Sometime last week, some guy I shared a tricycle (keke) with mentioned that he saw one of my videos. I asked which one and he says ‘data analysis’.
I did a video tutorial sometime in 2012/2013 on SPSS for a PhD class I was privileged to teach for a semester at the University of Jos.
While the experience was humbling as well as a great learning platform, I was even more surprised that the video will still be in circulation.Okay… I sort of thought it will… but the sudden realization from that conversation made me realize that that video was worth the time it took.
I think it’s time I release tha course to the public.
We’ll see…
And that is my highest qualification to talk about the above subject. If I can teach PhD students and have them learn and take my exam, then I sure got this! Atin?🙃
Back to the topic above…
Creating an online course is simple. It requires that you have
1. A topic you can teach that’s in demand
2. The setup tools
3. The Production tools
4. The Distribution tools
I’ve grouped them so for quick understanding.
Let’s dig in.
🎯 A TOPIC
Duh!
Before you venture down the online course path, you need a subject you can talk about. This could be a how to video on some tool or skill now in need in the marketplace. It could be a ‘use case’ video to explain areas of applications for some tool, skills or technology.
If you find/ have one topic you can talk freely about, you have a good head start towards creating the perfect online course.
🎯 SETUP TOOLS
1. A quiet place to record. For best results, find a space that has no echo.
2. A microphone. You can get a lapel mic or a regular headphone (the sound quality is much better). If you have access to neither, you can use you system/ laptop mic.
3. A recording software. Some include-
– Camstudio — Free (I started out with this)
– Screencastomatic
– Camtasia (I currently use this one)
🎯 PRODUCTION TOOLS
There are plenty online courses out there that would never get the attention they deserve simply because the production was poor even though the content of the course is actually rich. I am referring to courses that 5- 10 minutes in, you are already dozing off or are quickly distracted by non essentials.
You video should have the right transitions, sound effects and theme that gets and keeps your prospective audience attentive to your course.
I have found that the best way to do this is to have include lots of movement in your video. Think of ways you can explain how a car moves (for instance). Would you rather have someone show you the picture of a car while talking about the gears, throttle, brakes and lights, OR would you rather see pictures/ actual short video of these parts as the course instructor talks?
The answer is obvious, right?
You can achieve good production by using a video editor. Camtasia comes with a really intuitive video editor. Other editors include –
– Wondershare Filmora
– Windows Movie Maker (I used this one when starting out)
– Adobe Premiere
– Adobe Captivate (Super Cool tool)
🎯 DISTRIBUTION TOOLS
The final stage of course creation is distribution and it’s the most crucial. Obviously, if you can’t distribute your course, you probably shouldn’t have created it in the first place unless of course, for educational purposes.
Your distribution channel of choice will depend largely on your target audience and the goal of your course. Then there’s also your pocket to consider.
1. Use already existing platforms if you are just starting out/ have a limited audience. Platforms like Teachable, skillshare, thinkific allow you to publish your courses on their platforms and simply direct your target audience over there to access while at the same time exposing you to a global audience.
2. Create your own platform if you already have a large and loyal following. Solutions like Kajabi, wordpress LMS are great options. You can upload you already recorded and produced video courses and have your people signup as member at a recurring fee if you like or a one-of fee.
You can also create super cool landing pages to launch your courses and drive conversions.
CONCLUSION
Okay…this was a long one, I admit 😅.
If you made it this far, I like to think you have gained some clarity.
Your next steps will be to get to work.
If you have any questions, ask away.
–
© Gilead Ogbonna
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