4 steps to convert your offline course into an online course

From offline to online

You may already have a successful offline workshop, training, or course. Students are satisfied, learning outcomes are good, and registrations are coming in steadily. Yet, you are considering converting your offline course into an online one. Why? Because it can save you a lot of time and money, and it makes your course much more scalable; after all, you can allow many more people to learn and participate at the same time.

But be careful! The fact that you have a successful offline course does not mean you can "just put it online" to guarantee the same results.

If you do that, it often boils down to an endless PowerPoint presentation without any interaction—not a good idea for e-learning. This requires a thorough development process. In this blog, we will tell you which 4 steps you can take to successfully and sustainably convert your offline course into an online one.

Step-by-step plan: converting an offline course to e-learning

‍Step 1 - Dive into the content and trim

Converting your offline course into an online one is an ideal opportunity to go through all your course content again. Is it still relevant and up to date?

You can take three steps here:

• Review all existing content to see if the information is accurate, relevant, and interesting.
• Correct misleading/outdated information and/or mark the parts you want to update or revise.
• Offline courses often contain a fair amount of repetition. This is ideal for face-to-face meetings to reactivate prior knowledge, but online it can be distracting and feel like endless repetition. Instead of constantly repeating information, you can choose to link back to previous content already placed in the learning environment using links and/or an information library.‍

‍Step 2 - Determine the learning objectives

It might surprise you, but many offline training courses often lack an "official" document with learning objectives. This may never have been necessary or was "just assumed." Nevertheless, learning objectives are an ideal tool to provide direction for developing your course.

For all the material you subsequently select, you can critically ask yourself whether it aligns with one of the learning objectives. Does it not align? Then you can leave the material out. This provides an accurate filter, structure, and overview, and it allows you to clearly measure learning outcomes.

Also read: How to effectively use learning objectives in e-learning?

Step 3 - Choose the format and the learning environment

Once you have set the learning objectives and collected the content (sources, information), it is time to dive into the design. Which format will you use? We previously indicated that an endless PowerPoint presentation in which you mindlessly copy all the slides you used in your classroom training is not a good idea.

Prefer variety, interaction, gamification, and variety in formats. Think of:

• Quizzes
• Audio clips
• Infographics
• Training videos
• Podcasts
• Simulations/role-plays
• Interactive videos
• VR and AR
• And of course, where appropriate, you can also use slides

Decide which format best suits each type of information. Do you want to demonstrate a specific type of software? Then add a video with a screen recording and your voice. Do you want to explain a specific process? Then an infographic is better suited. Do you want people to tune into their feelings? Then use audio.

Next, look for an online learning platform that supports the formats you have chosen. This is the moment to compare LMS systems. It is also important to consider factors such as the number of students, interaction options (discussion forums, chat, group projects, community), costs, and (technical) user-friendliness.

Read also: These are the most used LMS systems of 2023!

Step 4 - Development

Develop a prototype

Learners get the best sense of the e-learning when they are presented with a visual representation, such as a sketch, a simulation, or a trial learning environment.

The first group of learners then provides feedback, allowing you to further refine and tailor the prototype to your target audience.

Test the first version

Once the first version of the e-learning is complete, the learner's role is not yet over. They are essential to the success of the e-learning. Ask them:

• If you may observe them while they complete the first module (both the person and the data)
• If they are willing to think out loud so you can follow and evaluate their thought process
• If they are willing to write down their questions and feedback for you

In short, conduct thorough research among your target audience before you start designing an e-learning course. They are essential in determining the success of your e-learning. Involve them in every phase of the design and actively ask for their feedback as they go through the training.

Ready to go from offline to online yourself?

Are you ready to convert your offline course into an online one? Get in touch with us via chat to get started today!