In the context of rapid information technology development and smart education reshaping educational paradigms, the construction of online excellent courses in higher vocational education holds significant importance. This paper focuses on smart education and online excellent courses in higher vocational education. It first elaborates on the connotation and characteristics of smart education, as well as the features and significance of online excellent courses. The current status of their development is then introduced, including achievements and successful cases. Subsequently, challenges such as conceptual models, resource platforms, and faculty support are analyzed. Finally, a roadmap for development is proposed, covering innovations in conceptual models, optimization of resource platforms, faculty team building, and improvement of support mechanisms.