Month: October 2020

Are you a pro when it comes to marketing? It doesn’t matter whether it’s digital marketing, inbound marketing, email marketing, PPC marketing, or any other kind of marketing skills that you possess – this is a field that many students are dying to learn.

Why not make the most of your digital marketing skills and help others learn digital marketing, too? Online learning is taking the education world by storm, and there’s no reason why you can’t create your own marketing courses to help others learn digital marketing, too.

If you’re looking for advice on how to start an online marketing course, you’ve come to the right place. Creating a helpful, groundbreaking class is easier than you might think – here’s how to do it.

Start By Selecting Your Topic

You know you want to teach about marketing, but have you decided what kind of marketing you’d like to teach yet? You’ll want to pick topics for marketing courses that you will enjoy teaching – and marketing skills that are sought after by students, too.

If you don’t love your topic, it will be obvious that you aren’t passionate about it. As a result, your online marketing course will be about as interesting as a paper bag. You don’t need to have a university degree in marketing or a related topic in order to teach it, either – you just need to be passionate.

Think carefully about your traditional and digital marketing skills, talents, and experiences. This will help you come up with a list of potential course topics that is not only helpful but marketable.

These are some of the most popular topics that you can teach in an online marketing course. For the most part, you will want to focus on digital marketing skills in your online class, as these tend to be the most commonly searched for topics. That said, a course in traditional advertising (as compared to online advertising) could be a successful avenue for you if you know exactly what kinds of content you’d like to offer.

Search Engine Optimization

Search engine optimization is the process of optimizing your website so that it ranks higher in search engine results pages. This can increase the amount of free (also known as organic) traffic that is sent to your website. The best channels for SEO include blogs, websites, and websites.

When you teach a course on search engine optimization, you might focus on on-page SEO, off-page SEO, or technical SEO. You could also teach a combination of the three.

Content Marketing

Content marketing is the creation and promotion of content for the sole purpose or increasing brand awareness, generating leads, and pushing traffic to a website. In this kind of marketing, you might write and publish blog posts, write whitepapers and eBooks, or even produce infographics. You could focus on one or all of these items in your digital marketing course.

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing is a type of digital marketing that has grown increasingly more popular within the last few years. In this kind of marketing, you will promote your content and brand via a number of social media channels. This can drive traffic, increase awareness for your brand, and generate leads.

You can teach social media marketing through a myriad of channels or just focus on one (ideally the one in which you have experienced the most success or are the most comfortable). Some options include Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

PPC Marketing

PPC marketing, or pay per click marketing, is a way to drive traffic to your website by paying a publisher each time an ad is clicked. One of the most commonly used types of PPC is Google Ads, which lets you pay for the highest spots on Google as it ranks pages at a price per click of links you place.

However, it’s not the only option. Your PPC marketing course could focus solely on Google or on a marketing channel like paid ads on Facebook, Twitter ads campaigns, or sponsored messages on LinkedIn.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based advertising in which you receive a commission for promoting someone else’s services or products on your website. Some of the most common affiliate marketing channels include Amazon Associates and hosting video ads through the YouTube partner program.

Inbound Marketing

This kind of digital marketing refers to a methodology of marketing wherein you attract and engage with customers at every stage of the journey. You can use just about any kind of digital marketing technique used you’d like, but ideally, you’ll use several that work in tandem with each other. Some of the most common include bogging, video marketing, and email contact lists.

Email Marketing

All kinds of companies use mail marketing as a way to communicate with their target audience. You can use email to promote events, discounts, and content as well as to direct people toward your company’s website. In your online digital marketing course, you can teach your students who to write and deliver blog subscription newsletters, tips or series emails, holiday promotions, customer welcome emails, or follow-up emails to website visitors.

Do Some Market Research

Market research to teach a marketing course? How fitting!

When planning, designing and teaching any kind of online course, it’s essential that you think carefully about whether there’s actually any demand for your product or service. After all, why would you want to spend hours of time making an online course – only to have nobody buy it?

Once you’ve selected your online course topic, your next step is going to be to conduct several market research tests. This will help you analyze whether there’s any interest in your topic.

Don’t fall into the trap of assuming that just because there is a lot of competition in your content area that your course will not make the cut. A bit of competition is a good thing because it shows that there is a good market demand for your topic. It’s worth looking into the idea further.

On the flip side, that’s not to say that just because nobody has ever taught a course on your subject before, absolutely nobody is interested in it. You need to do some legwork to figure out whether there is viable interest in your topic before you put the time into planning, testing, and launching a course.

Ask yourself these three questions before you start working on your online marketing course:

• Are people searching for my topic (are they talking about it?)
• Are they curious about it – are they asking questions about it?
• What gaps exist in what the competition is offering?

Once you have a rough idea of the answers to these questions, then – and only then! – can you begin planning your new online marketing course.

Come Up With Some Learning Outcomes

And not just any old learning outcomes – we are talking learning outcomes that are specific, understandable, and easily quantifiable. If you don’t come up with clear learning outcomes, the popularity, productivity, and success of your online course will falter.

