How to Create a Clear and engaging content outline to your online course -
Making an online course is something more of an artform than a science. There's not a set of rules for success--but there are a few factors that profitable courses have in common. One of these elements is the outline of the course.
An organized, engaging outline of content is beneficial to the learners and yourself when you begin to plan a new course. An outline will also assist in making sure that the content of your course corresponds to the objectives you set to your students.
Wondering how to get started compiling your outline? In this post we'll guide you through every step to build an effective course outline.
What's a Course outline?
A course outline quite literally outlines the content of your course. The outline will provide the game plan before you sketch the lessons, sections as well as quizzes and other content you plan to add to your class.
It can be tempting to leave out the outline altogether and begin to create content for your course--but beware of that. The outline can help make sure you've got a well-constructed program before you go far too involved.
A step-by-step course outline guide
Beginning is the toughest part of any new endeavor. The good news is that you do not have to spin your wheels on the outline of your course. The simple actions will help you go from the concept of your course to the course outline within a matter of minutes.
1. Identify your learners and their objectives.
Get started by setting your focus and identifying the students that will attend your class.
A few questions worth considering:
- Who are your students?
- What are they trying to accomplish?
- What do they struggle with?
- How will your course help to reach their goals?
By asking yourself these questions, you can help you focus your mind and keep you on course as you design the outline that is tailored to your intended audience.
2. Create a map to get to your desired result.
Now that you've identified the learners in your class and their motivations It's now time to develop an outline of how they can reach their goals. It could be that they'd like to be able to speak a few words in Italian by the end of the program or perhaps the aim is to obtain the professional credential.
Imagine the road map as the bare bones first draft of your outline. It is simply a map that shows the path from the beginning until the conclusion of your route.
Related post How to Structure an Online Course
The first step should be a simple introduction. No matter your course topic Every course should start with an introduction of key concepts. Be aware that your students may not be starting at the same point. Some students may need a quick overview before diving into course content.
Use methods of scaffolding to help you determine future sections on your plan of study. While you're working, stay aware of your course's progression. Your sections should serve as foundational blocks, which start with simple before moving to more complicated ideas. Do not introduce an intricate concept or topic to early in your class to get to the most important takeaways.
3. Reinforce the process of learning.
At the end of each stage on your content roadmap, you'll want to feature elements that help to ensure that learning sticks for your learners.
What is this going to look like? This could be an end-of-section review of each section with links for additional reading material, videos, or resources. Or it could mean quizzing students after each section to determine their level of understanding. It is also possible to conclude every section by asking questions for essays in which students are able to put their knowledge in practice.
4. Begin to put the pieces together.
Once you've sketched out a roadmap for your course then it's time to create your course outline with detailed lessons and sections.
Each section of your program, take into consideration the following:
- What medium will be used? What format will the content be? via text, video, or a combination of media?
- What will be your key points of conversation during each lesson? What are the details you'll have to share?
- How does this section build upon the previous sections? How does it segue into the following section?
- How does this section relate to the learner's goals?
You'll now have a a thorough content outline of your course. All that's left is the final part: creating your course.