Creating online courses can be both exciting and daunting. From wrestling with video editing software to ensuring your content engages learners, the challenges can seem overwhelming. You pour your expertise and passion into crafting valuable content, but without a structured approach, it’s easy to get lost in the development maze. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone or reinvent the wheel.
Think of course creation like building a house. You wouldn’t start building walls without proper plans and a blueprint, right? The same principle applies here. A structured approach not only saves you time and reduces stress but also helps ensure your course delivers real value to your learners.
A clear roadmap is essential for transforming knowledge into an engaging learning experience. It provides the framework to stay organised, focused, and efficient throughout the process.
The six-stage course creation model I follow offers such a roadmap, guiding you from initial idea to successful launch and beyond.
From Idea to Launch
The 6-stage model to guide you through the eLearning development process:
- Stage 1: Plan Your Course and Project – Audience, Topic, Strategy
- Stage 2: Design Your Course – Structure, Content Types and Content Writing
- Stage 3: Create Course Content – Use Tools and Technology to Develop Your Course
- Stage 4: Promote Your Course – Online Course Marketing, Launch and Sales
- Stage 5: Deliver Your Course – Implementation, Enrolment and Support
- Stage 6: Support and Evaluate – Post-Launch Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
Overview of Stages 1 & 2 (Planning and Design)
Before diving into Stage 3, let’s look at what happened in the two previous stages. Select the headings below to view details in a dropdown.
Stage 1:
Planning your course and business strategy:
You identified your target audience, validated your course topic, and created a project plan.
Stage 2
Design your course:
You refined your course structure and designed engaging content through storyboards, scripts, and initial content writing.
Having completed stage 1 and 2 steps, you should have the following deliverables in place:
Strategic Foundation:
- Validated course idea and niche: A clear understanding of your topic, target audience, and niche.
- Detailed learner persona: A profile of your ideal learner, including their needs, goals, and pain points.
- Course roadmap and project timeline: A structured outline of your course’s sections and lessons.
- Technology requirements and platform decisions: Choices regarding the tools you’ll use for content creation.
- Initial marketing strategy: A plan for promoting your course.
Course Design Elements:
- Comprehensive course structure: A roadmap outlining the course sections, lessons, and topics.
- Defined learning outcomes: Well-defined goals, objectives, and measurable outcomes aligned with your learners’ needs.
- Content strategy and media choices: Decisions about media types (videos, text, interactive activities) and delivery methods (self-paced, live workshops, webinars).
- Content, scripts, and storyboards: Content for modules, lessons, storyboards, and scripts or drafts for videos, lessons, or interactive elements to guide content development.
- Quality standards and guidelines: Clear criteria to maintain high-quality content.
In this post, I will focus on stage three – content creation/content development.
Stage 3: Content Creation/Development
Now that the planning and design stages are complete, it’s time to begin creating your course content. Here’s where the magic happens: you turn your ideas and plans into a tangible, interactive course.
Throughout this post, I will share examples from the case study to give you a better idea of the practicalities involved in creating the course. Select the heading below to read the case study details in the dropdown.
This case study follows a beginner course creator – Maya – through Stage 3 of developing an online course on sustainable gardening and plant propagation. Maya’s target learners are hobbyists and beginner gardeners, and the course aims to empower them to propagate their own plants, foster sustainable gardening practices, and reduce reliance on expensive store-bought plants.
Maya is an experienced gardener with limited technical expertise. She opted for a practical, hands-on approach. The course will comprise five self-paced video modules, each containing 10 topics. Maya decided that live webinars would supplement the modules for interactive learning. She created a Facebook group to build and foster a community of practice. Maya will use an online platform like Teachable or Thinkific.
Content creation will involve mobile recording in the Maya’s polytunnel and garden workshop, emphasising practical demonstrations of propagation techniques. Maya plans to develop slides, possibly some videos and downloadable supplementary learning materials on Canva to support theoretical concepts.