Plus, it will be a lot harder for you to create an online marketing course if you don’t yourself even know what you want to teach.

As someone with good marketing skills yourself, you probably already know the importance of being able to list and define clear learning outcomes. After all, you wouldn’t fork over money for a product you don’t really understand – and you have no idea what it will do for you.

Therefore, you need to have a clear idea of what exactly it is you are going to offer your students. If you don’t know how it will help your students, how can you possibly hope to engage in the proper online advertising to convince your students that they should enroll?

Learning objectives or outcomes sound like they would be difficult to create, but really, they’re not. They are simply statements with actionable and measurable verbs that explain what students should be able to do, know, and feel by the end of your course.

To come up with your learning outcomes, answer the following questions:

• What skills should students be able to demonstrate?
• What new knowledge or understandings should students have obtained?
• What feelings will students have moved to or away from?

When you come up with solid learning outcomes prior to making your course, you’ll have an easier time developing your course modules – and you’ll also be sure that the right students are joining your course because they will have a clear idea of what they’ll get out of it. You’ll have fewer refund requests, higher satisfaction rates, and overall better completion rates.

While the learning objectives for every online marketing course will vary, here are some examples to help give you an idea of what you could provide your students.

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Develop a digital marketing plan to address common marketing challenges
• Recognize key performance indicators tied to a digital marketing program
• Evaluate and improve the return on investment for a digital marketing program
• Launch a new career path in digital marketing

Gather and Narrow Down Course Content

Once you have your online marketing course objectives in place, this next to-do should fall right into place. You need to gather and select your key course content. If you have clear objectives, this part should be easy – but if not, it can feel like you are falling into a black hole.

There is so much information out there that you can include in your course, but part of creating a beneficial, successful course is knowing what you need to keep – and what you need to omit.

If you find that you are having a hard time narrowing down your course content, you may want to pause, set the content aside, and revisit your learning objectives. They might not be clear enough.

The reason why so many people get stuck in this stage is that there is so much information that surrounds you – especially if you turn to the Internet for help. You will want to conduct some research – but don’t get overwhelmed. Look through your piles of content and get rid of anything that doesn’t directly relate to your learning outcomes.

If you’re having a hard time narrowing things down, just remember – you can also save some of that information for later courses or supplements that you’ll offer alongside your marketing course. You can always add more information later, but it will be hard to pull information out of the class once you’ve already built it. You don’t want to overwhelm your students – this can lead to burnout and cause poor completion rates. Start small and build from there.

Build Your Modules

Next, you’ll need to take a look at all of the content you have collected and group it together into ideas, tips, and themes. Categorize your material as best as you can and then order the lectures so that they are structured in the most logical, progressive way. Everything should be fairly sequential and flow well so that a learner can easily understand how the course should progress.

Pick a Course Platform

There are essentially three ways you can sell your online course – with an online course marketplace, with a learning management system, or with a plug-in or software on your website.

Deciding which one to use will ultimately be a personal decision that is guided by your course preferences, content, and budget.

When making this decision, you might want to evaluate the purpose of your online marketing course as it relates to your larger business plans.

For instance, will the course be used as a free lead magnet to your primary service or product? Will it serve as its own income stream? Will it be your primary income stream? When you answer these questions, you’ll have a better idea of how to design your course and provide value.

Each method has different marketing methodologies, too, and potentially a different audience. It may be helpful for you to consider the answers to these questions as soon as you start to design your course.

Figure Out How You Will Deliver Your Content

Next, you’ll need to decide how you want to deliver your content. Are you going to have videos? Reading modules? Audio? Group activities? What sorts of visuals will you use? Will you have sections of the course that will allow for community learning and interaction?

Ideally, you should consider your target audience. If you’re going to work primarily with older adults who want a thorough course with as little fuss as possible, you may want to offer a course with as few frills as you can. Stick to a few tried-and-true learning methods and don’t get too far out of the box.

But if you are working with a younger audience that expects a bit more out of an online course, you may want to consider things like learning preferences and all the unique ways you can deliver a training to make it as engaging as you can. Ideally, an online marketing course should include as many audio, visual, and practical methodologies as possible to keep everyone engaged – and to make sure your students feel as though they are getting their money’s worth from the class.

Film, Record, and Edit

The next step in starting your online marketing course will either be the most challenging – or the most enjoyable, depending on your needs.

At this stage, you should have a detailed and thorough plan of action for your course. You’ve gathered all of your content, you know how you are going to organize it, and you have an idea on how you are going to deliver every element of your online marketing course.

How you film and record your course will ultimately be up to you, your course content, and your preferences. What method do you think will help you deliver your learning outcomes the most effectively?

Most online instructors use a combination of video and audio to deliver their lectures. However, this is far from a one-size-fits-all approach and there are several ways you can go about this.

One of the most popular methods is as a talking head video. In this method, you’ll be the host on camera. There are also green screen talking head videos, in which you record with a green background behind you. You could put anything behind you afterward, including a video, animations, or an image.

