How to Teach Online: Which Presentation Style Is Most Popular?

Tim Cooper

May 28 2015

A major question many people are faced with when they first decide to start teaching online is what type of media they should use to present the course content. Video, audio, text files, there are definitely plenty of options.

As we have discussed in previous episodes, online courses can be used for a number of purposes, from free mini courses to build email lists to highly detailed and in-depth online courses.

Where a multi-part text based email series may well be acceptable for a lead magnet something more substantial is expected when posting a paid course and that is what this episode is concentrating on.

In a recent survey conducted by E-Learning Educators, people were asked what type of courses they have taken in the past and what type of delivery they prefer. In both cases video polled the highest. You can read the full article and check out the infographic here.

In his book “Multi-Media Learning”, Richard Mayer discusses the concept of essential processing which is the point of the learning cycle where the learner tries to make sense of a new concept that is being presented. This is a critical piece of the puzzle for both student and teacher. You can check out Multi-Media Learning on Amazon by clicking here.

When it comes to presentation, research shows that a combination of text, images and narration is the most effective. So PowerPoint and Keynote are a great way to present your information.

Making a connection with your student is still very important so you should always make an attempt to appear on camera at some point in your course, preferably at the beginning.

I personally believe the best way to create content is to start with a video, you can then convert the video to audio and have the audio transcribed into a text document. This way you can quickly and cost effectively produce 3 products from one piece of work.

Here is a video and post I created on how to transcribe your course content for free.

I would also highly recommend producing infographics, summary sheets, cheat sheets and quick reference guides to cater for all the different learning styles and personalities you'll be dealing with.

Don't get too hung up about the various presentation methods in the beginning. Select the method that you are most comfortable with and get your information out there. Your students will soon tell you if they want you to add more.

Bear in mind that some platforms do have specific requirements as to the percentage of content that must be presented in video formation.

Lastly, add flair and personality. There is almost an expectation of edu-tainment, your material has to be entertaining and engaging as well as informative.

Other products mentioned in this episode

Rode smartLav+ Lavilier microphone for iPhone and Smartphones

If you have a question about any aspect of online course delivery, from concept to market, please feel free to send me an email at [email protected]. I'd love to hear from you and your question would very well feature in a future podcast.

I want to deliver relevant material so keep those emails rolling in.

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