The rise of the internet combined with the recent pandemic has changed the way we learn. Online learning has skyrocketed in popularity, and for good reason, as a more accessible and flexible method of learning everything from IT to interior design. The e-learning industry has grown over 900% since 2000, and there has never been a better time for you to create your very own online course. But how can you stand out from the crowd and deliver a course people want to study? Well now you can find out, with our top tips on creating a great online course.
Choosing Your Topic
Be Passionate About Your Subject
Have you ever had a teacher who you could tell was super passionate about their topic? Most of us have, and it’s those teachers that tend to make an impact. In contrast, educators that just don’t seem interested in their own subject often fail to motivate others to be interested.
Everyone has something to teach, and educating others on a topic you are passionate about is the best way to start. You can have all of the expertise on a topic, but if you are not passionate and engaged yourself on the topic, then it will be 10x harder to create an engaging course for others. If you find yourself getting excited by the prospect of creating your course, eager to brush up on your knowledge and keen to work with students who share your passion then you are on the right track.
Know What People are Searching For
Researching what other people are interested in, want to know and what is relevant at the moment can help you narrow down your options. This is particularly useful if there are a few different topics you are passionate about.
During your topic research, note down the specific questions that come up or subject areas that people are discussing. Do they want to learn how to make a specific object? Learn about a core aspect of your topic that is relevant to what’s happening in the world right now? This can help you develop an idea of the subject you want to discuss, and find your niche within that subject. When it comes to course creation, it can also help you frame the modules you want to include.
Creating Your Course
Make Sure Your Knowledge is Up to Date
Not all online courses have to be in depth, P.H.D level studies into Quantum Physics. People take online courses for a variety of reasons but that you have the knowledge and skills to confidently produce your course is essential. However, whichever subject your course covers, make sure you have up to date, correct knowledge and skills. Several people take for granted the knowledge they have and assume that their personal experience or learned knowledge from long ago is enough – but this is how many distance learning courses fall short.
This of course will depend a lot on the type of course you are creating. If you are teaching others how to create artwork in your style, you know your own style better than anyone. However, it may still be important to ‘brush up’ on up to date artistic tools. For skill-based courses such as DIY, the health and safety aspects are just as important as knowing how to use the tools.
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Know Your Audience
Knowing your audience is key to creating a successful course. You will need to cater your content for a skill level, whether it is beginner, intermediate or advanced, and always keep in mind who you are talking to.
For example, if you are creating a course for beginners, then you will need to explain any industry-specific language or acronyms. If targeting someone who has a basic understanding of the subject, then make sure you are aware of what their current knowledge might be. For example if they have a basic school level knowledge of a topic, then make yourself aware of what they might already know.
Course Structure
Whilst noting down key questions people have, try to create a structure for your course covering the key topics that come up. Make sure your modules are structured logically and students can build on information learned in the previous module when they begin the next one.
Delivering Your Course
Consider Delivery Methods and Accessibility
One of the main challenges that many online educators have is deciding how to deliver their course. There are many different things that online courses often include to keep the learning fun, engaging and informative. People learn in different ways so having a variety of delivery techniques for your lessons and assessments is a great way to appeal to a diverse range of people and put across information in an exciting way.
Some of the main delivery methods that online educators use are:
- Reading materials – e.g. factual information, descriptions and case studies
- Visual aids – e.g. diagrams, pictures and photographs
- Online resources – e.g. online quizzes, websites and articles
- Video lectures and webinars – e.g. talks from the course creator or industry experts, powerpoint presentations and whiteboard presentations
- Assessments – e.g. quizzes, essays and questions
- Student engagement – e.g. discussion forums, student group discussions, online chats an peer marked assignments
Using a combination of techniques will motivate your students to engage with the course and reduce dropout rates.
Make Sure Your Know How to Use the Platform
This might sound like an obvious one, but so many online courses get negative feedback because of the platform they use and/or the educators not knowing how to use the platform.
From videos not working on certain operating systems to students not being able to access their grades, several issues can happen when educators are not overly familiar with the platform that their course is on.
If you do not have much experience of IT, then make sure you educate yourself using either other distance learning courses, online videos or articles. Learn how to create engaging videos, utilise the platform and link to other sources. Having options such as subtitles and printed materials can also assist learners who might prefer physical copies or have other needs.
So, with all this in mind, what will your next great online course be about?
By Lauren Wakeling, UK Country Manager at CoursesOnline
