Understanding Learnlist Total Time Calculation
Overview
Learn Amp automatically calculates the estimated total time to complete a Learnlist by aggregating the duration of all included content items. This helps learners understand the time commitment required and plan their learning accordingly.
The total time appears on the Learnlist overview page and tile, giving learners a clear expectation before they begin.
Functionality Breakdown
How Total Time is Calculated
Learn Amp adds up the duration of each content item in the Learnlist:
Content Type | Time Source | Default (if not set) |
|---|---|---|
Items (videos, documents, etc.) | Item's configured duration | Not included |
Quizzes | Quiz duration setting | 5 minutes |
Surveys | Survey duration setting | 10 minutes |
Events | Event duration setting | 1 hour |
The "+" Indicator
You may notice a + symbol after some total times (e.g., "45 minutes+"). This indicates:
Some items in the Learnlist have custom time entries
The actual time may vary based on individual learning pace
The time shown is an estimate, not an exact figure
When Times Update
Total time is automatically recalculated when:
Content items are added or removed
Individual item durations are changed
The Learnlist structure is modified
Custom Time Entries
Content creators can set custom durations on items using:
Preset options: Less than 5 minutes, 5-10 minutes, 10-30 minutes, etc.
Custom time: Exact hours, minutes, and seconds for precise tracking
Pre-requisites
Requirements
Content items should have duration information configured for accurate totals
No special role required to view total time (all users can see it)
For Accurate Time Display
To ensure accurate total time calculations:
Set duration on all content items
Use custom time for precise control
Review total time after adding/removing content
Quick Start Guide
Viewing Total Time
Navigate to any Learnlist
Look at the Learnlist overview page or tile
The total time appears near the title or metadata section
Setting Item Duration
To ensure accurate Learnlist totals, set duration on individual items:
Navigate to Manage in the sidebar
Select Items (or the relevant content type)
Edit the item
Find the Duration or Total Time field
Select a preset option or enter a custom time
Save the item
The Learnlist total will update automatically.
Understanding Time Estimates
Display | Meaning |
|---|---|
30 minutes | All items have preset durations |
30 minutes+ | Some items have custom times (may vary) |
No time shown | Items don't have duration configured |
FAQs
Q: Why doesn't my Learnlist show a total time?
Total time only displays when content items have duration information configured. Check that your items have time estimates set.
Q: What does the "+" mean after the time?
The plus sign indicates that some items have custom time entries. The actual completion time may vary based on individual pace and engagement.
Q: Does total time include optional content?
Yes. The total time calculation includes all content in the Learnlist, including items marked as additional recommended content.
Q: Can I manually set the Learnlist total time?
No. Total time is always calculated automatically from the individual items. To change it, update the duration on the included items.
Q: Does total time affect completion tracking?
No. Total time is purely informational. Completion is tracked based on whether learners complete the required items, not how long they spend.
Q: Why did my total time change unexpectedly?
Total time updates automatically when items are added, removed, or when individual item durations change. Check recent modifications to the Learnlist or its items.
Q: Are events included in the total time?
Yes. Events are included with their configured duration, or default to 1 hour if no duration is set.
Troubleshooting
Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
Total time not displaying | Ensure content items have duration configured. Items without duration won't contribute to the total. |
Time seems inaccurate | Review individual item durations. Quizzes default to 5 minutes and surveys to 10 minutes if not configured. |
Time didn't update after changes | Allow a moment for recalculation. If it persists, try refreshing the page or editing and saving the Learnlist. |
Want to exclude an item from time calculation | This isn't possible—all items contribute to total time. Consider whether the item belongs in the Learnlist. |
Total time showing for archived content | Archived items within a Learnlist may still contribute to time calculations until removed. |