atingi - How to estimate Seat Time in E-Learning?

These guidelines help you to design learner-centred courses by setting a clear 4-hour seat time limit. This encourages focused, goal-oriented content, supports meaningful tracking and certification, and respects learners’ time and capacity.

What Is Seat Time?

Seat time is the estimated time a learner actively engages with course content - watching, reading, interacting, and completing tasks.

Target seat time: > Max 4 hours per course > Max 25 minutes per module

❓Why it matters

Given the diverse learner profiles on atingi, a scalable seat time model is essential. The 4-hour course cap ensures consistent quality, but estimates should be based on the needs of the least experienced learners to maintain accessibility. This approach keeps courses manageable for newcomers while remaining flexible for advanced users, supporting atingi’s inclusive, learner-centred design.

Know Your Learners

The following use cases help you to anticipate and adjust seat time expectations accordingly:

Learner Profile	Recommended Seat Time
New to both content and online learning; needs extra support and time	3.5–4 hours
Experienced with digital learning but new to content	3–3.5 hours
Knows the content but first-time in eLearning	3–3.5 hours
Some experience with both content and platform; semi-confident	2.5–3 hours
Confident, returning learners familiar with content	2–2.5 hours

Tools for Estimating Seat Time

The Workload Estimator 2.0 is an open-source tool that helps educators estimate total learner time for online courses by calculating seat time from videos, readings, quizzes, and activities. Its flexibility supports customization for platforms like atingi, making it a valuable resource for designing balanced, learner-centered courses aligned with seat time guidelines. Here’s a sample table to guide estimation:

Activity Type	Est. Time
1,000 words (simple)	5 mins
1,000 words (complex)	8 mins
5-minute video	5 mins
Quiz (5 items)	3–5 mins
Interactive scenario (5 screens)	8–10 mins
Reflection (150 words)	5–7 mins

Course & Module Guidelines

These course and module guidelines provide clear design standards to help you develop engaging, manageable learning experiences that respect learner time and optimize retention.

Course Elements	Guideline for designers	Why?
Total Course Length	Max 4 hours seat time total	Ensures manageable learner commitment across diverse contexts
Module/Unit Duration	Max 25 minutes seat time per module	Supports focus, reduces fatigue, aligns with microlearning principles
Number of Modules	Typically 6–10 modules (depending on content complexity)	Modular flexibility while staying within the 4-hour ceiling
Video Segments (if used)	2–5 minutes each; max 8 minutes	Keeps attention high and reduces data burden for low-bandwidth users
Text Content	Concise, scannable, 2–4 minutes per section	Prioritize clarity and accessibility; avoid information dumps
Interactions (Storyline/ Rise)	Short, purpose-driven, every 3–5 minutes	Reinforce learning, prevent passive consumption
Quizzes/ Checkpoints	2–4 per module; brief (3–5 items max)	Reinforce learning without creating stress or fatigue
Final quiz	7-10 items	Test knowledge directly related to learning objectives
Completion Expectation	Course should be completable in [X] number of weeks with 30–45 min/day commitment	Encourages realistic pacing and steady progress
Seat Time Calculation	Should include estimated time for reading, videos, interactions, quizzes	Important for transparency and learning planning

H5P Seat Time Guidance

H5P lets course creators on atingi combine multiple activities into cohesive modules targeting one learning outcome, ideally lasting 15–25 minutes. Estimating seat time for the whole module rather than individual activities aligns H5P with tools like Rise or Storyline. Courses should stay within the 4-hour seat time limit, focusing on meaningful, well-paced interactions to support learning. Partners are encouraged to track learner analytics to improve future course design and effectiveness.

H5P Activity Type	Est. Time
Interactive video	5–10 min
Drag & drop	3–7 min
Presentation/Column layout	7–10 min
Flashcards/Accordions	2–5 min

Articulate Rise Seat Time Guidance

This guidance outlines the recommended content volumes for designing effective 25-minute Articulate Rise modules that balance engagement and manageable seat time.

Element	Suggested Volume per Module (25 min)
Text	600–900 words (max 200/screen)
Images	5–8 (icons, infographics, etc.)
Videos/Audio	1–2 (1–3 mins each)
Interactions	3–4 (tabs, accordion, drag & drop)
Activities	1–2 contextual tasks
Quiz/Checks	2–4 quick questions

💡Tip: Keep Rise modules lightweight and mobile-friendly. Use progress checks to pace learners.

Articulate Storyline Seat Time Guidance

This guidance outlines recommended seat times and key features for designing effective Articulate Storyline courses that balance engagement and learning outcomes:

Section	Description	Estimated Time	Features & Tools Used
Welcome & Objectives	Hook, set expectations, define learning outcomes	2–3 min	Entrance animations, voiceover, motion paths, triggers for interactive starts.
Core Content (2–3 segments)\|	4–6 screens per subtopic with visuals, narration, and click-to-reveal	15–17 min	Slide layers, states, branching logic, lightboxes for supplemental info
Interactive Elements	Drag-and-drops, decision-based interactions, hotspots, sliders	Included in Core	Custom variables, timeline animations, conditional feedback
Scenario/Simulation	Branching paths or real-life decisions with consequences	3–4 min	Branching slides, variables, outcome tracking, character dialogue
Summary & Knowledge Check	Recap key points, 2–3 quiz questions, reflection screen	2–3 min	Custom feedback per choice, retry options, progress meters

💡Focus on smooth pacing and branching. Use animations and feedback to enhance engagement.

Final Tips

Design from the least experienced learner's perspective
Prioritize quality over quantity—make every minute meaningful