Some instructors use a green screen background so that they can have their PowerPoint slides behind them to add some supplemental images for a classroom-type training.

You can also screencast your lessons, if you’d prefer. This method will enable you to record your computer screen as you talk over the information on the slides. You can also include a webcam video of yourself on top of this (or as a supplement) if you choose.

The screencasting method works well for courses in which there is a very specific type of content that needs to be delivered – for example, when you need to show your students a certain technique, such as how to search keywords for search engine marketing.

Either way, regardless of the method you choose, you will want to allow yourself plenty of time to record and edit your videos and audio material. It can take some time to learn how to do so and to work out all of the bugs, particularly if you’ve never worked with this kind of technology before.

There are all kinds of programs you can use to record and edit your course material, too, such as Camtasia, a program that will allow you to edit and replace your green screen, provide logos and text, or even alter your sound. Plus, with programs like this, you can download everything as an mp4 file so that you can upload it easily to your preferred online learning system later on.

Decide on Pricing

There is no right or wrong way to decide how much to charge for your course – but ideally, this is something that you should do early on in the planning stages. Once you decide how much you are going to charge for your course, you can use that information to guide other decisions in your course planning process.

Analyze and compare what other course providers are charging for their online courses. What are your competitors charging? Can you charge less (or more) and still provide a similar (or better) return on investment?

Don’t sell yourself short, either. Even if you don’t have a lot of experience – even if this is the first online course you’ve ever created! – underpricing a course creates the impression that it is low in value. You don’t want to give the idea that your course is of lesser value – this will drive away potential students.

Create and Launch Your Course – and Marketing Plan

This is the part of creating an online marketing course that should come easy to you – you need to launch your course and then market it yourself!

As a marketing whiz, you have the innate advantage of knowing the importance of marketing as it relates to online course creation. Prepare a marketing strategy ahead of time, knowing exactly what sorts of strategies you will use to sell your online course.

Ask yourself some of the following questions:

• Will you run early discount promotions?
• Do you have a content marketing plan to help you sell your online course?
• Do you plan on running ads? If so, what kind of online advertising campaign do you intend to run?
• Do you have an email list that you can market to?
• Can you partner with influencers to help you sell your course?
• Do you plan on running an affiliate marketing program?
• Will you use social media – and if so, how?

There are plenty of ways you can use online marketing to sell your marketing course. As a marketing pro, you’re probably already aware of many of them – meaning you automatically have a leg up on the process. However, you should plan for twelve to eighteen months of marketing, if possible, to keep selling your course.

Create an Online Marketing Course – No Teaching Experience Required

You don’t have to have a degree in education in order to create a rewarding and profitable online marketing course. All you need is a bit of motivation, a little bit of time, and to follow the instructions above. You’ll be rolling out new lessons in no time!

Introduction

The recent revolution in the field of information and technology has changed the world in many different ways. Education systems (teaching and learning) have also been immensely influenced by the invention and innovations in the field of information technology.

There are many types of education systems in practice in the modern world. All these different forms of education are broadly classified as face-to-face education and distance education. Distance education is further classified as

1. Correspondence education – mainly relies on the delivery of the content by postal means and learners send back their assignments back via postal means itself. With the advancement of technology, it is rarely used in the present academic world.

2. Electronic education – this is much more advanced and still very popular; it mainly involves the dissemination of the educational resources in the electronic devices so that individuals interested in the subject matter can access the knowledge and benefit from it.

3. Online education – this is the most popular type of distance education in practice.

In the present academic world, online education is one of the most popular phenomena. It refers to the education system that is available through distance communication systems and involves a range of activities that are performed through different kinds of communication strategies, tools and technologies.

The learners have to be connected to the internet technology and most of the time it also requires that the educators remain connected at least some points of learning activities.

The first online course was carried out via postal means (Harasim 2020), however, for many people, the interpretation of online education has significantly changed since then.

Telecommunication systems have been much more advanced, internet connectivity is improving and expanding every day, people are getting more and more used to the use of the devices and information technology.

1. Types of Online Education

There are many different ways to classify the type of online education. Although there is a straightforward and consistent understanding of what online means when you see the term in relation to education this becomes there is a tendency to mix up different kinds of learning practices.

In this article, we are using the term to include the education systems that are conducted from a distance with heavy reliance on internet connectivity.

We believe this interpretation will be a useful exposure and update for the school administrators, teachers, learners and parents to look at different possibilities and also choose which one best fits their context so that the decisions can be made accordingly.

The classification below is based on three parameters: first on the basis of interaction possibility, second on the basis of nature of engagement, and this based on the specific use of the technology and devices requirements.

1.1. Linear, Interactive and Collaborative Online Education

One the basis of the nature of engagement online education is classified as linear learning, interactive online learning and collaborative learning.

A Linear system is a one-way delivery of the content. The educator delivers the content and there is no opportunity to get back to the facilitators or to have a discussion for further clarity.

