022 - How Do I Become an Online Instructor?
Topics Discussed and Key Points
•How to know if you’re ready to teach online classes
•Overcoming impostor syndrome
•Evaluating whether you have a class-worthy idea
•Getting feedback on future classes on social media without giving away too much
•Necessary skills and equipment
•Publishing and promoting your online class
Putting your face and name out there to teach strangers via the internet is a scary thought for a lot of people. Roben-Marie and Sandi share their thoughts on how to tell if you’re ready to take your area of expertise and monetize it in the form of online courses.
Desire
The first consideration is simple yet crucial: To become successful at teaching online classes, you have to “really, really want to” make this desire a reality. When you first sit down in front of a camera to begin this journey, you will most likely experience that all-too common enemy of ambition, impostor syndrome. Sandi tells us that this feeling never actually goes away, as even she, having had a good amount of teaching experience, still experiences these nagging doubts every time she is about to hit “record”. But as Roben-Marie assures us, “the more you do it, the easier it gets.”
Consider Your Idea
Next, how do you find a class-worthy idea? Passion, as touched upon earlier, is the first thing to think about. But desire to teach isn’t enough. Are your people asking for you to teach? Roben-Marie says it’s all a matter of keeping your ears open:
•What questions do your audience tend to have for you?
•Is there any particular subject matter you’re asked to expound on often?
•Advice for a certain topic you find yourself giving out a lot?
Pinpoint that subject and turn it into a class.
Skills and Equipment
You now have a course idea with a lot of audience demand, and a burning desire to put that course together. It’s now time to consider the skills and equipment you need to teach online. (Hint: You don’t need the “best” tech in the world to start.)
The first thing you need is a good camera (your iPhone works). Use a camera boom or a tripod to hold the camera and angle it to your needs.
Lighting is next on the list, with the only guideline being: Can people see your face or hands (as you work your creative magic) properly? Photography lights are an option; but you can also use lamps and take advantage of natural lighting, both of which work great for Sandi.
Finally, once your footage is ready, invest in good post-production software such as iMovie or Camtasia. Sandi adds that it may help to hire a consultant or assistant editor to get a second opinion on your edit. Or, you can simply outsource your post-production altogether.
Going Live
The last step is publishing your online class. While you can feature your class on your own website, those without a lot of followers already may have a hard time finding students. Alternatively, look for a platform or organization dedicated to hosting and promoting their roster of teachers and their courses.
Resources mentioned:
Salvaged Journal Workshop
Pocket Journals Workshop
Camtasia
IMovie
Maker's Tech U
Popup Art Classes
Pin to save for later!
Subscribe & Review in iTunes
Are you subscribed to the Creative Get Real podcast? If not, Sandi and I want to encourage you to sign up. It is super simple and you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
We love to hear from our listeners and truly appreciate it when you share the love. We want as many artists and makers out there to benefit from our real life conversations. Would you consider giving us a review on iTunes? Those reviews help other people find our podcast and and we enjoy reading them, of course!! Thanks so much!