How To Teach An Online Course
A great way to share your knowledge
Online education is growing in popularity as more people of all ages are using the Internet to take classes.
Taking classes or an online college course provides increased access to students who are looking for alternative ways to learn due to family and work obligations.
Teaching remotely requires preparation and knowing which tools to use and how to use them to teach an online course.
Planning, Designing, and Teaching
Learning how to teach or create an online course requires different skills and processes than teaching in a classroom.
Courses for students who are not physically in front of you requires more advanced preparation. Virtual students have different needs than those in a classroom.
Planning
Designing
Teaching
Provide your syllabus and course materials to students before the course begins. Allow them to see if your materials, deadlines, and other requirements fit into their schedules and meet their needs.
Tools, Equipment, and Software
You must have a reliable computer and a strong Internet connection. When it comes to technology, there are many options from which to choose.
Keep in mind that the LMS you choose may include some of the third-party tools listed below.
Screen Capture Software
Screen capture software is essential when you are creating online courses. It enables you to show what you are doing on your screen to your students.
Screencast-O-Matic is one of the most robust and free or reasonably priced screen capture tools on the market.
The free version allows you to:
Two upgraded versions offer enhanced functionality, such as editing and branding. The Deluxe option is $1.65/month (billed yearly), and the Premier version is $4.00/month (billed yearly). Not only is this product reasonably priced, but it’s also very simple to use.
To start using the free version, go to theScreencast-O-Matichome page and click on the blue button that saysStart recording for free.
This will take you to the screen recorder page.
Click on the orange button to launch the free recorder. A little box will appear over the button to let you know the recorder is launching.
The launch application will open in a pop-up window.
ClickOpen Linkand you’ll see the recorder on your screen.
In theRecord box, choose to record your screen, webcam, or both. The maximum recording time for the free version is 15 minutes. If you need to create a longer video, you can upgrade by clicking the blue link.
Select the video size for your recording from the options or use the up and down arrows.
You can also adjust the size of the video by dragging the sides or the corner of the recording window.
TheNarrationsetting shows you the standard microphones Screencast-O-Matic automatically detects as installed on your computer.
Computer Audiofor the free version only captures your speaking narration. If you want to record any additional background sounds from your computer, you will need to upgrade.
Click onPreferencesto personalize your settings.
When you are ready to record, hit the red button. You will notice a 3-second countdown.
The frame around where you are recording the screen will turn from a dotted black line to a red one to indicate that the recording has started.
If you want to focus on a different part of your screen, hit pause, move the video frame, and clickRecordagain to continue.
When you are finished recording, clickDone. Screencast-O-Matic will redirect you to the video manager.
With the free recorder, you can trim the start or end of your video by dragging the bars at the bottom to the desired length.
The editing feature is only available in the upgraded version. Other options you have access to in the free version include:
Platforms to Host Your Online Courses
Online course platforms are types of learning management systems (LMS) that provide users with access to digital classes.
When choosing the best platform for teaching online classes, look for an LMS that integrates well with other tools you use.
You want to be able to create course content, organize it efficiently, and deliver it to your students. Below are a few of the more popular online course platforms.
Thinkific
Thinkific is a robust all-in-one platform with features such as email marketing tools, membership site integration, and excellent customer support.
Other features include:
Teachable
Teachable is well-suited for beginners and an excellent teaching platform for online courses.
It lets you easily upload your content, customize the look of your online classroom, and engage with your students.
Udemy
Udemy is one of the most popular online course platforms.
It offers an instructor support team to help you learn how to prepare an online course. This includes a resource center, a peer-to-peer support group, and a community of other online teachers.
There are also severalfree and open-source LMS platformsavailable for online teaching and a range of high-qualitye-learning apps for kids. Learning how to teach an online course is a multifaceted process, as described above. It’s much more than just adding a webinar to a website.
Providing quality courses includes setting clear objectives and goals, using the right technology, having sound instructional strategies, encouraging student engagement, and including relevant materials that support your goals and objectives.
David has a background in small business and lives in Australia. He is a WordPress and Ubuntu Developer who enjoys design, CSS and tech tool integration.Read David’s Full Bio
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