The Course Outline Builder introduces AI Integration via OpenAI into LearnDash Core. After connecting your OpenAI API Key, Course Outline Builder allows you tCourse Outline Builder
The Course Outline Builder adds AI-assisted course planning to LearnDash by integrating with OpenAI. After connecting an OpenAI API key, this feature allows course creators to quickly generate a structured course outline by automatically creating lesson titles based on a few basic inputs.
The Course Outline Builder is intended to support course planning and ideation. It generates lesson titles only and does not create lesson content.
Requirements #
To use the Course Outline Builder, an OpenAI API key is required. An API key can be created by visiting the OpenAI platform:
https://platform.openai.com/account/api-keys
Creating an OpenAI account requires a valid payment method, as OpenAI charges a small usage-based fee for API requests.
Using the Course Outline Builder #
To generate a course outline using AI:
- Navigate to LearnDash LMS > Courses.
- Click Create Course Outline from AI in the top-right corner.
- If this is the first time using the feature, click the prompt to enter an OpenAI API key.
- Enter a Course Title.
- An existing course can be selected, or a new course can be created.
- Choose the number of lessons to include in the course.
- Enter a short, clear description in the Describe Your Course field.
- Click Create Lessons.
The system will take a short moment to generate the outline. When a green success message appears, the course outline has been created.
Click the Course Title link to open the course directly in the Course Builder.
Generated Content Behavior #
The Course Outline Builder generates:
- Lesson titles only
The following content is not generated:
- Lesson content
- Topics
- Quizzes
- Assignments
This behavior is intentional. The feature is designed to help structure and plan a course, while leaving instructional content creation to the course author.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Why is GPT-4 not available? #
The Course Outline Builder uses GPT-3.5-Turbo. This model provides sufficient capability for outline generation while maintaining lower usage limits and faster response times. More advanced models are not required for generating lesson titles and outlines.
Why were no lessons generated? #
OpenAI enforces limits on the number of tokens returned in a single request. If lesson generation fails, try the following:
- Reduce the number of lessons requested
- Provide a more specific course description
- Avoid extremely short or overly generic prompts
Is there a cost associated with the Course Outline Builder? #
Yes. OpenAI charges a small usage-based fee for API requests.
As an example, generating 10 courses with 10 lessons each resulted in a total charge of approximately $0.0038. Actual costs may vary depending on usage and OpenAI pricing.
Conclusion #
The Course Outline Builder provides a fast way to scaffold courses and organize lesson structure using AI assistance. By automating lesson title creation, course creators can focus on refining instructional content and learning outcomes while maintaining full control over course quality and direction.