Discover 5 ways to simplify your online course content.
Let’s face it, you got into the online course business because you have something to share with the world. You have a system, method, or framework that uses the knowledge you possess to help others solve some kind of problem.
However, one of the biggest problems emerging course creators face is knowing how to simplify what they know for their audience. Quite honestly, many Course Creators Ninjas run into the same problem. After all, when you’re the expert, it’s hard to know how to keep it short and simple.
The thing is, that’s what your audience wants and needs. They are looking for the simplest, most direct way to solve their problem.
That means they don’t want the full encyclopedia. They’ll settle for the Cliff Notes.
Here are 5 ways to simplify online course content
Eliminate the fluff
Before you even start creating your lessons, make a list of everything your audience needs to know to accomplish the outcome your course promises. Anything that doesn’t lead to the outcome needs to be removed.
For example, if you are going to teach your audience how to change the tires on their car, you don’t need a lesson on how tires are made or to hear about the most successful tire company.
Shorten videos
People’s attention span is short. The average attention span on any screen in 2004 was 2 ½ minutes but that has shrunk today to a median of 40 seconds. What does that mean for your online course recordings? The shorter your videos, the better.
Gone are hour-long video lessons. Try to keep each video lesson in the 10-15 minute range. If you start finding that your videos are longer, consider breaking them into 2 separate lessons. This allows viewers to sit for a short amount of time and consume as many or as few videos as they like rather than committing to an hour of time they may not have. It also helps them retain the information so they can use it.
Less is more
People don’t buy courses based on their length or the number of modules. In fact, that can actually be a deterrent if it feels like the course will take forever to complete. Consider what are the fewest number of modules you can have to accomplish your outcome without overwhelming your students.
Chunk your information into easy-to-digest modules that follow a logical progression. Each module should concentrate on a specific topic or concept. All modules do not have to be the same length. What’s important is that all of the lessons inside that module are related to the module topic.
On a side note, the value or price of a course isn’t determined by its length either. What matters are the results your students get. The quicker they can get those results, the better.
Keep design clean and simple
Most people are visual. Keep your course design clean and simple to make it easy on the eye. People tend to ignore cluttered designs. Remember, white space is your friend.
Course slides should include just a few words, not long blocks of text and not a lot of graphics. Stick to one concept or idea per slide. Use simple language and terms your audience is familiar with.
Simplify navigation
To improve navigation, stay consistent throughout your course in format, layout and content. Using the same colors, fonts, and design creates a cohesive look that helps with navigation.
Choose clear titles for lessons and modules. The viewer should be able to tell exactly what they are going to be learning. Always choose clear over clever.
Arrange the modules and lessons in a logical, sequential way. A step-by-step process is easy for students to follow if that makes sense for your course.
As a course creator when you adopt these 5 ways to simplify online course content, you will help your audience reach their desired outcome in the most effective and efficient way possible.
You might also enjoy these other articles on ways to simplify your online course business:
- Simplify Technology in Your Online Course Business
- Simplify Course Creation- Begin With The End In Mind
- Know Your Audience For A Successful Course Launch
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