I was recently on a telephone call with a client with an amazing online course idea. It was one of those course ideas that makes you think,this idea can potentially change the world!I excitedly described to her how we'd work through her course’s strategy together and she expressed some hesitation. Attempting to find out what could possibly be holding her back from getting this innovative course out into the market, I began asking probing questions. Her explanation was: “The COVID restrictions are lifting worldwide and I worry that online courses are now becoming obsolete. I suspect that people are now burned out on taking online courses”.
My client's explanation astounded me. Because I have been helping people create online courses, I see increasing demand in this lucrative industry firsthand. I can't help but wonder if the masses shared her belief.
I am convinced that there has never been a better time to create an online course.While I have seen many shifts in the online course world (from innovative technology to trends in content development and marketing), I am constantly surprised at how industry profit projections far surpass forecasts. Even before the pandemic it was estimated that the eLearning industry would hit $325 Billion by 2025. But in mid-2022 Research and Markets is now estimating that the global eLearning market will reach $457.8 billion by 2026.
Online courses are in more demand than ever. In corporate organizations teams are still participating in virtual workshops and trainings, rather than in-person. Those graduating from college are now familiar with, and even prefer, online learning methods. It’s safe to say that virtual courses are here to stay.
Higher education has followed the virtual learning trends, which is a big indicator that the world is adopting an eLearning approach. Universities are offering more online learning course option, hybrid learning models (in-person learning that includes online components), and more degrees earned in an online setting. The adult population is becoming increasingly comfortable with virtual courses, setting a significant standard for how they prefer to learn.
The people who believe that creating a course is no longer profitable also tend to believe that people are burned out on taking online courses. The truth is that people are simply burned out on investing their time and money in experiences that don't produce results. Admitedly, there are plenty of lackluster online offerings out there.
Not all learning experiences are created equal and this makes it important for students to prioritize options that will bring value. The key to success in the online course industry is to create a valuable experience that helps your audience achieve a specific result. When you, the course creator, use proven approaches to creating a virtual course, your audience will be engaged and they will achieve a specific end result.
Gone are the days of generic training videos. Today's successful course creation trends are engaging, well-designed, offer interactive opportunities for learners to practice, and are focused on specific results. The ways we can connect with our audiences through online courses are endless. Some of the course ingredients that intensify the value of the online education experience:
- Community: Provide a way for students to engage with others as they move towards a specific end result. Students sharing their different experiences with each other as they navigate through your course often leads to a-ha moments that may not even be a part of the overall curriculum.
- Feedback: Create a conducive learning environment in online courses so that students don't feel isolated. Include Q & A sessions, virtual workshops, or recorded customized messages so that your audience to feels validated as they progress.
- Structure the course for success: A clear course structure helps students understand what to expect in the course and what is expected of them in order to achieve the promised results. Be sure to address various methods of engagement and learning strategies and you will engage your student, regardless of their learning preferences.
It’s still time to make your dream of creating an online course a reality. If you want a sounding board on selecting your audience, creating content, and assembling the tech to reach a larger audience, let's talk.
I'm excited to see what you create!
