There are a lot of things to consider when developing an online course, such as how to break down the entire course into more easily digestible modules and choosing the best design that’s in line with the organization’s brand and purpose. Every part of an online course needs to be planned and implemented carefully to ensure that it is able to deliver effectively. To help an entrepreneur or developer in this process, here are a few of the most important things to remember when creating an online course, so that nothing is missed.
Clearly Define Your Target Audience
Before you start creating your online course, you will need to know your target audience very well and this is made possible by market research. For instance, you need to learn what your target niche’s interests are, their level of education, as well as their experience level. These bits of information are important for you to know how best to construct your online course so that it is tailored to their needs and behavior.
Focus on Set Goals
The learning goals should always be your focus in everything you do. Clearly define and take note of these as these will be your ultimate guide as you build your online course. You will need to ensure that every part of the course does not deviate from these set goals. All content, graphics, and media will need to be consistent with these and anything that is irrelevant should not be included. A clear idea of what the learners expect to gain from the e-learning course will be helpful in keeping you from deviating from the set goals.
Keep It Short and Simple
A text-heavy module can be too overwhelming for your learners. Instead of placing too much information all in one place, each module should be focused on just one topic. Keep content concise and clear so that it is easier for learners to absorb and retain all the information. This will also allow them to better apply what they have learned during the assessment. Refrain from including irrelevant information. If there are complex concepts, break them down into shorter paragraphs or present them in a bullet list.
Provide Assessment Tools
You should have a means to assess how much the participants have learned from the online course. By providing an exam or project at the end of each module, learners will be able to apply what they have learned and you will be able to see if the module has been able to effectively impart the knowledge and skills that it was designed to teach. When a module’s exam or project consistently produces low scores among the learners, you may want to consider modifying it. Encourage your learners to provide feedback as you teach online so you would know what needs to be revised.
Ease of Navigation
It is important for learners to be able to find what they are looking for with ease. Performing a beta test will allow you to check and make sure that all the links are working, as well as observe if it is easy for someone to access the various parts of the site without any difficulty. The beta testers will be able to provide feedback on what needs to be changed so that the developer can make the necessary modifications before the online course is launched.
Keep these things in mind as you prepare your next online course and you can ensure that it will be an effective and successful one.
Michelle Gonzalez has been writing for SMEs across the United States, Canada, Australia and the UK for the last five years. She is a highly-experienced blogger and SEO copywriter, writing business blogs for various industries such as marketing, law, health and wellness, beauty, and education, particularly on e-learning platforms such as www.teachable.com.