Maya already has a detailed course structure and course topics laid out. She has her content and media strategy in place, knowing what will be delivered as video and that there will be a webinar after every topic. She carefully planned and drafted all her content. She will record some plant propagation videos that are not 100% scripted, but she has structures and detailed storyboards for them that serve as a plan.
Let’s do it! Let’s start creating and developing content. Here are the main components.
Let’s do it! Let’s start creating and developing content. Here are the main components.
1. Planning Your Development Process
This stage is all about setting yourself up for smooth sailing. Think of it as building your ideal content creation studio (even if it’s just your kitchen table!). Start with creating a detailed development plan and setting up your production environment. Here are some areas to consider.
- Project timeline. It is your content creation compass. It keeps you on track and prevents overwhelm. I like to use a project management tool like Trello to map out each module and set realistic deadlines.
- Task breakdown and deadlines. Decompose the course into manageable tasks, assigning deadlines for each component.
- Workflows for collaboration. If you plan to subcontract any work, set clear communication channels and tracking methods.
- Additional resources. Determine if you need extra help or tools for content creation, such as video software or graphic design tools.
- File organisation system. This will streamline your content development process.
- Tech, tools, and templates. Make final decisions about the technology and tools you will be using. Create templates and style guides to maintain consistency.
- Quality assurance processes. Decide how you will ensure the quality of your content. Create style guides to maintain consistency.
- Budget. Consider typical costs for different content types (e.g. video production, audio, tools to buy, etc) and where to invest vs. where to save
Output: A content production schedule and workflow plan
Let’s see how this works in practice. Select the dropdown heading to see details.
Maya’s creating an online gardening course. She’s great with plants but not so tech-savvy. Here’s her streamlined approach:
- Timeline: Maya creates a detailed timeline in Trello, factoring in extra time for tasks she finds tricky, like video editing.
- Tasks: She breaks each module into small, manageable tasks.
- Workflows: She uses Google Drive and Trello to collaborate with her video editor.
- Resources: Maya invests in a tripod, microphone, and Canva Pro. She outsources video editing and proofreading.
- Files: She sets up a clear file structure with version control.
- Tech: Maya sticks to user-friendly tools and creates templates in Canva.
- QA: She uses a checklist to maintain quality.
- Budget: Maya budgets for software, equipment, and outsourcing.
See? Planning doesn’t have to be daunting. By breaking things down and being organised, you’ll be well on your way to creating brilliant course content.
Now, onto the actual creation!
2. Develop Core Content
This step is about creating the core content for your course based on your design and chosen formats. Depending on your course, this may include:
- Scripts and text. Finalise scripts for lessons, create slide decks or write text for activities and downloadable resources.
- Videos. Record and edit video lessons, ensuring high audio and video quality for a professional finish.
- Slides. Design engaging slides that complement your lessons.
- Multimedia. Create animations, graphics, and visuals and record and edit audio content.
- Interactive activities. Develop quizzes, case studies, practical exercises, or gamified elements to engage learners.
- Assessments. Design assessments to evaluate learner understanding, including quizzes, tests, projects, or peer reviews. Create formative and summative assessments, including questions, answer keys, and feedback mechanisms.
Output: Completed course materials encompassing all text, videos, slides, and interactive elements.
Let’s see how this works in practice. Select the dropdown heading to see the case study.
Maya’s now ready to create the content for her gardening course. Here’s how she tackles this phase:
- Scripts/Text: Maya finalises all her scripts and downloadable resources, paying close attention to clear language.
- Videos: She films both scripted lessons and practical demonstrations, using two cameras for more dynamic footage. She labels her files clearly for her editor.
- Webinars: Maya plans live webinars, preparing slides and anticipating learner questions.
- Slides: She designs visually engaging slides in Canva, incorporating images and audio recordings.
- Multimedia: Maya adds audio recordings to her slides and plans to create time-lapse videos for her next course.
- Interactive Activities: She creates multiple-choice quizzes and uses a Facebook group to build community.
- Assessments: Maya uses quizzes and photo submissions to assess learner progress.
