Creating an online course is much tougher than some would think. If you’re looking to create online course, then you’ll know that it takes a lot more than a few minutes on a computer to get it right. Here are eight mistakes that you must avoid when you create an online course.
- Making the course too long
Anyone who’s sat through an online course will tell you that their attention will wane, if they’re kept there too long. You don’t want your trainees to stop paying attention, so keep your course as short as you can.
- Focusing too hard on the gadgets
There’s a lot of flashy tools you can use when it comes to online course creation. If you try and use them all though, your content is going to suffer. Only use the technology if you think it will honestly bring something useful to the course.
- Thinking content is everything
On the flip side, don’t focus solely on your content. How you interact with your trainees and how you organise your online course is also vital to its success.
- Making lengthy videos
Yes, videos are great for getting across a lot of information. However, they’re also boring if they’re too long. Anything over 30 minutes is going to be a problem if you need to keep everyone’s attention.
- Not proofreading your content
Your content needs to be easy to understand. If you make content that’s not been checked, then the typos and errors can make it hard to follow what you’re saying.
- Making sessions too long
The internet has made the average learner much more impatient. Each module should only be around 15 minute long, any longer and you’ll lose your trainees.
- Making one long course
A big course can be intimidating, even if you feel it’s much more efficient. Break the course down into smaller courses to make it easier to manage for those doing the learning.
- Making a course trainees don’t need
You have ideas about what should go into your course, but ask the trainees first. If you don’t, you could include ideas that no one needs in their training. Market research is key.
There are plenty of online tools that can help you get your course together. Here’s some of the best that you can try out for yourself. With these tips and tools, you can avoid making the same mistakes in your online course. Get out there and show them just how it’s done.
Click here to learn about some tools to help you design your online course.
Mary Walton is an E-learning specialist from Santa Monica. She’s blogging at Simple Grad. Follow Mary on Twitter and Linkedin.
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