Online Course Content: Check Out the Best Formats for Your Classes
The content of your online course should be dynamic and attractive. Learn about the different formats available and diversify your classes!
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To win over students, your online course content needs to be exciting and attractive!
However, the lessons’ format dramatically influences people’s experience and can be what sets you apart from competitors, you know?
Among so many possibilities in the distance education market, you can get lost and become unsure about the ideal type. But don’t be afraid to innovate!
The Internet offers many possibilities, and you can use them to provide the best experience and online course content for your students.
Check out the post we’ve prepared, and find out the best formats to diversify your lessons!
Why use different types of online course content?
Each person has a different learning process.
For this reason, some learn best through videos, those who best assimilate content by reading, and those who prefer something even more dynamic, such as audio-only, so they can listen while doing other activities.
Moreover, some people may need to consume content in different formats depending on their routine.
That’s why it’s so important to diversify the learning possibilities of online courses!
This way, you’ll reach a larger, more diverse audience that will have a complete experience with your classes, regardless of their preferences and possibilities.
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What online course content formats can you use?
If you’ve already planned your lessons in PDF or a slide show, you’re probably wondering how to create online course content in different formats.
Check out the many possibilities you can use to increase your students’ engagement and ensure they assimilate all the knowledge you’ll be sharing!
VIDEO: How to structure your online course #1: Niche and Target Audience | Hotmart SmatTips
1. Video lessons
Video lessons are great for grabbing your students’ attention and sharing what you know in a dynamic manner.
This format is ideal for those proficient in speaking in front of the cameras or those interested in perfecting this skill!
All you need is a camera, a good microphone, and a quiet, well-lit space.
Prepare the script for each online class, so you don’t forget anything important, and record the material sequentially!
This way, you ensure the content flows smoothly and a complete, quality course for your students.
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2. E-Books
Written material can be used as a supplement to video lessons or other course formats.
But it can also be a complete online course!
Many people prefer to learn by reading because they can assimilate the information better, go back to passages when necessary, and highlight what’s most important.
In addition, e-Books are quite suitable for teachers who are not comfortable recording their lessons.
If you’re good at written communication, this might be a great format to diversify your course and deliver content to your students!
3. Presentations
Slide decks may not be the most innovative online course format, but that doesn’t mean they should be put aside.
Many people like this model because it’s objective and shows relevant information in a clear and summarized manner.
You can create presentations to complement your videos, for example. Select the most complex topics and create presentations that help students understand the content!
The presentation must be meticulously done, with interesting content, the use of other resources – such as GIFs, images, and videos – and very objective text so as not to tire the reader.
4. Infographics
Infographics are visual materials that work very well in presenting information, dates, and other content that requires a summarized explanation.
Instead of a long paragraph presenting the results of a survey, you can compile the most relevant data for students into short snippets.
The information is complemented with icons, illustrations, and charts that help make the material more intuitive and enjoyable.
5. Livestreaming
Livestreaming is trending on social media, but did you know that you can use it for your online course content?
In this format, you’ll convey your knowledge in real-time, without the students having to download the lessons.
Live events are great for those who want more interaction with their audience. But for them to be done right, you need to take some steps to get ready:
- Good audio, lighting, and image quality
- Good internet connection
- Availability and preparedness to answer questions and comments
VIDEO: How to make EPIC webinars with Bruno Gimenes
6. Podcasts
Doing the dishes, driving, showering, cooking… You can do many things while listening to a podcast!
It’s no wonder that so many people have adhered to this format to become informed and learn new things.
Because it’s audio-only content, students have more freedom to listen wherever and whenever they want to and can.
So, if what you’re going to teach doesn’t require visual aids, a podcast can be the ideal format for your online course!
7. Gamification
Gamification is a highly effective strategy for engaging students and offering more dynamic and fun online course content.
By using typical game elements, your students will be more motivated to complete challenges, keep score, and practically without realizing it, learn more.
8. Quizzes
And speaking of gamification, how about using a quiz to interact with students and test their knowledge?
Because this is interactive content, it helps make the course more relaxed and hold people’s attention in a creative and more informal way if this is your persona’s profile.
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4 tips to avoid missing the mark when creating your online course content
Each of these online course formats will require specific preparation, but we have listed 4 essential tips that will help you avoid making mistakes in any of them. Check them out!
1. Plan your content
Planning your content is essential to ensure that every essential topic will be covered thoroughly in your online course content.
So, plan what will be discussed in each topic, list the information that cannot be left out, such as research data and fundamental concepts, and define what the sequence of lessons will be.
This way, you’ll find it easier when it comes to actually recording or writing the lessons because you’ll know exactly what needs to be covered at each moment of your course.
VIDEO: Make better ONLINE COURSES with LESSON PLANS | Hotmart Tips
2. Create the content with your persona in mind
This is a very important tip for all content creation!
Never forget who your persona is, their interests, and preferences.
You need to target your lessons to them at all times, making sure that the language style and duration of the lessons are appropriate.
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3. Make sure you have the tools you need
Before you start, you need to make sure you have everything you need to create your online course content! This way, you avoid interruptions and rework throughout the production of your content.
You can make a list of everything you’ll need, from the details to the most important resources, such as a computer, camera, microphone, editing tools, etc.
The important thing is to have everything ready when you start creating your lessons so that nothing interrupts your thought process!
4. Ask your students for feedback
Is your online course content available, and have the first students started to complete their lessons? Then it’s time to ask for feedback!
To determine if your course’s goals have been met and if there’s anything that needs to be improved, ask your students for feedback.
You can do this through forms sent out right after completing the course or a module or by email.
Stress the importance of receiving this feedback so that students feel motivated to respond and contribute to making your classes even better.
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Diversify the format of your online course content
See how the online course content doesn’t need to – and shouldn’t be – boring?
Take advantage of the many formats available and explore, diversify, and keep your students engaged in your classes.
Do you still have any questions on how to create content for online courses, and promote and sell your online course? Then don’t waste time and check out our Homepage to learn how to take the first step into your new future!
