In the last 2 years, I’ve gone through 8 online courses but completed only two: WoP by @David_perell and BASB by @fortelabs. What makes them different and what can other course creators learn? Here are 11 components for creating a next-level online learning experience:
1. Onboarding: Before the course starts, let students reflect on their intention and goals. Measure their current state to show them where they are now. Then measure again at the end to show progress.
2. Community: Provide a space for students to connect and interact, like Slack or Circle. They can learn from each other and create the bonds that used to be reserved for in-person classes.
3. Mix of pre-recorded and live sessions: Teach concepts in pre-recorded videos, then go deeper in live sessions. Create discussions, hear different viewpoints. That lets the insights sink in.
4. Breakout rooms: Even in a live session with hundreds of people, personal discussions can happen in breakout rooms of 2-3 people. Ask a question and give students space to debate and explore.
5. Teaching style: Metaphors and concrete examples make every lesson more memorable. This is key for bringing abstract concepts to life.
6. Alumni Mentors: They've gone through the same journey, are only a few steps ahead. This makes them excellent teachers who often convey lessons better than the main instructor. Who should you pick? Your most involved beta testers.
7. Assignments: Learning happens when students take action. Ask for concrete deliverables without making students feel bad who fall behind. They'll be proud to have something concrete to show for at the end of the course.
8. Feedback: Let students provide feedback to each for every deliverable. This will accelerate learning more than anything else.
9. Support: Students should feel challenged but never confused. How to provide support: a clear course curriculum, takeaway emails, reminder emails, Q&A sessions.
10. Flexibility: The best course creators adapt the course on the fly based on the feedback and needs of their students. For example, scheduling an extra session, adapting the material, switching lessons around.
11. Celebrate achievements: Encourage students to share their wins and give shoutouts. This lifts everyone up, showing what's possible.
This approach means obviously way more work than simply uploading a few videos to Teachable and calling it a day. But it's much more effective at delivering on your promise and boosting student success. And that's what counts long-term.
