Online courses don't have to be of professional standard. Here's why. |
Are you thinking that you'll need a lot of technology to make an amazing online course? You're wrong.
You might not have the proper technology for creating a high-production value course.
However, I'm here to inform you that you don't need costly software or technology to create a course the students will enjoy.
In this piece, we'll show you how to create top-notch courses without spending any money on additional gear. Build your course from the beginning using these tested and proven methods.
Establish a strong framework to guide your learning
The secret to a successful course lies in how much has been spent developing it.
The key to a successful course is the students learning what was intended. And the best way to accomplish that is by structuring your material into small practical steps.
You need to break your course down into bitesize moments or microlearning, also known as. Microlearning refers to the process of providing information in 5-7 minute chunks -and it has been demonstrated to improve retention rates and make participation rates rise up at 90%. .
So, an effective course should be a series of short videos rather than one lengthy one.
Furthermore, shorter videos made informally can be more enjoyable than online courses with high-quality content. Additionally, 52% of students like videos that are between 3 and 6 minutes long.
They don't require big production values. Khan Academy 's handwritten films are extremely successful among online learners. This is because they show how to achieve the XYZ goal as quickly and clearly as is possible.
In their case, handwriting formulas is a great way to present the formulas. If you're in your situation, it could make sense to make use of MS Paint doodles.
What's more important is that your course doesn't need to look sophisticated and fancy in order to make a difference.
You mustneed to think about it, and that needs to start in your outline.
Step 1: Design an outline of your course that is high-quality
A successful course should have a clear learning outcome. For example, "how to build a chair" or "design a webinar series".
One course = one end result.
Set out your primary learning goal ("how to launch a podcast") and then work out the steps in order to achieve it. Every step should be a bite-sized (e.g., "find guests via social media") and easily explained within 5-7 mins or shorter.
Since each step must be simple, it's a good idea to develop modules composed of smaller steps. It'll look something like this.
As an example, if your course is about hosting poetry slams throughout the outbreak, you may have a module on promoting the event. This module may comprise smaller actions such as using Facebook or posting messages on discussions boards, for instance.
One way of thinking about your course is to think in terms of time. Pretty Presets & Actions structures their Lightroom 101 over four weeks, with each module representing a week.
It might be helpful to design a similar layout. It's a great option to students too as it gives them an idea of their time commitment.
You can also base your courses on thematic themes. Lindsay Page's New Hire Toolkit course structure is: Welcome, strategy, recruitment and onboarding.
The course is transparent and makes the learning outcomes easy to understand. This makes it easy for students to get started where they're required to, and utilize the course in a way that is logical to the students.
The structure you choose to build will depend on your course outcome, but you can experiment with your design so long as your progression is simple.
Our next step also alters things, however this time it's about multimedia.
Step 2: Apply various types of content
Video tends to be an important component of the online courses however it does not have to be the only element.
Every child will have their preferred learning style . Most students (45%) prefer visual learning styles However, auditory (36%) and physical (19 percent) learners also exist. Also, it's completely acceptable (and even sensible) to mix and match different kinds of content.
Online education puts you at an advantage compared to traditional classes due to the fact that you can choose frommultiple possibilities for sharing knowledge available to students.
There's just one rule. The type of information you pick must be one that is the most effective to explain the step.
As an example, Robert Joyner's Complete Guide to Design & Composition predominantly uses video demos. In his composition fundamentals module the author switches to text and images to illustrate his points more effectively.
The advantage of this approach is that you won't need to search through endless footage in order to discover what you need. This method is immediate and easy to comprehend.
In the meantime, these are My Hours' Postpartum Doula certification supplements their videos with infographics and downloadable documents.
From a real-world standpoint, downloadables are practical as a doula can have in their home when they're with a mother. Multimedia materials give your pupils more freedom in when and where they can utilize your lessons.
You could also take inspiration by Ashley Briggs , who organizes her Alpha course by kind of material. The second module is all printable workouts, while other sections are pure video.
Takeaway:
Ultimately, there are no rigid and definite rules of online learning. Concentrate on providing a clear outcome for your students and reduce the process into steps.
And if you don't want to utilize video, you don't have to use video. If you choose to, you can make videos with less polish than you imagine.
Create an online course without equipment
You don't need a professional setup for teaching online. Your computer already comes with everything you require.
Screen recording as well as webcam filming are two completely legitimate methods of creating course content Both alternatives are accessible on virtually all computers.
If you're unsure whether either of these options reduces the value of the class, you can rest sure. Studies have shown that students love screen recordings . This also helped in the learning process.
If you're teaching activities that involve computers, they're an excellent way to show. Like, Vicki Watson's Inkscape Adventure -" Learn Vector Graphics uses screen recordings to share precise directions.
Students in her high school can go through each step by step and pause as required.
If you don't think screen recording is suitable for you, your second choice is to make use of your computer's webcam.
If your webcam on your computer isn't top quality it's still possible to use it for creating course materials.
Take inspiration from Craig Barton's courses which use a mixture of presentation slides as well as a tiny webcam window. The combination of both makes Craig more relatable as a teacher while giving important details at the same time.
For creating a design similar like Craig's class, you simply need to use a PowerPoint or presentation program ( Google slides , PowerPoint , Keynote and so on.) and a recorder in your browser.
