What are the tools you need to teach an online course?
Teaching an online course is a great way to offer a valuable educational opportunity to your audience, help people solve their problems, and spread awareness of your business.
Anybody can teach an online course with minimal resources or budget.
Tech requirements are also minimal, but here are the basics you need to offer a high-value online course.
This blog post talks through the tools you need to teach an online course.
While it’s possible to run online courses through your smartphone or tablet, it’s far from ideal.
Size of screen is an issue and built-in microphones don’t offer great sound quality.
It’s hard to share files and it simply doesn’t look professional. You’re better off with a laptop or PC with a large screen.
You need to use some type of video platform such as Zoom, Skype, or Upstream.
Each platform has its own features such as screen sharing, file sharing, and chat functionality.
Choose a platform that offers the features you need and get comfortable using it before you launch your online course.
Many video software programs offer a free and premium version.
Start with the free version and see if it has the functionality you need, and you can then upgrade as needed.
The quality of your videos will impact the success of your online course, so it’s best to use a high-quality webcam.
You want to offer the best experience possible to your students while they’re going through your course.
It’s also important if you plan to repurpose your course into video content for marketing purposes.
Popular webcam options are inexpensive and easy to install.
The same goes for your microphone. In fact, your mic is even more important than your webcam in some ways.
If your words can’t be clearly heard by your students, this will present a serious barrier to their learning and ruin the overall experience.
You can use a headset mic if you want the option to move around while teaching, or a standard mic like the Blue Yeti.
You’ll need software to record and edit your course videos.
Your chosen video platform may offer built-in functionality.
If you record your content, you can then use bits of your course for marketing or release it later as an information product.
You can also offer the recording for students so they can review the material.
Plan ahead of time what you will do with your course and choose the right tool for the job.
The above are the essentials but you may also consider using the following:
Presentation software like PowerPoint can be useful for presenting visuals to making data easier to understand.
You may want to use document sharing for passing out or receiving handouts and worksheets as part of your online course.
A tool called a virtual whiteboard allows you to write and share as you present information.
With a few tech investments, you’ll be ready to start teaching a high-value online course that helps your audience solve their problems and achieve their goals.
Ready to get started?
Check out my program, The Ultimate Online Course Creator Bundle , which teaches you the A to Z of teaching a successful online course that improves student success rates and helps you achieve your business goals.
You can find out more details here.
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