TIP:
An important tip from Maya:
Always test your recordings before you create a whole batch. Make sure your audio and video quality is up to par! There’s nothing worse than having to re-record a bunch of videos because of technical issues.
3. Create Supporting Resources
This phase is about creating supplementary materials that add more value for learners. These resources can reinforce learning, support, and even encourage further exploration. Here’s what I like to include:
- Downloadable PDFs, templates, and guides. Create materials that learners can refer to and use beyond the course.
- Resource lists. Compile reading materials and resources that support learning.
- Discussion guides or prompts. Provide prompts for live sessions or discussions.
- Worksheets and templates. Design materials that facilitate practical engagement.
Output: Supporting resources aligned with your course.
Select the dropdown heading to see the case study.
Case Study: Maya Adds the Finishing Touches
Maya’s almost there! Now, she’s adding those extra resources to make her gardening course even better:
- Downloadables: Maya creates PDF guides on propagation methods, printable planting calendars, and troubleshooting checklists. She also includes a list of recommended suppliers.
- Resource Lists: She compiles a list of helpful websites and books on sustainable gardening and plant propagation, using AI to help her curate the list.
- Discussion Prompts: Maya prepares discussion prompts for each live webinar to encourage interaction and Q&A.
By providing these extra resources, Maya is giving her learners even more value and support. It’s all about going the extra mile!
On to the next stage!
4. Populate on Your Platform
Prepare and Upload Content
This stage is all about getting your course onto your chosen learning management system (LMS). It’s like setting up shop – you want to display your wares in an attractive and accessible way. Here’s the process:
- Prepare, format and upload. Organise content carefully, using consistent naming conventions. This makes it easier for learners to populate content on LMS and navigate and find what they need. Make sure everything is formatted correctly for the platform. No wonky images or broken links!
- Add accessibility features. Add captions and transcripts to my videos. It’s important to make your course accessible to everyone.
- Test course flow. Test everything thoroughly to make sure it works seamlessly. Think of it as a dress rehearsal before the big opening night.
Output: Fully formatted course content uploaded and tested on the LMS.
Let’s see how this works in practice. Select the heading to see the case study in the dropdown.
Maya’s chosen her LMS and is ready to upload her gardening course. Here’s what she does:
- Upload & Organise: Maya uploads her content, ensuring consistent naming conventions and a clear structure within the LMS.
- Accessibility: She adds captions and transcripts to her videos.
- Testing: Maya and her QA helper test the entire course flow, checking navigation, video playback, and resource access.
5. Test and Review Content (Quality Assurance)
This is where we make sure everything is absolutely perfect. Think of it as that final clean before your guests arrive. QA involves testing all content elements as they are written, reviewing for accuracy and consistency, and conducting technical testing at a later stage. Here are examples of QA steps:
- Internal review. Review all content to ensure it aligns with learning outcomes, is clear, and flows logically.
- External feedback. Share selected content with beta testers or a small group of your target audience for feedback.
- Technical testing. Ensure all technical aspects function smoothly.
- Revisions based on feedback. Make necessary edits based on the feedback received.
- Accessibility checks. Ensure your course content is accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities.
Output: Reviewed and revised course materials ready for upload.
Select the heading to see the case study in the dropdown.
Maya takes quality seriously. Here’s her QA process:
- Content Review: Maya collaborates with copywriters and reviewers who check all her materials for accuracy and clarity when writing and producing content. She also gets feedback from gardening enthusiasts. She does it regularly at the QA stages.
- Platform Testing: After uploading, her QA helper tests the site for functionality and compatibility.
- Webinar Dry Run: Maya does a practice run of her live webinar to make sure everything works smoothly.
By taking these steps, Maya can be confident that her course is high-quality, engaging, and accessible to all learners.
It is almost time to launch!
6. Document and Track Progress
I have it as the last phase, but documenting and tracking our progress is ongoing. It is all about staying organised and making sure everything is on track. It’s like keeping a detailed logbook of your journey – you can see how far you’ve come and what still needs to be done. Here’s how I usually approach it:
- Task Tracking: I use a project management tool like Trello or Notion to keep track of all my tasks and deadlines. I love the visual overview and the satisfaction of ticking things off as I complete them.