Needs further discussion is partly managed by providing further reading and sharing the places where the learning can get the opportunity to deepen their understanding in the areas further, whereas in interactive education systems the educators and learners have opportunities to interact, in some cases the interaction can be extended among learners.

This kind of learning opportunity is more useful for the learners as it provides opportunities to have more discussion and clarify the areas of confusion.

Collaborative education ensures and promotes collaboration among the learners and between educators and learners on the particular area of study. Different kinds of project work, teamwork, collaborative writing assignments are designed and practiced.

Although there are advantages and limitations of linear, interactive and collaborative learning, linear is thought to be more monotonous and less effective in linear systems than in the interactive and collaborative. In addition, in linear online education, the educators get delayed feedback, and feedback to learners are limited if any.

1.2. Synchronous, Asynchronous and Blended Online Education

Synchronous education refers to the education system that is delivered in real-time and educators and learners are required to be connected at the same time. This type of learning includes interaction, question answers, demonstration.

This is the best alternative for the face to the face education system. Works better when students are in the same time zone and available for learning in the specified time. This is also good for students who prefer to work in groups.

Asynchronous education does not take place in real-time which means the content is uploaded in the learning management system by the educators and the learners involved in the study in their convenience. As live interaction is not possible, it mainly relies on discussion boards, blogs, wikis, etc.

This type of online learning is very useful for students with time constraints, living in different time zones, and students who prefer to work on their own rather than in groups.

Blended learning is a combination of both learning asynchronous and synchronous learning. The educators and learners have the flexibility to agree and design the learning sessions. Live interaction is planned for the content where interaction is required and also periodically touch base on the areas of confusion, and for the content that needs more concentration and individual practice from the side of the learner’s other assignments are provided.

1.3. Fixed Content and Adaptive Online Learning

This is another very important classification of online learning. As the name suggests, content is predetermined and fixed in fixed content online education. Regardless of the level and interest of learners exactly the same content is delivered. In fact, such content is fixed in the system prior to the delivery and is not flexible.

Adaptive online learning is adaptive to the difficulty levels and interests of the learners. Depending upon how sophisticated technology has been used and how much flexibility has been maintained adaptation capacity may vary.

1.4. UNICEF Classification Based on Technology and Purpose

UNICEF has presented a very comprehensive picture of online education in 8 categories. The classification is primarily based on both the technology used and the purpose of the platform. This classification is very practical and useful for the learners, parents, educators, managers, and policymakers to make informed decisions on designing and implementing online education practices.

1.4.1. Digital Learning Management Systems

The digital learning management system is a platform for learning which primarily relies on the software application to allow access to the learning to the content, participate in the assessment systems, track the progress and also to carry out other administrative requirements. Some of the popular examples of the Learning Management Systems includes CenturyTech, ClassDojo, Edmodo, Edraak,, EkStep, Google Classroom, Moodle, Nafham, Paper Airplanes, Schoology, Seesaw, Skooler.

1.4.2. Systems Built for Use on Basic Mobile Phones

UNESCO (2013) in Policy Guidelines for Mobile Learning defines, ‘mobile learning involves the use of mobile technology, either alone or in combination with other information and communication technology (ICT), to enable learning anytime and anywhere.

Systems built for use of the basic mobile phones are another popular type of online/distance education. The major advantage of such types is that it is accessible with mobile phones with limited functionality.

This is primarily useful in rural locations with limited internet connectivity and with the population groups for which basic mobile phones are the only devices available. Examples of systems built for the use of the basic mobile phones include Cell-Ed, Eneza Education, Funzi, KaiOS, Ubongo, Ustad Mobile.

1.4.3. Systems with Strong Offline Functionality

This is one type of distance education, this does not require discontinuous access to internet technology, the geographic location where the internet is very expensive or not reliable this can be a very easy alternative to online education. The learners can download the content when they have access to the internet and use the content offline for a longer period. Some examples of such learning platforms include Kolibri, Rumie, Ustad Mobile.

1.4.4. Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Platforms

As the name suggests this type of education system is aimed at massive/unlimited participation of the learners via the web portal and other supplementary applications developed for easy access. Most of the MOOC platforms use some kind of offline features as well, open access, flexible study time, replicability of the same content used over a longer period of time with revision, or without revisions are some fundamental features of the MOOC.

Some examples of MOOC include Alison, Canvas, Coursera, European Schoolnet Academy, EdX, iCourse, Future Learn, Icourses, TED-Ed Earth School, Udemy, XuetangX. MOOC platforms have been very much an attractive learning platform for professionals for continuous professional development and career development.

1.4.5. Self-directed Learning Content

Uploading the disseminating self-directed learning content via online platforms is another popular distance education practice. Mostly this is linear in nature and the organizations and individuals providing such education often try to make them friendly to use and game like to make the content more interesting and easier to follow.

