5 things to consider before creating your online course
In this article, I plan to share 5 things to consider before creating your online course. In reality, as I build People Skills for Product People I really thought about the below 5 things to enhance the student experience.
1: Create content in various forms
People learn differently some people are visual learners. Some prefer to listen and learn. Consider creating content that includes:
- Written
- Videos
- Audio
This gives students the ability to learn from different mediums and at the same time not become “bored” by learning from “just” reading, watching videos, or listening [to podcasts].
To be clear I’m not saying create the same content in three different versions. I’m saying create the content in mixed formats.
2: Strengthen understanding
Traditionally, students generally come to learn and expect a lecture or similar. Unfortunately, that style of teaching has become antiquated and students turn off very quickly.
In People Skills for Product People, students are expected to review the materials prior to class. Therefore, the class is designed to be a discussion [NOT a lecture]. Keeping a small group size the emphasis is on creating a discussion.
3: Practice new skills
What’s the point of learning a new skill if you cannot practice it or do not feel comfortable using it?
In People Skills for Product People, students will be given a safe space to practice the new skills they learned. At the end of the day reading about it and talking about it will only take you so far. Students need to learn by doing.
Certain things will “only” click once you actually start to do it.
4: Learn the nuances
Unfortunately, the experience cannot be substituted. Therefore, in People Skills for Product People, we have invited four experienced Product Leaders to come and share their knowledge of the subject. As well as allowing students to ask questions.
In my opinion, this adds a unique dimension.
5: Community
Community has become such a buzz word these days. However, when creating a cohort-based learning program encourage the students to work together, make mistakes, and learn from each other.
Students learn faster and more effectively when they teach. Working together in the cohort students start to help each other.
5 things to consider before creating your online course
What courses have you recently taken? I’d love to hear about your experiences. What worked and what didn’t.
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