How to modernise outdated online courses (in 4 strategic steps)

Why course modernisation matters more than ever

In 2020, universities and VET providers had no choice but to move online, fast! Between 2020 and 2021, 98% of institutions worldwide shifted to digital delivery, often repurposing materials never designed for online learning (Wooclap, 2024). Four years later, many of these legacy courses remain operationally clunky, pedagogically outdated, and increasingly misaligned with learner expectations.

Now, higher education and corporate training sectors are pivoting. Over a third of organisations plan to replace their LMS, and 42% are upgrading outdated systems to overcome feature limitations (Continu, 2024; Programs.com, 2024).

The message is clear:
Modernise strategically, or risk falling behind on engagement, compliance, and ROI.

Ageing platforms and content has created a critical moment for universities and VET providers. Modernise strategically, or risk falling short on student expectations, compliance, and ROI.

At Oppida, we’ve seen this story play out repeatedly… Excellent foundations that need a fresh framework. So, how do you move from “just surviving online” to delivering genuinely impactful, learner-first experiences?

Here’s our 4-step framework for transforming outdated content into sustainable, modern digital learning.

Step 1. Audit what you have, not what you assume

Before you rebuild, get clear on what’s actually working.

In 2020, the goal was survival. Course design wasn’t the priority. Continuity was.
The data backs this up, as 62% of VET providers didn’t update their content for online delivery (ASQA, 2023). Meanwhile, TEQSA’s GenAI review found every provider had to rethink assessment integrity (TEQSA, 2024).

That’s why we start with a structured content and curriculum audit. It helps you identify what to:

• Retain (effective, aligned, current)
• Retire (outdated, redundant)
• Rebuild (needs redesign or interactivity)

Curriculum mapping, a cornerstone of Oppida’s process, reveals misalignments between learning outcomes, assessments, and pedagogy. We layer this with usability and accessibility diagnostics to build a clear foundation for redesign.

Curious what that could look like for your team?

Step 2. Design for learners, not just the LMS

Moving online isn’t enough! The shift must be from content-first to learner-first design.

According to JISC and EDUCAUSE, impactful online learning happens where pedagogy meets purposeful technology (EDUCAUSE, 2022). In other words, design the learner’s journey, not just the platform interface.

This approach can dramatically improve outcomes. One study found failure rates in STEM courses dropped significantly after redesigning for high-structure, learner-centred engagement (Changing Higher Ed, 2023).

In practice, that means designing for:

• Clear pathways for progression
• Autonomy and real-world relevance
• Seamless digital experiences that reduce friction

When we redesigned ACU’s Master of Public Health, both students and staff reported a more intuitive and meaningful experience. Proof that human-centred design drives measurable results.

Step 3. Build smart, migrate strategically

A new LMS won’t fix outdated design, unless migration is intentional.

Research shows that on average, full LMS implementations take 4–6 months, but content migration often happens in just 3–5 weeks (Astria Learning, 2024). That’s when most issues surface like compliance gaps, rework, and staff burnout.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

The best way forward is a phased migration strategy.
Institutions that plan migrations carefully report:

• 45% fewer implementation issues
• 40% higher adoption rates with change management support (Tribal Habits, 2024)

When the Housing Institute of Australia (HIA) partnered with Oppida, we piloted a phased rollout starting with high-impact prototype courses. This approach reduced workload, strengthened subject matter integrity, and produced a smoother learner experience.

Step 4. Iterate for continuous improvement

Modernisation doesn’t end at launch. It starts there.

The 2024 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report highlights a shift from reactive course updates to sustainable, data-informed improvement. That means embedding:

• Continuous learner feedback loops
• Analytics for design decisions
• Regular accessibility and compliance reviews

Accessibility is non-negotiable. With WCAG 2.2 now in play (EDUCAUSE, 2024), and TEQSA guidance mandating inclusive resources (TEQSA, 2022), many institutions are still catching up. A 2022 audit found the top five Australian universities averaged only 70% compliance (Accessibility.org.au, 2022).

At Oppida, our QA framework builds accessibility and usability checks into every stage of development, not as an afterthought, but as standard practice.

The ROI of modernisation

Modernisation isn’t just an academic necessity. It’s a strategic investment.

Recent studies show:

• Student content access jumped from 56.2% to 91.46% after redesign (ERIC, 2023)
• Automation saves educators 30+ hours per course, freeing time for meaningful interaction (FeedbackFruits, 2024)
• 72% of LMS-using organisations report improved operational efficiency (Programs.com, 2024)

At Oppida, we’ve delivered tangible outcomes, such as:

• ANZSOG: modernised its Executive Masters of Public Administration through a flexible, high-standard blended model.
• NECA: redesigned their certificate for a more flexible learning and teaching model. 

Digital maturity, not digital panic

For many organisations, getting online was step one. Staying relevant, compliant, and learner-centric is step two.

Institutions thriving today invest in digital maturity, not just digital delivery.
Take Oppida’s Digital Maturity Quiz to see where you stand!

They’re not ticking compliance boxes. They’re building longevity, equity, and impact.
That’s where Oppida comes in.

We don’t slap templates on your LMS and call it innovation.
We partner with you to reimagine learning, grounded in evidence, powered by design, and tailored to your mission.

Ready to modernise your courses with confidence?

Book your free discovery call:

References

1. Wooclap. (2024). Online Learning Statistics.
2. Programs.com. (2024). LMS Statistics.
3. Continu. (2024). Corporate eLearning Statistics.
4. ASQA. (2023). Strategic Review of Online Learning Final Report.
5. TEQSA. (2024). Generative AI Strategies: Emerging Practice Toolkit.
6. EDUCAUSE. (2022). The Digital Learning Design Framework and Toolkit.
7. Changing Higher Ed. (2023). High-Structure Course Design for Student Engagement, Retention and Success.
8. EI Design. (2024). How to Adopt a Learner-Centered Design Approach for Your Learning Programs.
9. Oppida. (2024). Case Studies.
10. Astria Learning. (2024). How to Implement the Right LMS for Your University.
11. Tribal Habits. (2024). 8-Step Data Migration Plan.
12. EDUCAUSE. (2024). Higher Education Trend Watch 2024.
13. W3C. (2023). Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.
14. TEQSA. (2022). Guidance Note: Learning Resources and Educational Support.
15. Accessibility.org.au. (2022). Higher Education WCAG Audit Report.
16. ERIC. (2023). Improving Student Engagement in Mathematics Through Course Redesign.
17. FeedbackFruits. (2024). Workload Reduction Bundle.