How to convert a PowerPoint into a SCORM eLearning course
A good eLearning course starts as a good presentation. Here is how to prepare your slides, convert them into a narrated SCORM 1.2 package and check the result before you upload it to your LMS.
What is SCORM, and why does it matter?
SCORM is a long-standing standard that lets a learning management system (LMS) play a course and record whether the learner has completed it. A SCORM package is a ZIP file that contains the course content, a manifest describing it and a small script that talks to the LMS. SCORM 1.2 is the version almost every LMS supports, so it is a safe choice when you do not know where the course will be used.
Step 1: Prepare your slides
- One idea per slide with a clear, unique title – the titles become the navigation list in the course player.
- Make each slide complete without animation. Slides are captured as still pictures, so build-ups and transitions will not play.
- Prefer common fonts and simple layouts. Presentations made in LibreOffice Impress convert most reliably; if a deck from another tool looks different after conversion, save it from LibreOffice and try again.
Step 2: Write the speaker notes
The notes of each slide become its narration, so write them as you would speak. Aim for short sentences, spell out numbers and abbreviations the way you want them said, and keep each slide's notes to roughly one minute of speech. A slide without notes has no narration.
Tip: if a brand name or acronym is read wrongly, add a pronunciation rule once with the Speak it Right tool and it applies to your narration.
Step 3: Convert with the eLearning Content Creator
- Sign in and open eLearning Content Creator.
- Upload the .pptx, enter the course and module titles and choose a voice and image quality.
- Press create. A long deck can take a few minutes; tick “Email me when it's ready” if you would like to close the page.
Step 4: Check and customize
Open Customize player from the result (or from My History later). Play the first slides, check that images are sharp and the narration matches, then adjust the colours, titles and logo, rename or hide topics and reorder them. Your original course stays untouched, so you can experiment safely.
Step 5: Use the package
- In your own LMS: download the ZIP and upload it as a SCORM 1.2 package. Check your LMS's completion settings.
- In the EchoLearn Academy: publish it, choose who can see it, set a due date and add a quiz. See how to host and track courses.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause and fix |
|---|---|
| A slide has no narration | The slide has no speaker notes. Add notes and convert again. |
| A slide looks different from PowerPoint | Fonts, SmartArt or effects were not reproduced. Use common fonts, simplify the slide or save the deck from LibreOffice. |
| Animations are missing | Animations and transitions are not included; split build-ups into separate slides. |
| A term is pronounced wrongly | Add a pronunciation rule in Speak it Right, or respell the word in the notes. |
Ready to try? Create a free account – the Free plan includes 2 course conversions.