Instructions to exit

Contents

Exit instructions explain how a learner should properly leave a learning activity, so their progress is saved correctly. This often includes a clearly labelled “Exit” or “Finish” button and guidance on what happens next (e.g. returning to the LMS dashboard).

Clear exit instructions are particularly important for SCORM‑based learning, where improper exit can result in progress or completion not being recorded.

Why is it important

Before the learner commences any training, they should know exactly what they should and shouldn’t do prior and have an expectation of how long they need to set aside to complete activities.

There are many and varied ways, end users can exit a learning experience. For example, closing a browser or clicking a button. How the eLearn behaves will be dependent on how it has been built. Instructions provide the means for exiting the particular learning experience they are in without unforeseen consequences.

Without clear exit guidance, learners may close their browser or device incorrectly, leading to lost progress and increased support requests. This undermines trust in learning systems and increases administrative burden.

Good exit design supports accurate record‑keeping and reinforces a respectful learner experience, consistent with APS expectations of professionalism and digital quality.

Participant benefits

Clear instructions on how to exit the course help participants feel confident stepping away without worrying about losing progress or making mistakes.
Knowing how to exit easily reduces frustration and anxiety, allowing participants to manage their time better and return to the course when ready.
Confidence progress is saved and reduces anxiety about completion status.
Clear transition back to work or next activity.

Suitable for

All digital learning
Mandatory and compliance modules
Long or multi‑session learning

Practice

Good practice
At the beginning and the end of the learning experience, provide clear instructions how to exit the learning experience for a progress or completion to be recorded. Good practice is a simple clickable “Exit” button located in the same place on every page/slide and is clearly labelled.

Practices to avoid
Be careful, Buttons may be distracting and may not work with all Assistive technology. No visible exit option. Learners told to “just close the browser”. Exit causes loss of progress. No confirmation of completion. Ensure the instructions align to how the eLearn (SCORM) behaves.

Example - instructions
An online learning course does not provide a clear way for participants to exit and return later. As learners move through the content, some need to step away for meetings or other work priorities but are unsure how to leave without losing their progress. This creates frustration and makes some participants reluctant to continue the course. Potential Issues Without an obvious exit option, participants may feel trapped or anxious about losing their progress. Learners can become frustrated when they are unable to easily pause or leave the course, particularly when balancing competing work demands. This can reduce confidence in the learning experience and discourage participants from returning to complete the course. Better Approach Provide a clear and visible exit option that allows participants to leave the course at any time without losing their progress. Clearly explain how progress is saved and how learners can return to where they left off. This gives participants a sense of control over their learning, reduces stress, and helps them manage their time more effectively. As a result, learners are more likely to return to the course and complete it successfully.

Example - instructions

An online learning course does not provide a clear way for participants to exit and return later. As learners move through the content, some need to step away for meetings or other work priorities but are unsure how to leave without losing their progress. This creates frustration and makes some participants reluctant to continue the course.

Potential Issues

Without an obvious exit option, participants may feel trapped or anxious about losing their progress. Learners can become frustrated when they are unable to easily pause or leave the course, particularly when balancing competing work demands. This can reduce confidence in the learning experience and discourage participants from returning to complete the course.

Better Approach

Provide a clear and visible exit option that allows participants to leave the course at any time without losing their progress. Clearly explain how progress is saved and how learners can return to where they left off. This gives participants a sense of control over their learning, reduces stress, and helps them manage their time more effectively. As a result, learners are more likely to return to the course and complete it successfully.

L&D Section

Essential artefacts and documentation