- Progress Tracker: I create a detailed progress tracker to monitor the status of each element of my course. This helps me identify any bottlenecks or potential delays.
- Milestones: I set clear milestones for each stage of the project. This helps me stay motivated and ensures I’m meeting my overall goals.
Output: A progress tracker showing which materials are complete and ready for the next stage.
Select the heading to see the case study in the dropdown.
Maya is meticulous about tracking her progress. Here’s her system:
- Trello Power: Maya uses Trello to manage her entire project. Each module is broken down into topics, with each topic represented by a card on her Trello board.
- Label Magic: She uses labels to indicate the status of each topic (e.g., “Not Started,” “In Progress,” “Content QA,” “LMS Upload,” “Completed”).
- Checklists: Inside each card, she uses checklists to track the completion of individual elements, like videos, slides, and resources.
By diligently tracking her progress, Maya can stay on top of her project and ensure everything is completed on time and to a high standard.
TIPS:
Here are a few tips to help you create course content in a more efficient way
- Use AI Tools to generate ideas and content drafts.
- Repurpose your content: Maximise the value of your content by repurposing it in different formats. For example, you can transform video content into blog posts
- Don’t overcomplicate it. Trial your approach on one lesson or module, learn from it and adjust. Only use tools you are comfortable with. Make sure it works for you
That’s almost everything, but I wanted to share a few more tips before I finish.
- Tech and tools I recommend
- Common challenges
- Importance of accessibility
- Legal considerations
- Free checklists
Technology and Tools
Selecting the right tools and technology is crucial for efficient course content creation. The right tools can streamline processes, enhance content quality, and improve the overall learning experience.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Tools
- Ease of use: Choose user-friendly tools that require minimal training, allowing you to focus on content creation rather than troubleshooting.
- Integration capabilities with existing systems: Ensure the tools integrate seamlessly with your business tools to facilitate smooth content delivery.
- Cost: Assess your budget and prioritise tools that offer good value without compromising essential features.
- Features: Match the tool’s features to your specific content needs. Do you need advanced video editing capabilities, interactive elements, or assessment creation tools? Scalability for future growth, Support and community resources, Export/import flexibility, Updates and maintenance requirements
Recommended Tools for Various Content Types
| Category | Tools |
|---|---|
| Video Recording/Editing | Recording: OBS Studio (free), Loom (freemium), smartphones or cameras with decent microphones Editing: DaVinci Resolve (free), Camtasia (paid), CapCut, iMovie Screen Recording: Screencastify (freemium), Screenflow (Mac), Camtasia, Vimeo |
| Graphic Design | Canva, Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator, Pixlr |
| Audio Production | Audacity (Free), Adobe Audition, GarageBand (Mac, free) |
| Learning Management Systems and online platforms | Moodle, Teachable, Canvas LMS, Thinkific, Kajabi, Learnworlds |
| Project Management | Trello, Notion, Asana, ClickUp, Spreadsheets, |
| AI Tools for Course Creation | Research and Text: Poe.ai*, ChatGPT, Gemni, Clode. Video and Audio: Synthesia: for creating talking head videos from scripts |
| Captions and transcripts | Otter.ai for transcription services. |
Common Challenges
Troubleshooting is not only about reactive measures but also about the ability to solve problems. Addressing potential challenges proactively can save you time and headaches during content creation. Here are some most common challenges I came across in the past.
Large Video Files
How to manage large files? Here are some tips:
- Optimal recording settings: Record videos at a resolution appropriate for online viewing (e.g., 720p or 10 0 ). Avoid excessively high resolutions that create unnecessarily large files. Frame rate: 30fps for most content. Audio: 44.1 kHz, 128 kbps stereo
- Efficient codecs: Use modern video codecs like H.264 or H.265, which offer good compression without significant quality loss.
- Make them short. Break long videos into 5-10-minute segments.
- Compress videos without significant quality loss using Handbrake or similar software.
