Let's say it once and for all: being a good trainer does not make you a web expert or a professional asynchronous trainer.
To create an online course, you need to know how to switch from face-to-face to digital format!
Sharing your PowerPoint in a videoconference is a formula that works for synchronous teaching, but that has its limits. This is because information retention and content lifespan are lower during a live session.
Moreover, the quality of virtual synchronous training can be affected by technical issues and physical distance. Each being at home, it is more difficult to keep students motivated and engaged.
This is why pre-recorded content is so popular right now.
Besides, it's not as complicated as you think! It’s a method that is inexpensive, simple, and accessible to all.
Do you already have a PowerPoint ready for your live lessons? If so, I suggest you follow these 3 steps to transform it into asynchronous training!
Empower your organization with the skills-based canvas.
1. Switch from long presentations to short lessons
In the classroom, it’s easy to switch from one topic to another continuously. In an online formula, it becomes a big mistake!
Think about it: do you prefer to watch 8 to 15-minute capsules, or a 2-hour video?
The short format promotes concentration and allows you to take notes before moving on to the next topic. It even gives your participants time to take a break!
So you want to find a logical and natural way to divide your content into subsections.
Aim to break up your speech into lessons of no more than 15 minutes, covering only one topic per lesson. The more complex the topic, the more important it is to segment the content.
You also want to remove group exercises, question periods, etc. from your PowerPoint. You have to purify and simplify your pages as much as possible.
Remember that your PowerPoint will not be projected on a giant screen! Rather, it will be viewed on a computer, tablet, or even a phone.
For charts, tables, action lists, etc, consider creating a PDF that you can attach to your lesson.
Everything is not optimal in video format!
It's important to know when to use what type of content to maximize the impact of your online training.
2. Record your video lessons
Your goal is to deliver your PowerPoint in a format that is pleasant to view for your future students. Forget about screen recording with a monotonous voice in the background.
You can do so much better, even if you don't have filming equipment!
Some apps like Loom or Camtasia allow you to record your screen and webcam at the same time. In just one take, you have both your visual support and your face accompanied by your voice.
Why also film your face? To generate engagement!
By looking at your camera occasionally, you can make eye contact with your audience, even from a distance. It also helps break up the monotony and add a more dynamic element to your video.
If you want to have something a little more complete, you can also shoot yourself from another angle. Although this involves more editing, it brings another dimension to your video!
Whether it is with your webcam, your cell phone, or your camera, be careful however to respect the basic rules for filming.
Learn about the essential concepts to optimize the sound and the light of your video. These key elements have the power to drastically improve the quality of your video and thus make viewing more enjoyable.
It doesn't have to be complicated for it to be beautiful!
To have the least amount of editing to do, I suggest that you film each lesson one by one. You will then only have to cut a few seconds in the beginning and at the end of your video to have a professional result.
If you make relatively long capsules, I also invite you to compress your videos. It will speed up the upload when you’re ready to do so!
3. Create your asynchronous training
Now, all you have to do is integrate your content on an online training platform.
Already? Yes!
On your platform, you can upload your videos and your attachments in lessons. To make the syllabus more understandable, group your lessons into modules.
In your syllabus, you can also add other types of content to generate engagement. Don't forget that it's important to keep your students motivated, even from a distance!
I recommend that you add quizzes, reading suggestions, and even live sessions to your training. Above all, do personalized follow-ups with your students as they progress through the course to encourage them.
Once you've finished setting up your training, it's ready to promote!
Not so complicated after all, eh?
Your move
Now that you know how to transform your PowerPoint into asynchronous training, you have no excuse.
Stop procrastinating and take action!
Discover, manage, and grow your team’s skills to unleash their potential and retain your rising stars.
