Have you ever wondered why some online courses seem like a never-ending journey?
The truth is, longer isn’t always better, especially in the world of e-learning.
Recent course completion statistics show a startling trend:
The average completion rate for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) is only about 12.6%.
This low figure highlights a critical need for course creators to rethink their approach.
But why should you shorten your course?
The answer lies in the stats.
A research by the National Survey of Student Engagement reveals that learners prefer courses that respect their time and provide concise, impactful information.
Additionally, a study published on PubMed titled “Less Is More: Latent Learning Is Maximized by Shorter…” suggests that extended training may provide only marginal additional benefits compared to less exhaustive (and presumably shorter) training.
Shortening your course can not only boost completion rates but also enhance learner engagement and satisfaction.
By delivering focused, value-packed content, you’re more likely to retain your audience’s attention and facilitate effective learning. In line with this, aiming for an ideal course length of 10 to 25 hours can strike the perfect balance.
Reasons why your course is long
No clear goal and milestones
A common pitfall in course creation is the lack of a structured roadmap.
Without clear goals and milestones, content tends to meander, leading to unnecessary fluff.
A focused approach, aligned with specific objectives, ensures that every module directly contributes to the learning outcome.
If your entire instructional design is based on a specific transformation you wish to achieve for your students, your course will automatically be concise, and that’s the greatest service you can provide for your students.
Lack of audience understanding
Misjudging your audience’s knowledge level without doing your initial research can lead to over-explaining concepts.
In the screenshot, the course is labeled as the “Ultimate SEO Course,” yet it covers elementary concepts such as the definition of SEO and the workings of search engines. In this case, the experienced digital marketers may lose interest.
Understanding your learners’ needs and background is crucial for tailoring content that hits the sweet spot – informative but not overwhelming.
- Not planned: An unplanned course is a recipe for redundancy. Scripting your course or having a detailed outline helps in maintaining a high-value density, ensuring that every piece of information serves a purpose.
- Repetitive content: Often, courses suffer from repetition, reiterating the same points in different ways. Identifying and eliminating repetitive elements can significantly trim the course length without compromising on quality.
- Overemphasis on theory: While theoretical knowledge is important, excessively detailed explanations can prolong a course unnecessarily. Balancing theory with practical, real-world examples keeps the content engaging and concise.
How to shorten the course?
Creating an impactful and concise course is a crucial element in the world of e-learning.
A well-structured, shorter course can significantly boost completion rates and enhance learner engagement.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through five detailed strategies to help you streamline your course effectively.
1. Delete information not serving the goal
The cornerstone of a concise course is relevance.
Every element of your course should align with the primary goal and contribute to achieving it.
Start by setting clear, actionable objectives and milestones. This step will act as a filter, helping you eliminate any content that doesn’t directly contribute to these goals.
For instance, if your course’s goal is to teach practical digital marketing skills, avoid delving too deeply into the history of marketing unless it directly enhances the learning experience. Focus on practical skills and current trends that your learners can apply immediately.
Incorporate assessments like quizzes or short projects at the end of each section. These tools are not just for evaluation; they help in maintaining focus and prevent over-explanation.
The reason why you might be over-explaining certain concepts in your course is because you lack the confidence that people will understand the point you’ve already explained in previous sections.
A solution to this is to include quizzes that participants must pass before moving on to the next section. This way, it psychologically encourages you to explain each concept only once, without unnecessary repetition.
2. Consolidate similar topics
Course length often bloats due to repetitive or overlapping content. Consolidating similar topics is a strategic way to present information more succinctly.
Review your course content for overlapping themes and merge them into comprehensive, value-packed modules.
For example, if you have a course on Digital marketing, you can merge modules on market research and target audience analysis.
By combining these topics, learners can understand how market research informs the identification and understanding of target audiences.
This consolidation not only saves time but also provides a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between market research and audience targeting in real-life business scenarios.
When consolidating, prioritize content based on its importance and relevance. Start by zeroing in on your objectives and sifting through content for overlaps. Then, prioritize ruthlessly, listen to your students’ feedback, construct a content hierarchy, and consolidate – you’ll end up with a perfect course material!
3. Use Recut or Timebolt for video editing
Video content is a powerful tool in online courses, but unedited videos can be lengthy and lose learner engagement.
Tools like Recut or Timebolt are designed to edit out pauses and filler words, resulting in tighter, more engaging video content.
For instance, a 30-minute lecture might contain several minutes of pauses, ums, and ahs. By using these tools, you can reduce the video length by 10-15%, maintaining the learner’s attention throughout.
When editing, focus on maintaining the natural flow of the lecture. Ensure that the cuts don’t disrupt the teaching process.
After editing with these tools, review the video to ensure that key points are still clear and that the narrative remains cohesive.
4. Analyze course video retention graphs
Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi offer video retention graphs, which are crucial for understanding learner engagement.
These graphs show where learners lose interest or stop watching. Use this data to pinpoint sections that need improvement.
For example, if you notice a significant drop in viewer retention at the 10-minute mark of a 20-minute video, investigate what happens at that point.
Use this insight to break down complex topics into smaller, more digestible segments or add interactive elements to maintain engagement.
Continuously monitoring and adjusting your content based on these graphs ensures your course remains engaging and efficient.
5. Incorporate interactive learning elements
Interactive learning elements like quizzes, simulations, and discussions can significantly enhance learner engagement and reduce the need for lengthy explanations. These elements encourage active participation, making the learning experience more dynamic and memorable.
For instance, instead of a long lecture on AI prompt engineering, incorporate a simulation where learners can apply prompt engineering methods in a virtual setting.
This approach allows learners to practice and understand concepts immediately, reducing the need for extensive theoretical explanations.
Discussion forums are also valuable for condensing content as they promote collaborative learning and stimulate critical thinking.
You need to let learners to discuss topics among themselves, guided by specific questions or prompts. This method promotes peer learning and reduces the need for lengthy lectures.
Final words
Creating a concise course is an ongoing process. Regularly seek feedback from learners and use it to refine and update content. This ensures the course remains relevant, engaging, and concise.
Consider the course as an evolving entity and update it as new trends and technologies emerge, trimming unnecessary parts.
Implementing these strategies from the outset makes future updates easier and more effective.
By consistently applying these strategies, course creators can improve completion rates, enhance learner engagement, and deliver impactful learning experiences.
Remember to have clear goals, tailor content to the audience, plan effectively, eliminate repetition, and balance theory with practical examples. Incorporate interactive elements and continuously refine the course based on feedback to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Strive to create concise, engaging courses that respect learners’ time and provide maximum value.
