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We all want to create effective online courses but most courses are too complex and complicated for students. And that’s why most students don’t complete online courses. Here are 6 ways to create effective course videos without overwhelming your students.
This episode is brought to you by “Easy Video for Courses“. Did you know that online courses that include video are 83% more effective in helping students remember the information better?
But most people struggle with complicated equipment or software, the cost of buying equipment, or they don’t feel confident in front of the camera. That’s why I created Easy Video for Courses. I’ve taken all the confusion out of the process so you can make effective course videos in half the time, even if you don’t like being on camera.
Go to EasyVideoForCourses.com to learn more and get the course.
1. Don’t pack EVERYTHING into your course
Think of your course as having 101, 201, levels, just like at a university. Your students will be able to learn at their own pace and not be overwhelmed. Don’t overcomplicate your content. Remember that your students are coming in at a basic understanding. Your job is to give them what they need to know now, not 10 steps down the road.Additionally, you will be able to make more money because you offer different courses for different skill levels. Your students will like it and you will like the additional opportunities for more income.
Is your course topic complex? I also recommend that you find a niche and make a course just on one part of the overall topic.
2. If your topic/process is complex, have everyone go through lesson 1 together before moving to lesson 2
While some courses are open for students to jump around to any part of the course they want, you might want to limit the course progression so everyone goes through the course content together. This alone may help your online course become more effective. Just think, everyone will go through it together and have similar questions. They can ask you or if you have a private Facebook group or forum then your students can also ask each other.
3. Keep stressing the importance of having them learn and master the first lesson before going to the next lesson
Course abandonment is high and one of the reasons is that students want to go quickly through the course content without thinking about the material and how to apply it. Ask them to reflect on the content, share what they learned with a friend or post in the Facebook group their key takeaways.
4. Give templates, scripts, etc that give step by step instruction for the students to follow which helps them to avoid overwhelm
Students want step by step instructions. They want to learn from someone with more experience and success. Students don’t want all the variables but the exact process you took to get success and they want to follow you. Sometimes little things like cheatsheets and templates are easy to create but provide the biggest value and allow the students to move ahead faster.
5. Use video in your online courses
Online courses that include videos are 83% more effective in helping students remember the information better. We all know that video content is the best content for your course but what if you don’t want to buy a camera or use complex software? Use your Smartphone or tablet to record your course videos.
I teach a full module just on how to effectively use your smartphone and tablet to record your course videos. I also give you my the best apps and software to use to film and edit directly on your phone or tablet. You can find the course at EasyVideoForCourses.com.
6. Think about other ways to provide more access to you
One of the biggest factors in both the success of the course for your students as well as how much money you make is what access you provide. While it takes more time to provide more access and you might lose money, you might actually get more students because they want to learn directly from you.Plan out how much time per week you’ll be there and make sure you’re not losing money on your course. Consider offering:
- Recurring webinars
- An in-person conference
- Giving them email access for a period of time
- Provide a private FB group for students to interact with each other and you – make sure it doesn’t take all your time.
If your course is inexpensive then don’t offer a private FB group.
Use these tips to create an effective online course that doesn’t overwhelm your students.
This episode is brought to you by “Easy Video for Courses“. Did you know that online courses that include video are 83% more effective in helping students remember the information better?
But most people struggle with complicated equipment or software, the cost of buying equipment, or they don’t feel confident in front of the camera. That’s why I created Easy Video for Courses. I’ve taken all the confusion out of the process so you can make effective course videos in half the time, even if you don’t like being on camera.
Go to EasyVideoForCourses.com to learn more and get the course.
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How to avoid online course creation overwhelm & answering your questions