In order to create a successful online course, there are 6 vital steps that must be taken. If you’re looking to create your own online course, you might want to consider following these 6 steps. Setting the course up with the right tools, developing an engaging curriculum, making sure it’s easy to use, having plenty of content for students, and more! These six points will not only help you in creating a successful class, but they’ll also make sure your efforts don’t go unnoticed or unappreciated by those who take them. The first step is crucial as it lays down the foundation for all other aspects of this endeavor. Without properly preparing yourself and putting in the work as needed from start to finish – everything else is pointless.
1. Setting the course up with the right tools
Every online course has to be taught in some way or another. Although it might seem like a daunting task at first, it is an easier one than you would think. The best place to start would be to look around for a free or inexpensive learning platform, such as Thinkific or Teachable. A good idea to choose one that is best for you is to try both of them out, and after having compared the two you can make a better decision deciding which one is better for you, or choose a completely different one altogether. This is a great way to get your feet wet and test the waters of this kind of work.
2. Developing an engaging curriculum
When students begin their online course, they’ll be taught just about anything and everything that pertains to the topic. However, it must be engaging and exciting for them to keep going. If they’re not having fun, they’re probably going to stop taking the course. To make sure your curriculum is up to par, you need a professional source of information such as, perhaps through an online library.
3. Making sure it’s easy to use
Creating an efficient teaching platform is a great first step, but having it be easy to use is equally as important. Most people learn how to do things such as download and upload files online, record video content using screencasting software, and creating an engaging curriculum using similar technology right here at home. However, if you want the process to go smoother and ease students into the course, it’s best to have student mentors or assistants on hand who are not only willing but excited to help.
4. Having plenty of content for students
The curriculum is just one part of the long process that is creating a successful online course. It’s also important to have patience and provide more than enough content for students so they’re willing to keep coming back. For example, you could have weekly videos introducing certain concepts or lessons, discussion boards for students to talk about their progress and offer suggestions, software that allows students to download files directly to their computers, etc.
5. The course must be well-promoted
At the end of the day, all these steps are for nothing if people don’t know about your course. You have to promote it in order to gain traction, traffic, and most importantly – students. This is where the promotion of your online course comes into play with many different avenues being available to you such as online advertisements, social media sites, email marketing campaigns, word-of-mouth, and more.
6. Collaboration with students and the right mentors/advisors
There is a fine line between being a great teacher and being a lousy one, but there is no reason to cross it if you have good advice from those around you. Your peers, friends, family, professors, etc., can all help teach you how to better your craft and how to avoid making mistakes that might cost you in the long run. Don’t be afraid to use this advice and make sure you’re always communicating with other people involved with your course, such as mentors/advisors, students, etc.
Creating an online course is a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might think. Make sure your course is set up with the right tools and that its curriculum offers students plenty of engaging content to keep them coming back. It’s also important for the process to be easy, so they don’t get frustrated and stop taking your courses altogether. Promoting your online course shouldn’t be too much trouble either if you use all the different avenues available, such as word-of-mouth or social media sites like Facebook or Twitter. Finally, make sure that when creating an online class there are others involved such as mentors/advisors, peers, family members who can help guide you in making decisions about how best to teach this kind of course. If you’re creating your own online course, try following these 6 vital steps and let us know how it goes in the comments!
