions or internships where practical, hands-on experience is required.- Location
Learners can be located anywhere in the world, as most work for the agency can be completed remotely and asynchronously.
Background and Prior Knowledge
- Technical Skills:
- Familiarity with basic web development concepts, including HTML and CSS.
- Experience coding semantic HTML and styling websites with CSS, although proficiency levels may vary.
- Design Principles:
- An understanding of foundational design principles, such as layout, typography, and color theory.
- Limited experience applying these principles in a professional or client-facing context.
- Software Experience:
- May have experimented with website builders or CMS platforms but are likely new to WordPress and Elementor.
Skills and Dispositions
- Motivated to Learn: Learners are typically eager to acquire practical skills that can enhance their employability and performance in the workplace.
- Attention to Detail: A general willingness to follow instructions carefully to ensure tasks are completed correctly.
- Problem-Solving Mindset: Learners demonstrate curiosity and persistence when troubleshooting issues, though they may require support as they gain confidence.
- Team-Oriented: As part of a collaborative environment, learners are willing to engage with team workflows and tools such as Slack for communication and collaboration.
Other Relevant Information
- Learning Preferences:
- Many learners benefit from hands-on, visual, and guided practice opportunities rather than relying solely on theoretical instruction.
- A mix of structured learning activities and self-paced exploration appeals to this group.
- Barriers to Learning:
- Anxiety around mastering new tools or workflows in a short time frame.
- Limited exposure to troubleshooting or configuring platforms like WordPress, which can lead to a steeper learning curve.
Course Type
This minicourse is an introductory onboarding course that gives new team members a foundational understanding of WordPress and Elementor. Instead of teaching full setup procedures or client-ready workflows, the course focuses on helping learners understand what these tools are, how they work together, and how to perform basic actions inside Elementor first.
The course is intentionally simple and concept-driven. Through short lessons, demonstrations, and light practice activities, learners build confidence with the platforms before progressing to more advanced technical training. As part of RJSmith Creative’s onboarding sequence, this course ensures all new team members begin with the same baseline knowledge before moving into step-by-step production processes.
Course Modality
The minicourse will be delivered as an asynchronous online course, hosted on the agency’s existing learning platform. This modality is well-suited to the needs of the learners, as it offers the flexibility to access the material at their own pace, accommodating varying schedules and time zones. Since the agency plans to hire team members globally, asynchronous communication and learning align with the work culture, helping learners adapt to collaborating across distances.
To ensure accessibility and engagement, learners will have the option to book one-on-one appointments using an online calendar for support or clarification. These meetings will take place via Zoom, allowing for personalized assistance without disrupting the asynchronous flow of the course. This flexible modality ensures that learners from diverse backgrounds can participate fully while also preparing them for the remote, collaborative nature of their roles.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this minicourse, learners will be able to:
CLO 1. Describe the roles of WordPress and Elementor and how they work together within the RJSmith Creative production workflow.
CLO 2. Identify Elementor’s foundational layout components (sections, columns, widgets) and explain how they are used to structure a page.
CLO 3. Apply basic Elementor skills to build a simple section using headings, buttons, and other beginner-level widgets.
CLO 4. Reflect on introductory concepts in WordPress and Elementor in preparation for future training modules.
Module Objectives, Learning Activities, Assessment Strategies
Module 1: Introduction to WordPress & Elementor
Module 1 Learning Objectives (M1-LOs)
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
M1-LO1: Explain what WordPress and Elementor are and how they work together. (Aligns with CLO 1)
M1-LO2: Identify the purpose of the WordPress + Elementor workflow used at RJSmith Creative. (Aligns with CLO 1 & CLO 4)
Module 1 Learning Activities
Activity 1: Lesson — What Are WordPress and Elementor? (reading + images)
Aligns with M1-LO1
Activity 2: Video — Elementor overview (external video resource)
Aligns with M1-LO1
Activity 3: Reflection — Learner describes how WordPress and Elementor work together
Aligns with M1-LO2 & CLO 4
Module 1 Assessment Strategies
Reflection Review: Instructor evaluates understanding of WP + Elementor relationship using a short rubric or checklist.