In addition to the learners who have dedicated time for learning, this is very useful for the teachers and professionals to refer to as and when required. Some examples of the self directed learning content includes, ABRA, British Council, Byju’s, Code It, Code.org, Code Week, Discovery Education, Duolingo, Edraak, Facebook Get Digital Feed the Monster, History of Africa, Geekie,  Khan Academy, KitKit School, LabXchange, Madrasa, Mindspark, Mosoteach, Music Crab, OneCourse, Profuturo, Polyup, Quizlet, SDG Academy Library, Siyavula, Smart History, YouTube.

1.4.6. Mobile Reading Applications

Mobile reading applications are also increasingly popular technology people use. There are different topics and types of the resources available, however, mostly the stories, books on history, autobiographies and other forms of literature are very popular.

Some of the examples of the mobile reading application include African Storybook, Biblioteca Digital del Instituto Latinoamericano de la Comunicación Educativa, Global Digital Library, Interactive Learning Program, Reads, Room to Read, StoryWeaver, Worldreader. 

1.4.7. Collaboration Platforms that Support Live-Video Communication

Live video communication is one of the commonly used technology to connect educators and learners in distance education practices. The live video features are complemented with other communication mechanisms and collaboration tools to facilitate effective communication, documentation, calendar management, attendance tracking and engagement from the side of the educators as well as learners. Some of the commonly used collaboration platforms with live video communication include Dingtalk, Lark, Hangouts Meet, Teams, Skype, WeChat Work, WhatsApp,  Zoom.

1.4.8. Tools for Teachers to Create of Digital Learning Content

Creating digital content for learners is an equally important aspect of distance education. There are tools that teachers can use to create interactive images, videos and incorporate other multimedia features in their online courses. The resources developed can be used for the purpose of online learning manually or via the use of the other learning platforms. Some of the tools that teachers can use to create digital content are Thinglink,  Buncee, EdPuzzle, EduCaixa, Kaltura, Nearpod, Pear Deck, Squigl, Trello.

1.4.9. External Repositories of Distance Learning Solutions

External repositories of distance learning solutions are very important platforms where the educators, earners can visit and explore about the learning innovations, distance learning and get insights on the available platforms. Although most of these platforms are not exclusively dedicated for the purpose of distance learning or online learning, there is so much anyone interested in online learning can explore from.

Some of those platforms include Brookings which is a great catalogue of nearly 3,000 learning innovations. Common Sense Education provides tips, tools and other strategic insights on self-learning both online and at home. Commonweatlh of Learning is more targeted at the policy makers, education managers and administrators. There is good information for teachers, partners and learners as well. Education Nation is the initiative by the Nordic to promote universal learning opportunities for free.

Similarly, EdSurge,  European Commission Resources,  GDL Radio, Global Business Coalition for Education, Keep Learning Going, Koulu.me, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, Profuturo Resources, UNEVOC Resources UNHCR are some other valuable learning platform to access such information.

1.5. Mass Broadcast Technology

The World Bank strongly encouraged the use of technology that can reach the large mass of the learners in order to minimize or to end the inequitable access to quality education and lifelong learning.

Mass Broadcast Technology- Education Television Programming consists of the low tech online and distance learning opportunities and the engagement strategies through Interactive Radio Instruction Programme, Interactive Television Instruction Programme, Mobile Learning Programme and Digital library.

1.6. Choosing the Right Type Learning Opportunity

The World Bank has recommended considering the following 5 Key Components while making decisions on the right type of learning opportunities. Those criteria include a very generic list and can be used in almost every context as guiding questions before making a decision on which one is suitable in a particular context.

1.7. Platform

The learning platform used is very important when the engagement is virtual. Many factors need to be considered while choosing the platform such as status of connectivity, available devices, nature of the content, age group of the learners and capacity of the educators.

For learners of the young age it is useful to choose the one that are run for relatively shorter duration of time and that allows the learners to engage in the offline activities related to the daily routine is most important to minimize the screen time and also help them continue developing social skills.

1.8. Content

The content you are looking for may also be the factors that largely shape the nature of the platform. For skill-based learning, demonstrative videos are more useful. For academic requirements, it is more useful to have blended learning opportunities that engage learners in real-time activities as well as the assignment that can be done by the students on their own within an agreed timeline.

1.9. Hosting

Hosting platforms available and resources to maintain and operate the available platform is another important aspect in choosing the right type of learning system. Normally, for the individuals and small academic institutions to engage a small number of students it is worth exploring some manual platforms that are available for free, while it might be useful to choose the sophisticated mechanism for the bigger institutions and for the programs intended to reach a large number of learners.

1.10. Connectivity

Internet connectivity is another determinant of exploring the right type of distance education. The education programme being delivered in rural locations, and most of the developing countries where internet connectivity is poor, it is worth exploring some kind of technology that can operate with minimal connectivity such as low tech mobile operations and the strategies which can partly be operated offline.

1.11. Training Support

The training support to the educators and administrators to allow them to effectively use the technology is another key aspect of choosing the type of programmes.

When there is an opportunity to adequately train the educators and administrators and orient the learners on the use of the technology it is useful to explore more sophisticated technology whereas, it is worth to explore low-tech options when it is not possible to implement the training support programme for the educators and administrators.

