If you are thinking of working in the market for you already know that the online course platform is one of the main tools for both the teacher and the student.
It is these platforms that allow users to have a complete experience by having in addition to being essential to organize the courses, since this is an environment with all the technological resources necessary for the Content Producer.
But, apart from being a service that connects teachers and students, do you know how an online course platform really works?
What is an online course platform?
To better understand what these platforms are for, imagine the following situation:
A person wants to use everything they know about a certain topic to create a product that they can sell on the Internet. He prepares, organizes all the content he is going to share and complete and of quality, which has everything to be a success in its niche.
However, you know nothing (or very little) about technology, design, computing, and all the other knowledge needed to get your course up and running and ensure that the learner can access all the prepared content.
This is where the online platform comes in.
Offering peace of mind to the entrepreneur so that he can realize his idea, without having to worry about the technical requirements when delivering the content to the client.
Online course platforms are made by companies specialized in this subject, which offer all the tools that content producers or institutions need to deliver something really valuable to students, transmit a professional image and gain credibility in the market.
If you are starting in the digital market now or if you already have an online course, it is important to understand well how the platforms work to know which is the best option for you.
How does an online course platform work?
There are several platform options on the market and each model works in a different way.
Some have more advanced features, while others only offer the most basic services. That is why it is important to do a detailed search before.
However, when we better understand the general operation of this type of service, it is easier to identify if the chosen option has all the tools you need.
Basically, the platform should automate all the processes related to the publication, distribution and payment of your digital product.
That is, your system must be able to:
- Store the online course in the in which it was created (video classes, ebooks, podcasts, among others);
- Deliver the content to the client with quality, without failures or interruptions;
- Guarantee security and comfort at the time of purchase, both for the entrepreneur and for the student;
- Offer a communication channel between the Producer and the client, for doubts, suggestions and additional information;
- Connect the Producer to the best sales strategies, such as.
Do you want to know how to create an online course? Well, check out our free material with tips for making incredible video classes.
How to choose the best platform for online courses?
For all this to work properly, the chosen service must have some characteristics.
We are going to introduce you to the main ones below, so you know exactly what to look for when choosing the for your products.
1. Adapted for smartphones and tablets
We are past the time when people accessed the Internet only through the computer. Currently, the most common thing is that users consume all kinds of content on their cell phones and tablets, due to the mobility and practicality offered.
So they can watch videos, read texts and listen to content between one activity and another, in transit or even while performing some other task.
As you enter the digital marketplace, you need to understand that demand and prepare to meet it.
For this reason, it is important to invest in mobile online courses, that is, that they adapt to any type of screen and can be accessed on various mobile devices.
When the entrepreneur invests in a page with a , it allows the student to access their online course whenever and wherever they are, without compromising their experience or affecting the quality of the material.
2. Fully customizable
We said earlier that the distance education market is growing, right?
Thus, competition is high and entrepreneurs need to make an effort to deliver rich content and, more than that, offer advantages to their students.
A customizable online course platform ensures that your course will have a look that represents your brand, as well as allowing you to have great and timely communication with your students.
These customizations refer to the colors and details of the design, organization of the content within the page, inclusion of spaces for communication, such as forums and chats, sharing buttons, the possibility of marking the completed modules, among other factors.
Look for a platform that allows you to build a visual identity and customize the page according to the audience you want to reach.
3. Virtual learning environment
As you have already seen, the online course platform must be more than a single page for you to place your classes. It is necessary to have functionalities that facilitate the management of information and the relationship between teachers and students.
This service, known as , is what allows all teaching to happen virtually, without anyone having to travel to attend or teach classes.
The objective is to replicate the environment of a classroom in the online environment, without affecting the quality of education.
The AVA must also allow the evaluations to be carried out completely online, on days and times previously defined or within a period previously stipulated by the teacher.
In addition, all communication must be done within the platform, ensuring that students talk to each other and can access the teacher to ask questions or share information.
4. Data security
As much as people are used to using the Internet, there is still a lot of mistrust when it comes to providing personal data and making payments.
Therefore, it is necessary to be careful to choose an online platform that transmits security and is anti-fraud.
People need to understand, at the beginning, that you care about them and, therefore, have invested in reliable payment methods, with good refund policies and maximum convenience at checkout.
This feature, in addition to being important for you to stand out in the market and gain the trust of users, is the obligation of every entrepreneur who handles money and private information of their clients.
When choosing a platform for your online course, make sure you follow the parameters required by (General Data Protection Regulation or in Spanish, General Data Protection Regulation).
5. Freedom in content formats
When choosing the format of the content of your courses, it is likely that you have chosen the one that you consider best and most compatible with your skills and the preferences of your audience.
However, nothing prevents you from producing some materials in other formats to diversify classes and offer differentiated possibilities to your students.
Those who focus on video classes, for example, can create an ebook to address a specific topic in more detail or make the class available also in an audio file, so that students optimize study time by listening to the content during other activities. .
The problem is that not all platforms allow this freedom of creation. So be careful to choose a platform where this is possible.
6. Producer, Affiliate and Buyer Support
The process involves three fundamental characters:
- Producer, who uses his knowledge to create the digital products;
- Affiliate, the sales specialist who will promote the course in exchange for commissions;
- Buyer, which in this case is the student who is going to attend your classes.
The ideal online course platform is the one that mediates between these people, offering all the necessary support so that everyone has the best possible experience.
The Producer needs to have the facility to load the classes and manage all the information of their students.
The Affiliate needs to recognize the advantages of the commissions offered and have access to everything he needs to promote the product assertively.
Finally, the client needs to feel well cared for and have their pains and problems solved, that is, they need to feel satisfied with what has been delivered.
7. Free use
You will find paid and free platforms. So, after analyzing if the service you have chosen has all the characteristics that we show you, this is the time to think about your financial resources.
Most entrepreneurs who start producing an online course do not have a lot of money to invest or do not want to risk financially in a new business.
Therefore, a free platform may be the best option.
By opting for one that, the Producer can practically only concern himself with the expenses for the production of the content, which is a great incentive for those who are just starting out.
An example of a platform for free online courses is , which receives only commissions for sales, that is, you will only have to pay a fee when, in fact, you are selling.
Have you realized how important it is to choose a good online platform to host your material and do you know exactly what you should look for in this type of service?
If you are thinking of starting to work with online courses and want to know a little more about the platforms, be sure to read this post with everything about .
This post was originally published in September 2018 and has been updated to contain more accurate and complete information.
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