Measures M1-LO1 and M1-LO2
Module 2: Elementor Basics Overview
Module 2 Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, learners will be able to:
M2-LO1: Identify Elementor’s structural components (sections, columns, widgets). (Aligns with CLO 2)
M2-LO2: Apply basic Elementor skills to build a simple layout. (Aligns with CLO 3)
Module 2 Learning Activities
Activity 1: Lesson — Getting Started with Elementor (instructor-created video)
Aligns with M2-LO1
Activity 2: Practice Activity — Build one section with heading + button
Aligns with M2-LO2
Activity 3: Reflection — Learner discusses first impressions of using Elementor
Aligns with CLO 4
Module 2 Assessment Strategies
Practice Activity Submission: Learner submits URL of a simple Elementor-built page
Measures M2-LO2
Reflection Review: Demonstrates conceptual understanding and personal engagement
Measures CLO 4
Final Module: Final Quiz & Wrap-Up
(No new learning objectives — this module measures cumulative understanding.)
Learning Activities & Assessments
Final Quiz: Learners complete a 10-question quiz covering foundational concepts from Modules 1–2. The quiz provides immediate feedback, including correct answers upon submission, allowing learners to self-check knowledge and reinforce understanding.
Measures CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3
Course Wrap-Up & Next Steps: Learners review a summary of key takeaways and guidance on what training module to complete next as part of the RJSmith Creative onboarding process.
Supports CLO 4
Final Module Assessment Strategies
Final Quiz (Formative Assessment):
The quiz is automatically scored by the LMS.
Learners receive instant feedback and can review all correct answers immediately after submitting.
The quiz functions as a knowledge check rather than a high-stakes assessment, helping learners confirm readiness for future training modules.
Measures CLO 1, CLO 2, and CLO 3.
Wrap-Up Review (Non-Graded):
Reinforces conceptual understanding and directs learners toward next steps in their onboarding path.
Supports CLO 4.
Subject Matter Resources
The owner of the agency, Robin Janel Smith, is the subject matter expert (SME) for this minicourse, and the design of this course will primarily rely on her experience in web design, WordPress, and Elementor, and working with clients to complete professional web projects. However, to ensure that the content is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with best practices, the course will also use external resources to supplement my knowledge:
- Elementor Academy and Official Documentation
- Elementor provides a wealth of tutorials, best practices, and troubleshooting guides through its official Elementor Academy and documentation on their website. These resources will help me stay current on new features, design techniques, and potential issues that learners may encounter.
- WordPress Codex
- The WordPress Codex, the online manual for WordPress, provides authoritative guidance on configuring and managing WordPress. These resources will be essential for ensuring that learners understand WordPress fundamentals, security best practices, and troubleshooting strategies.
- Web Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Tutorials
- Since accessibility is a key component of the minicourse, I will refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that learners incorporate accessible design practices in their landing pages. Additionally, resources like the WAVE Accessibility Tool will help provide practical guidance on testing and improving accessibility in WordPress and Elementor.
Instructional Design Model
The ADDIE model has been the most appropriate framework for this minicourse because it supports a structured, repeatable process while allowing flexibility for iteration, which is essential for an onboarding and skills-training environment. Each stage of ADDIE directly shaped how this minicourse was focused, organized, and developed.
Analyze: The analysis phase clarified the learning gap among new employees and interns at RJSmith Creative. Many learners enter with basic coding and design knowledge but lack experience with WordPress, Elementor, and the agency’s workflow. This phase guided the decision to narrow the course to three practical modules that focus on installation, setup, and building a simple landing page.
Design: The design phase established the sequence of modules, created measurable learning objectives, and mapped activities to real-world tasks. This phase was especially important in simplifying the initial scope and determining the essential steps learners needed to master before contributing to client projects.
Develop: During development, videos, walkthroughs, and guided assignments were created to model the exact procedures used in a real project. Short, focused media elements and step-by-step instructions were chosen to minimize cognitive load and support procedural learning.
Implement: The course will be delivered asynchronously using WordPress and TutorLMS. This supports the global, flexible nature of agency onboarding and allows learners to progress at their own pace while still accessing support when necessary.
Evaluate: Evaluation relies on a Kirkpatrick Level 1 survey in the Course Wrap-Up section, a Kirkpatrick Level 2 assessment in the form of a final quiz, and review of ongoing learner performance in the Elementor practice activity and reflections. These elements support continuous improvement of course content and clarity.