2. Planning to Deliver Online Learning:

Once you have chosen the most suitable type of education system for your context, it is important to have a proper plan for effective implementation. Below are some of the key points for consideration in order to plan an effective online/distance education programme.

2.1. Develop a Short- and Long-Term Remote Learning Plan

To maintain the effectiveness of any of the learning programmes it is important to have both shorter-term and longer-term plans. This is more important and critical in the context of virtual engagement and e-learning classes.

Longer-term plan includes the availability of resources, maintaining attraction of the learning and variety in the learning process, while short-term plan has more specific focus on delivering timeline input responding to the learners queries, sorting out any technical issues and other daily operational issues.

2.2. Create an Inventory of Existing Content to be Deployed via Remote Learning (and Plan for How to Make Additional Content Available)

It is also important to have learner-friendly ways of displaying the content and ensuring how additional content will be available, how the quality of the learning be assessed at the level of learners as well as programme effectiveness. All these considerations are helpful in improving the learning environment and learning outcomes.

2.3. Organize Content to Align with Existing Curricula, Ensuring the Learning Opportunities Correspond to Educational Objectives

When such learning opportunities are related to the specific curriculum or the career development aspects or professional standards it is important to explicitly show the connection of the learning and articulate how this adds value to the learners. This is very important to attract and engage learners in learning opportunities.

2.4. Create a Virtual Help Desk to Support Caregivers, Teachers and Students

Finally, having a virtual help desk to support the caregivers, parents, teachers and students is very important. This can be operated manually exchange of the correspondence when such initiatives are of small scale or can be organized using some kinds of tracking mechanism and dedicated attendants when it is a wider scale programme.

2.5. Conclusion

Online learning and distance education has been increasingly popular all over the world. School closure due to the Covid 19 has further pushed all the actors towards more exploration of online learning technologies, conducting online classes which have ultimately contributed to the online learning technologies.

In the advancement of internet connectivity, technology is providing a good environment to accomplish desired outcomes and level of engagement through such engagements. The learning platforms and learning tools have also been increasingly available. Open access to online lessons and engaging learners in virtual learning opportunities have been improved. 

The interest of global actors such as the World Bank, UNESCO, UNICEF to educate and empower stakeholders in this sector is very motivating. Now, it is very important to consider the quality of the content and safety measures for young learners in such kinds of engagements. If properly used, such opportunities are increasingly becoming important as career opportunities for individuals.

Online learning has opened educational doors that were previously closed. Now students can learn from the world’s greatest minds on a given subject regardless of their location.

Online students can learn and work a full-time job and balance a family at the same time. In addition to flexibility, online learning is cost-effective.

Often the cost of an entire online course is less than the cost of a single textbook for an in-person class. Online learning can take a variety of forms. Some courses will provide students with all of the materials up front and allow them to move at their own pace.

Other courses will have weekly assignments. Synchronous learning means students meet with the teacher and classmates online at scheduled times throughout the course in a virtual classroom. Some of the students may even be in person.

No matter the learning management system, online students should treat their studies with the same care and seriousness as if they were in person. Take a little time to prepare, and students can expect online learning success and a valuable experience.

Given the flexibility and cost effectiveness, it is no surprise that online classes are gaining popularity.

Fueled by gains in information technology and widespread internet access it is clear that online learning will continue to grow in the coming years.

Online education does require good time management skills and discipline. Some students feel overwhelmed by the technology and the unknown aspects they may have to deal with.

Here are 10 tips and strategies to strengthen time management skills and prepare for online learning success.

Step 1: Keep an Open Mind

Set Aside Preconceived Notions about Online Learning

In spite of the recent growth in online learning, there are still many stigmas surrounding the quality of an online education. While some subpar programs exist, not all deserve this reputation. There are preconceived notions that online classes may not be as difficult or as effective as in person classes.

This is simply not true. In fact, the US Department of Education conducted a study that concluded online students perform modestly better than their in person peers. Many online courses are offered by reputable institutions with widely recognized accreditations.

The students should research the many options available and select the best fit for their specific needs. However, they have to be very careful while considering different options as there are a number of aspects to keep in mind while deciding that ‘yes, this is what exactly you are looking for’. One can say that they need to learn how to form their online learning strategies to be successful.

Welcome New Experiences

Online students should be prepared to work hard in classes and make the most of the experience. Online classes will consume as much or more time as in-person classes.

Here point to consider is that students need to learn how to make the best use of their time. In online courses, students might be asked to try something new or to learn in a different way. Conventional learners are supposed to encounter online students and instructors with a different point of view.

Keep an open mind and you might find out something new about yourself and your learning style. In general, online students should treat their courses with the seriousness and dedication they would show in-person classes. The instructors and fellow students deserve your full attention and effort. Do not go into online learning expecting it to be easy.

Certainly, it is going to be challenging but not something impossible. One can bet that even students, who are used to study in a conventional classrooms, will get adapted to it very quickly if they can learn to form flawless online learning strategies.