- Consider cloud storage solutions for easier management and delivery. Host videos externally, e.g., on Vimeo or Wistia, and embed them on your platform or website.
Consistency
How do we maintain consistency across materials?
- Create detailed style guides for branding, fonts, colours, and tone.
- Develop templates for video intros/outros, slide decks, and documents to maintain a unified look and feel.
Communication and Coordination.
How to coordinate with contractors/team members?
- Use project management tools (e.g., Trello, Notions, Asana) to collaboratively assign tasks and track progress.
- Establish clear communication channels, share project timelines, and do regular check-ins using project management software.
- Clearly define roles and responsibilities.
Technical Issues
How to deal with various technical issues?
- Thoroughly test content on your LMS before launch.
- Have a backup plan in case of unexpected technical difficulties.
- Maintain open communication with your LMS provider’s support team.
- Regularly test on multiple devices and browsers.
- Keep a record of known issues and solutions.
- Have a support team or IT specialist ready for troubleshooting.
Importance of Accessibility
Let’s not forget that creating accessible content is essential for reaching a wider audience and ensuring inclusivity. Here are some guideliness and examples.
Guidelines for Accessibility
- Video captioning: Ensure all videos include accurate captions for learners with hearing impairments.
- Screen reader compatibility: Use semantic HTML and ARIA attributes to enhance screen reader usability.
- Colour contrast requirements: Maintain a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 between text and background.
- Alternative text for images: Provide descriptive alt text for all images to assist visually impaired learners.
Specific Examples of Accessibility
- Adding Alt text: Describe the content and function of images clearly.
- Providing transcripts: Offer audio and video content transcripts to cater to diverse learning preferences.
- Ensuring sufficient colour contrast: Use tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to validate colour choices.
Creating accessible content broadens your audience reach, enhances learner satisfaction, and helps comply with legal regulations. You will reach learners with disabilities, expand your potential market, adhere to accessibility regulations and improve the learning experience for all learners, including those without disabilities.
Legal Considerations
Protecting your online course content and respecting learner data is crucial. Understanding copyright is essential – always license copyrighted materials correctly or use Creative Commons resources with proper attribution. Clear terms of use outline how learners can access and use your materials, protecting your intellectual property. A transparent privacy policy details how you collect, use, and protect learner data, ensuring GDPR compliance. Finally, robust data protection measures, like encryption and secure storage, safeguard learner information and demonstrate your commitment to their privacy.
Free resources
Action:
- Get your hands dirty! Start planning your course development processes now by following these tips.
- Download the checklists. Leave your email below and get the free checklists. You can print or copy the checklist into your project management software.
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Summary
With your content created, reviewed, and uploaded, you’re prepared to transition to Stage 4: Promote and Launch. In this stage, you’ll focus on marketing and sales strategies to attract learners and drive enrolments.
Stay tuned for the next blog in this series, where we’ll cover everything you need to know about successfully launching your course!
Feel free to visit my website for more resources, and I’d love to hear about your experiences creating course content. What tools and strategies have worked for you?
Let me know!
Note, that this post provides general information about course content creation.
It is important always to consider the specific context and requirements of your learning projects. If you have any questions or would like to delve deeper into the topic, please email me or book a free online consultation via my contact page.
If you like productivity hacks, check out my recent posts. You will find there tips and recommendations for tools, practices, and approaches that may help you work less and smarter:
1 thought on “Stage 3: Course Content Creation. Use Tools and Technology to Develop Your Training”
The article “Stage 3: Course Content Creation. Use Tools and Technology to Develop Your Training” offers a comprehensive guide for transforming course plans into engaging educational content. It emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning, including developing a detailed production schedule and selecting appropriate tools to streamline the content creation process. The inclusion of a practical case study provides valuable insights into real-world application, making this resource particularly beneficial for educators and course developers aiming to enhance their training materials effectively.
https://www.holyquranclasses.com/memorize-quran-online.html
Stage 4: Promote Your Course – Online Course Marketing, Launch and Sales
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