Elements of Rapid Instructional Design (RID) are also integrated, particularly rapid prototyping and iterative refinement. This hybrid approach supports efficient development while allowing updates in response to feedback or workflow changes within the agency.
Learning Theory
The primary learning theories guiding this minicourse are Cognitive Load Theory, Behaviorism, and Constructivism, working together to support procedural skill development and applied practice.
Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) influenced major structural decisions. Because WordPress and Elementor can be visually complex tools, content is intentionally broken into small, manageable steps delivered through short videos and guided checklists. Each module reduces extraneous cognitive load by focusing only on the specific actions learners need at that moment (for example, installing WordPress before introducing any Elementor concepts). This sequencing supports learners who may feel overwhelmed by new software.
Behaviorism informs the procedural and repetitive nature of the early modules. Learners follow clear, step-by-step instructions for installation, configuration, and basic setup. Immediate feedback is provided through the final quiz and through visual confirmation as they complete tasks in the interface. This reinforcement helps ensure accuracy in foundational technical skills.
Constructivism becomes more prominent in the final module, where learners build a simple landing page based on their own content. This hands-on project encourages experimentation, problem solving, and creative decision making. Rather than following a scripted outcome, learners construct meaning by applying what they have learned to their own design choices.
Together, these theories support a training experience that builds confidence, reduces cognitive overwhelm, and guides learners from structured practice to independent application.
Digital Media
Video Resource: How to Set Up Your WordPress Website Playlist
To support the minicourse, I evaluated the How To Set Up Your WordPress Website playlist from Elementor’s official YouTube channel as a potential supplemental digital media resource. The completed digital media checklist for this evaluation is included here:
Course Learning Outcome Alignment:
CLO 1: Set up and configure a WordPress website on SiteGround hosting, including managing basic settings and essential plugins.
CLO 2: Install and use the Elementor page builder to design a responsive, functional landing page following client specifications.
This playlist directly reinforces the technical setup steps in WordPress and the foundational use of Elementor, making it a relevant external resource for learners. While it cannot be remixed due to its standard YouTube license, it remains a strong supplemental reference that complements the step-by-step training provided within the minicourse.
WordPress & Elementor Setup Checklist for RJSmith Creative
This is my WordPress & Elementor Setup Checklist, created as an onboarding SOP for RJSmith Creative team members. It is visually formatted with text and graphics to guide new team members step by step.
This audio recording provides an accessible description of my WordPress & Elementor Setup Checklist for team members with visual impairments. I created the script and then used an AI-generated voice to produce the recording, ensuring it was clear, consistent, and professional.
RJSmith Creative Academy Badge
This is my WordPress & Elementor Setup Checklist, created as an onboarding SOP for RJSmith Creative team members. It is visually formatted with text and graphics to guide new team members step by step.
Demonstration Video - Getting Started with Elementor
This is short demonstration video for the Getting Started with Elementor module in my minicourse. The video introduces team members to the sections-and-columns layout used at RJSmith Creative, with a reminder to disable Flexbox Containers before building. It combines screen recordings, narration, and on-screen text to reinforce key points. The video supports course learning objectives by preparing team members to begin building layouts in Elementor while following agency workflows.
Screencast Video - Step 1: WordPress Basic Setup
The screencast I created for this unit is, “Step 1: WordPress Basic Setup”, fits directly into my minicourse as the first part of the training sequence to setup a WordPress project for a client based on RJSmith Creative SOPs. It is the first part of a 4 step-process, the same process that I documented in Unit 2. It supports the course learning objective to set up and configure a WordPress website on SiteGround hosting, including managing basic settings and essential plugins.
Storyboards
Storyboard - Module 1: Introduction to WordPress & Elementor
This storyboard outlines an introductory module for my minicourse, Getting Started: WordPress & Elementor Basics. The module introduces learners to the role of WordPress as a CMS and Elementor as a page builder plugin, showing how the two connect to create functional and visually appealing websites. The storyboard includes text, images, screencasts, short videos, and interactive activities such as drag-and-drop and quizzes. Its purpose is to give team members a strong foundation before moving into hands-on setup and design work.