Step 2: Review the Class Syllabus

A syllabus is the instructors’ way of communicating class responsibilities and expectations. It will act as the student’s roadmap for the online course.

The syllabus will set the student up for online learning success. It typically contains information technology requirements, class expectations, contact information and an assignment timeline.

Within the syllabus the instructor is telling the online student what they need to do, and when, in order to have a successful learning experience. Read it carefully and follow its instructions.

Step 3: Prepare a Designated Learning Area to Optimize Study Time

Finding The Best Online Learning Environment for the Student

One of the many benefits of online learning is comfort. Online students can choose the learning environment that is the most comfortable for them.

Taking an online course from a student’s home rather than a classroom can reduce stress and increase confidence. Their online learning success very much depends on how much they pay attention to the tips and strategies given by their online class teacher.

The students, who are taking an online courses, should take into consideration their personal learning style while developing their online learning strategies.

Do they learn better in absolute quiet or with some background noise? Do they like to settle in for long periods of study time or take frequent breaks? The ideal online learning environment will be different for each student.

Customizing the Learning Area for the Online Student

Ideally, the learning area during the online class should be a place that is quiet and free of distractions. The student should talk to family members or roommates and let them know not to disturb them while they are participating in online courses.

Online students may not have the luxury of a dedicated office. In those cases, try to pick a spare bedroom or corner of the house that allows you to shut the door on household noises while taking an online class. Preferably choose a spot far away from the TV, bed and other distractions that could interfere with your online learning success.

Online students need to have a comfortable chair, desk and good lighting. While tempting, completing online classes from the comfort of the bed in pajamas is a recipe for disaster. Students need to protect their back, neck and eyes from strain. So do consider all these aspects while you develop your online learning strategies.

The Learning Environment’s Effect on Online Learning Success

Reduce clutter and gather any necessary supplies to help maintain focus during the study time. Water, healthy snacks, pen and paper are recommended at a minimum.

This will keep students from getting up and getting distracted when it is time for online class. Having a dedicated place to learn will help the student’s brain switch into learning mode. It creates a trigger that will help students maintain the habit of studying. This makes the student less reliant on will power and motivation and more likely to achieve online learning success.

Step 4: Technical Preparations for Online Learning

Students are responsible for making sure the coursework will run on their computers when online learning. Check the course information for the required versions of software and hardware. In most cases, the typical home computer will be sufficient for online classes. Do consider the technicalities you may have to handle while you take an online course while you draw around your online learning strategies.

Internet Connectivity

Test internet connectivity from the selected learning area before you get into an online class. Internet connectivity from the basement might be very different than that from the kitchen. Coffee shops can be a good online learning environment for some students. Coffee shops have become psychologically associated with work and learning for many people.

They might even offer faster and more reliable internet access than some students have at home. However, online students should have a backup plan in case the shop is busy, loses internet or is unexpectedly closed. As an alternative, libraries offer free internet access and can provide a quiet space that should contribute to your online learning success.

Losing the internet connection in the middle of an online class is frustrating and can cause you to lose valuable time and information. Therefore, it is important that students must have online learning strategies in place to ensure continuous internet access.

Useful Computer Peripherals for Online Education

Some online courses will require a webcam. While most laptops have one built-in, not all do. Online students should make sure that one is available if needed.

Headphones with built in microphones, like those used by computer gamers, will help online students tune out distractions and easily communicate with teachers and classmates.

The headphones should be comfortable to wear for hours if necessary because at times, online courses may take considerable time from your every day routine.

Webcams and headphones can be purchased to take an online class at major box stores and can cost anywhere from $20 to $100. Basic models will work for online classes. Installation of these items is as simple as plugging them in.

Step 5: Schedule Study Time

The ability to set your own schedule with online classes is appealing to many. Online students can fit classes in around a busy schedule. But the flexibility can also be detrimental if the student does not have good time management skills. 

Create a weekly study time schedule and stick to it! Scheduling study time is very important for online courses that give students the freedom to move at their own pace.

Procrastination is the enemy of online learning success. Students will not retain information nor do their best work if trying to cram a semester of learning into one week while taking an online course.

Effective Time Management Skills

The time blocking method of time management is effective for online students. Time blocking involves planning out your day in half or full hour blocks.

Divide a piece of paper into two columns. On the left write down the hours in the day. On the right, block in the tasks and their expected duration in an online class.

Allow flex time between tasks for the unexpected as your tutor for the online course may ask you to practice something that you have not been expecting. So all this and much more has to be a part of your online learning strategies.

While ‘time blocking’ might seem extreme for an online course, it has been proven to be highly productive. Many successful business people, such as Elon Musk, practice time blocking. If it seems too intimidating to block out your entire day from morning to night, try blocking out just your study time.

Simply making a commitment to online classes at a specific time on specific days can increase your chances of online learning success.

Use a Calendar to Track Online Course Requirements

Online students should plan out milestones for the length of the online course. Refer to the online course syllabus and mark the dates of major tests or assignments on a calendar. Compare that to your personal and work schedule.

