What is an Online Course? A Beginner's Guide

The Internet has made it easier for people to grow their personal brands and share their knowledge and insights with audiences. One way that professionals with knowledge can share is through the use of online courses.

But what exactly is an online course, and why should you consider creating one? This beginner's guide will provide you with all the information you need to know.

What is an Online Course?

An online course is a structured learning experience delivered through the internet. It can include various forms of media, including videos, audio recordings, written content, interactive quizzes, and assignments.

These courses are typically self-paced and can be accessed at any time from anywhere with an internet connection.

3 Types Of Online Courses That You Can Offer

There are many types of online courses that you can offer, depending on your expertise and target audience. Some common types include:

1. Self-Paced Course

A self-paced course is a highly flexible option that allows learners to go at their own pace.

This type of course is typically made up of pre-recorded videos, written content, downloadable resources, and quizzes that students can complete at their own pace.
The course is accessible at all times, which means that learners can study whenever they want and wherever they have an internet connection.
Some courses are also downloadable, which means that students can simply download the course onto their devices and learn whenever it’s convenient for them.

This course type is ideal for people with busy schedules or who prefer independent learning.

The advantage is that it gives students the freedom to learn at their own pace without the pressure of keeping up with a group.
Plus, since the materials are always available, the students can revisit the content as many times as they like, which helps reinforce the learning process.

In this kind of course, the instructor's role is often limited to content creation and course maintenance, leaving plenty of time for other related projects.

2. Live Course

A live course, often referred to as a real-time or synchronous course, involves scheduled live sessions where the instructor and students interact in real-time, typically via video conferencing platforms.

This type of course is more hands-on, as you have to create an interactive and engaging learning environment similar to traditional classroom settings.
The sessions may include live lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and immediate feedback, which enhances the learning experience further compared to a self-paced course.
The live course also helps provide immediate feedback and assessment of students' understanding, which makes it easy for the instructor to adjust their teaching methods and the course content accordingly.

This approach is best for learners who prefer learning in a more structured environment and enjoy the intractability of real-life instruction.

However, keep in mind that this type of course presents its own set of challenges.

Because the course requires both the instructor and student to be online at the same time, it can be difficult for those whose schedules don’t line up with the course’s, as well as for those in differing time zones.
However, live courses continue to be popular because of their more personal and engaging experience, which is welcome in the online learning world.

3. Drip Course

A drip course is a type of online course model where course content is "dripped" out over time.

It's like a learning schedule, where students gain access to new course content at specific intervals—daily, weekly, monthly, or when they have completed a certain exercise that showcases mastery of the previous topic.
This method encourages consistent engagement and can be particularly effective when teaching complex subjects, as it helps prevent information overload and helps students better retain the knowledge.
It also creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, keeping students motivated and engaged for a longer period of time.
Like live courses, instructors in drip courses can also use this time to collect feedback and make necessary adjustments to the course in real time.

Plus, the staggered release of content gives instructors the chance to create active learning communities around their content, fostering interaction and discussion among students.

However, it requires careful planning and course management, as content needs to be prepared and scheduled in advance to maintain the consistency and flow of the course as a whole.

Why Create an Online Course?

There are several reasons why you should consider creating an online course:

1. Share Your Knowledge

Creating an online course allows you to share your insights, skills, and expertise with a global audience.

Whether you're a seasoned professional in your field or a passionate hobbyist with a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips, an online course offers a convenient platform to pass on your wisdom.
It's an opportunity to establish yourself as an authority, empowering others with the information and skills they need to grow personally or professionally.

2. Earn Passive Income

An online course can be a sustainable source of income.

Once the course is created, it can be sold to numerous students without any additional effort on your part, aside from updating the course material as needed.
This makes it a form of passive income, allowing you to earn while focusing on other personal projects or even while you sleep.
It's a financially viable option for those looking to diversify their income streams.

3. Flexibility and Convenience

Creating an online course offers flexibility and convenience that you can’t easily get anywhere else.

As a course creator, you have complete control over your content, course structure, and teaching methods.
You can choose to update your course, add new modules, or even create new courses according to your schedule.

There's no need to adhere to a strict curriculum or teaching schedule. Your students also benefit from this flexibility.

They can learn at their own pace, revisit previous lessons, and access your course anywhere.
This convenience enhances their learning experience, contributing to your course’s success.

4. Global Reach

Creating an online course allows you to bypass geographical boundaries and reach a global audience.

The internet has made education more accessible to millions around the world, regardless of location.
By offering an online course, you tap into this pool of potential students, bringing your brand to an international level.
Your knowledge isn't limited to a single locality but can influence individuals worldwide, inspiring a new generation of learners.
This broad reach can also significantly promote your personal brand, create networking opportunities, and foster a global community around your area of expertise.

5. Cost-Effective

Creating an online course is a cost-effective method of sharing knowledge.

Traditional courses require physical space, textbooks, and other resources that add to the teaching cost.
In contrast to all this, online courses almost completely remove all of these overhead costs.
Once you've created your course, there are very few additional expenses to worry about. All you need is a stable internet connection and a platform to host your course.
Even the course creation process can be budget-friendly, as there are numerous affordable tools available for creating high-quality content.
Since everything is done online, you don’t have to worry about travel and accommodation expenses that offline teachers have to worry about.

How to Create an Online Course

Now that you understand the benefits of creating an online course, here are some essential basic steps to get you started:

Identify your niche and target audience: Determine the subject or topic of your course and who would benefit from it.
Research and plan: Conduct thorough research on your chosen topic, identify learning objectives, and develop a comprehensive course outline. Take the time to also identify your target audience so you know who you’re creating the course for.
Choose a platform: Select a reliable and user-friendly platform to host your course. Some popular options include Skillshare, Thinkific, and Udemy.
Create engaging content: Use a variety of media to make your content more engaging and appealing to different learning styles. Always keep your target audience in mind when creating your course content.
Set a reasonable price: Consider the value of your course and research competitors' prices before determining the cost of your course.
Market your course: Use social media, email marketing, and other methods to promote your course and attract potential students.
Gather feedback and make improvements: Always seek out feedback from your students and make necessary improvements to enhance the learning experience.

Wrapping Up: What is an Online Course?

Creating an online course is a rewarding and impactful way to share your knowledge with a wide audience, offering plenty of benefits for teachers and learners alike.

In this article, we've covered some of the basics that you need to get started with creating your online course:

What an online course is
Types of online courses
Benefits of creating an online course
First steps to take when creating an online course

Expand your reach, share your knowledge, and create an impact by bringing your ideas to life with an online course.

Explore our articles on building your online course business.

What is an Online Course?