The best tools to record and creating your course
Examples:
Windows:
Camera . An easy camera to make use of to capture videos.
Xbox Game Bar ,a built-in software for recording screen.
Windows Movie Maker ,an simple editor for videos.
Apple:
Photos Booth Photo Boothto effortlessly record using your webcam.
Screen recordusing these guidelines .
iMovie is a sophisticated video editor.
Depending on your computer model, your options may vary.
If you prefer, there are a couple of online video and edit tools to build your course. They're all completely free and do not require installation.
Loom is among the most well-known screen recorders online with webcam functionality.
It's free to use for up to 100 video clips provided that your videos don't exceed five minutes. Business plans cost $8 a month (charged each year).
Use it to show and tell. When you're sharing your presentation or demonstrating a task, Loom is great for giving your personality and feedback to the lesson.
Vidyard Vidyardis a webcam recording tool. It comes with a few editing tools (you can trim the length of your video, and select its thumbnail).
It's free to use for unlimited video uploads however, if you wish to download your video content then you'll have to upgrade to Pro with $15 per month .
This is the best option for you to take and then modify webcam footage. It is also possible to use it to send personalized messages to your students, for example, a welcome note or an effective message.
Vimeo Record is a screen and webcam recorder. It's a completely free Google Chrome extension that's incredibly user-friendly.
Like the image shows, you have several recording options including Screen recording, Webcam or a hybrid. Select the best option for your needs.
You can use it as an incredibly versatile recording tool to make various videos. Vimeo is also able to host your videos and let you arrange them according to course or theme.
If you're in need of an editing tool for video, but do not need to strugglewith editing software, you'll appreciate the Kapwing .
Select and decide on the tasks that you'll need to complete in order to make your film a reality. You can, for instance, add audio or subtitles to the screen you are recording.
It's free too, though it comes with limitations (3 hours of videos a month). You can upgrade for one-time payment of $17 per month if paid each year.
Kapwing is best used once you've recorded your footage elsewhere.
Through these tools, you can easily produce and edit stunning videos. However, it's not just about the devices. The next point will help warm your audience up for your class.
Engage students through an email marketing campaign
You've got a brilliant course planned; it's time to let the world know about it.
This isn't just about saying that your course is live and hoping that it will be successful. It is important to make sure that your future students care about what you'll be teaching them.
The leads who have been nurtured are the largest purchases of 47% as well, and when it comes to distance learning, it's more crucial than ever. The people who trust them are an instructor they'll likely never see, and it's important to make them feel like they're in touch with their teacher.
To increase enrollment, give nuggets of information, both concerning the subject and the way you teach.
Your course's content does not have to look flashy however, it's not a bad idea for the promotional materials to look attractive. It takes about half a second for a visitor to make an initial impression of your website.
When you've come up with images to support your course and you've repurposed them, you'll be able to use them to promote the course you've created through your landing page as well as on social media.
However, the most effective way to build an audience continues to be through email marketing. 59 percent of marketers believe that email marketing has the highest ROI of all marketing activities.
The advantage of an email address is that it's a much more personal relationship as opposed to social media. Your voice lands directly in the email inbox, and it becomes an item they trust.
Step 1: Develop an email marketing campaign that will launch the course
Two steps are all that is required to this process. First, fill the form out with all of the details of your class. Explain the benefits of taking your course.
By following this process, you can get online learners eager for the release.
If you've got your document ready to go, now it is time to start building your email list.
Step 2: Capture emails
The campaign is in queue and is set to go but you need people to send the campaign to.
The best option is to provide a sign-up option on your landing pages to collect emails. However, you have to give visitors a reason to sign up. No one willingly signs for the sake of being contacted They want to be assured that there's going to be some benefit for them.
Tracy Winchell gets it right with her content that focuses on the benefit that is provided. This newsletter is a great option to sign up for.
When you sign up to receive How to Present Your Brand to Digital Influencers , you have the option to tick the box to receive promotional emails.
Another option is to deliver lots of value for free in your landing page which will endear you to your visitors. Epic J Creation 's landing page offers giveaways and also access to his route map.
These all encourage interested parties to then sign up for his newsletter.
Basically:
The best way to develop an audience for your learning environments.
Design a strong campaign and then build a database of customers by using email captures and lead magnets. And it won't matter how rough-and-ready the online courses you offer (or don't) and you'll be able to solve the issue of engagement before your students finish their course.
Design a course that sells itself
Ultimately, the best way to assess a course is by student success and not high production values.
If the course you are taking is built on the right foundation with an enlightening learning experience It doesn't require pyrotechnics.
And, in particular, be aware of these important points:
It's all about structure A good online course is organized with a clear focus that is broken down into concrete steps.
It's all about variety but video isn't the only way to build a robust online program.
There are more tools for e-learning in your arsenal than you think to record and edit video. (Hot tip, they're already in your computer.)
Making an emailing list is the ideal method of nurturing current and future students.
Based on these ideas no one can hinder you from creating a unique online learning environment for your students that they are sure to flourish within.
Sign up NOW
Get your free account
Join over 150,000 creators who use to create websites, sell digital items and create online communities. Free to start -