Then pencil in the appropriate study time to complete the work. Successful online learning takes a certain amount of discipline. Setting a schedule and sticking to it makes online learning part of a routine rather than something the student has to find the motivation to do each day. It takes the guesswork out of time management.

Step 6: Plan and Prepare Study Breaks

Research has shown that a quick 10 to 15 minute break can actually improve your concentration. In order to make sure study breaks don’t turn into distractions, plan them out.  

Good breaks help clear the mind and prepare students to continue working. In general, video games and tv do not make good study breaks. Online students need to get away from the screen to clear the mind and make the most of their study time.

Effective Study Breaks

An effective study break takes the online student away from their learning environment and gets them moving. Try to take an energizing break every 90 minutes during the online class. An appropriate break would be a walk around the block, a game of cards with a friend or a healthy snack.

Try taking a quick shower or tidying up for an effective break. Meditation can be a wonderful break from online learning. There are many free apps and YouTube videos that will lead you through a ten minute meditation.

Mediation has been shown to lower stress levels and increase concentration, two things needed by the online student. Avoid breaks that make it hard to return to study time. Examples are eating a large meal or taking a nap. Those activities can make it harder for a student to focus immediately after.

Step 7: Turn Your Webcam On

Odysseus lashed himself to the mast of his ship so that he would not be lured by the siren’s call. While online students should not chain themselves to their desks, there are some easier ways to police distractions.

It is so very tempting to look at the phone or search the web while the teaching is lecturing in an online class. Eliminate that temptation by turning the computer video camera on. Just knowing that the teacher can see the online student, will help maintain focus on studies and eliminate distractions.

Likewise, close all programs and internet tabs except for the ones needed for online learning. Another tip is to put your phone in a desk drawer or another room.

Step 8: Take Notes During Online Classes

There are many ways in which note taking is beneficial to learning. And yet, many online students skip this important step. Note-taking can help retention and provide valuable study materials for tests and quizzes.

It is easier to write an article or essay for an online class from notes than from trying to find that same information in a video. Written notes are as important for online classes as they are for in-person classes. Create a paper or online notebook for each class and take notes. This tip can save online students hours of effort and improve grades.

Step 9: Form Study Groups

A study group of like-minded peers can be an invaluable part of your online learning success. Set boundaries and regular meeting times to make sure your group is an asset and not a distraction.  Scheduled study groups can be the cure for procrastination because they force the online student to prepare to contribute to the group.

Try to find at least two other classmates who are willing to discuss homework and study for tests together. Every student has different strengths and weaknesses. Working in a group will help fill in gaps in the student’s understanding and gain a new perspective on the online class materials. Studying alone can get boring, especially when taking online classes. Working in a group can break up that monotony and be very motivating.

Step 10: Stay Engaged

There are many ways to stay engaged in online learning. But for the most successful online learning experience, students need to go beyond watching videos and turning in assignments.

Participate in Online Discussions

Most online classes have a discussion component. It is crucial to the student’s success to participate in these discussions. The teacher may require online students to comment on each other’s assignments or to post questions. Think and reflect before typing out a response.

Students may feel very vulnerable in discussions. Keep comments supporting and constructive. When reading responses to your assignments listen to what your classmates have to say. Don’t be defensive. Learning how to accept and incorporate feedback is a valuable life skill that has applications well beyond online education.

Check in frequently to stay on top of your assignments. Online students who engage with their classmates tend to be the most successful learners.

Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The instructor of your online class wants the students to learn and understand the material. Most instructors feel a passion for their subject matter and are happy to discuss it with their students. The instructor should provide you with information on how best to reach them in their syllabus.

Online students should use the instructor’s preferred method and be as polite and detailed as possible. For example, you might write to your instructor while using the provided learning management system, “I am having trouble understanding week 2 video 3 where around the 5-minute mark you say . . . Can you please elaborate?” This will set you up for successful communication with your instructor and ultimately online learning success.

Final Thoughts

Online learning can help students further their education and career in a cost effective manner and with great flexibility. It can also be an opportunity to practice and fine tune many life lessons such as time management and self-discipline.

Online learning gives the student an opportunity to interact with students around the world and broaden their perspectives. Don’t let fear of information technology or the unknown get in the way of a quality education and personal growth.

The most important aspect to bear in mind is that, success of the learning process very much depends on the triangle which is made by online student, teacher and parents. Teachers and parents work as facilitators.

Parents must offer the most appropriate environment at home so that the student, their son / daughter, can take the online course from the comfort of their bedroom with peace of mind. They need to ensure that there must be no distractions for the student while taking the online class.

On the other hand, teachers must be capable to facilitate the learning process without any flaws. They must be ready to give explanations, answer queries and help them clear the difficult concepts with relevant and contextual examples.

The success of the online student relies less on the mode of education and more on the efforts of the student, parents and instructor. Following the tips and strategies in this post will help the student transition from in-person to online learning successfully.