Everything you need to know about how to create online courses you learned in grade school. Really, it’s true. Those boring compositions your grade school teacher used to make you write? You know, the ones titled “What I Did on Summer Vacation” or “The Person I Most Admire.” Sure, from where you sit now, your elementary school scribblings might seem trite and simplistic. But, it turns out the skills you learned as a youngster come in handy when you create online courses.
In fact, those grammar school essays offer a proven formula that you can use to create engaging and relevant consumer learning. Think about it: Good writing —and great learning — is built around six key areas — who, why, what, when, where, and how. If you want to create online courses that are engaging and relevant, all you need to do is follow the formula and consider the following questions.
Who — Who will be taking your online course? Is it a new customer or someone you’ve already done business with? How old are they? Are they digital natives? Or are they new to online learning? Do they like to learn by doing or do they have a different learning style?
Why — Why is the customer interested in your course? Do they want to learn a new skill? To understand an issue? To interact with other people who use your product? Think, too, about your own motivations for designing an online course. Why did you decide to create online courses? Why do you think it will help you meet your business objectives? Is a consumer learning module the best way to meet your goals?
Asking why is also essential when it comes time to select the tools you’ll use. The best online education programs match content and delivery. So, ask yourself, why are we choosing one tool over another. Why a video, for example? Why these graphics and photos?
What — With so much to share about your product and services, you need to set parameters around your course curriculum. What is your “need to know” content? And what’s merely “nice to know” information? Keep a running list of everything you want to teach. Then, create a short-list. What’s the priority content? What can be included in another course?
When — Every time you create online courses, consider the best sequence of activities. What content needs to come first? What does the learner need to know before moving onto the next lesson?
Where — Knowing who your customers are will help you make smart choices about which online learning platform to use. Will you create a membership site where learners can access your course from their desktop? Or would an online learning platform that offers mobile accessibility for people who like to learn on the go?
How — Most people need time to absorb new information. How will you keep learners motivated? How will you recycle and review materials that have already been covered? Reflecting on how also extends to course evaluation. How will you know if your e-course is effective? How will you gather feedback?
Answering these questions will help you stay on track and create online courses that are both effective and memorable. So get out your marble copybook (or your tablet) and start creating!