Online education has become increasingly popular in recent years, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend. As a result, many educators and trainers are looking to create their own online courses. However, creating an online course can be a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. In this article, we will explore the workflow and timeline for creating an online course, from identifying the target audience to delivering the course and getting feedback.
The first step in creating an online course is to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of online education. This includes identifying the target audience, setting learning objectives, and designing the course to meet the needs of online learners. Once these foundational elements are in place, the course creator can move on to selecting the right platform, creating engaging content, and involving subject matter experts. Ensuring accessibility and implementing assessments and quizzes are also critical components of the course creation process. Finally, the course must be delivered and marketed effectively, and feedback and quality assurance must be ongoing to ensure that the course meets the needs of learners.
Key Takeaways
- Creating an online course requires careful planning and execution, starting with understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of online education.
- Key components of the course creation process include identifying the target audience, setting learning objectives, designing the course, and ensuring accessibility.
- Effective course delivery, marketing, and ongoing feedback and quality assurance are also critical to the success of an online course.
Understanding Online Course Creation
Creating an online course can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience. The process of creating an online course can be broken down into several stages, each of which requires careful planning and execution.
The first step in creating an online course is to define the learning objectives. Learning objectives are statements that describe what learners should be able to do after completing the course. They should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Once the learning objectives are defined, the course content can be developed.
The course content should be organized into modules or units. Each module should have a clear structure and should be designed to help learners achieve the learning objectives. The course content should be presented in a variety of formats, including text, images, audio, and video.
The next step is to choose the appropriate online learning platform. There are many online learning platforms available, each with its own set of features and capabilities. The platform should be easy to use, reliable, and should have the necessary features to support the course content.
Once the platform is chosen, the course can be developed using the platform’s authoring tools. The authoring tools allow the course creator to add text, images, audio, and video to the course. The course creator can also create quizzes, assignments, and other interactive elements to engage learners.
After the course is developed, it should be tested to ensure that it is functioning correctly. The course should be tested on different devices and browsers to ensure that it is accessible to all learners. Once the course is tested, it can be launched.
Launching an online course involves making it available to learners. The course creator should promote the course through social media, email, and other channels. The course should also be optimized for search engines to ensure that it is easily discoverable.
In conclusion, creating an online course requires careful planning and execution. The course creator should define the learning objectives, develop the course content, choose the appropriate online learning platform, develop the course using authoring tools, test the course, and launch the course. With the right approach, creating an online course can be a rewarding experience that helps learners achieve their goals.
Identifying the Target Audience
Before creating an online course, it is essential to identify the target audience. The target audience refers to the group of learners who will benefit from the course content. Understanding the target audience’s needs, preferences, and learning styles is critical to creating a course that meets their expectations.
One way to identify the target audience is to create learner personas. Learner personas are fictional characters that represent the different types of learners who might take the course. Creating learner personas involves gathering demographic information such as age, gender, education level, and job title. It also involves understanding the learners’ goals, motivations, and challenges.
Another way to identify the target audience is to conduct market research. Market research involves gathering information about the target audience’s needs, preferences, and behaviors. This information can be gathered through surveys, focus groups, and interviews. Market research can also help identify the target audience’s age range, geographic location, and income level.
Once the target audience is identified, it is essential to tailor the course content to meet their specific needs and preferences. For example, if the target audience is older adults, the course content should be presented in a way that is easy to read and understand. If the target audience is busy professionals, the course content should be designed to fit into their busy schedules.
In conclusion, identifying the target audience is a crucial step in creating an online course. Understanding the target audience’s needs, preferences, and learning styles is essential to creating a course that meets their expectations. Creating learner personas and conducting market research are two effective ways to identify the target audience. Once the target audience is identified, it is essential to tailor the course content to meet their specific needs and preferences.
Planning and Development
Creating an online course requires meticulous planning and development. A comprehensive project plan will help you stay on track and ensure that your course is completed on time.
The first step in the planning process is scoping. This involves defining the course’s goals, objectives, and target audience. A needs analysis should be conducted to identify the learners’ requirements and determine the course’s content and structure. The scope of the project should be defined at this stage to prevent scope creep, which can lead to delays and additional costs.
Once the scoping is complete, the development phase can begin. This phase involves creating the course’s content, selecting the appropriate technology, and designing the course’s structure. The course’s content should be created in a way that is engaging, interactive, and easy to understand.
During the development phase, it is essential to keep the timeline in mind. An eLearning development timeline should be established to ensure that the course is completed on time. The timeline should include milestones, deadlines, and deliverables.
Throughout the planning and development phases, it is crucial to conduct regular analysis to ensure that the course is meeting the learners’ needs. The course’s structure and content should be reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and engaging.
In conclusion, planning and development are critical components of creating an online course. By scoping the project, developing a timeline, and regularly reviewing the course’s content and structure, you can ensure that your course is completed on time and meets the learners’ needs.
Setting Learning Objectives
One of the first steps in creating an online course is to set clear and measurable learning objectives. Learning objectives are statements that describe what students should be able to do or demonstrate after completing the course. They provide a roadmap for the course and guide the selection of course content, instructional strategies, and assessments.
Objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). They should align with the overall course goals and be communicated clearly to students. Here are some tips for setting effective learning objectives:
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Start with the end in mind: Think about what students should be able to do or demonstrate by the end of the course. This will help you identify the most important concepts, skills, and knowledge that you want to teach.
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Use action verbs: Use specific action verbs to describe what students should be able to do or demonstrate. For example, instead of saying “understand the concept of supply and demand,” say “analyze the effects of changes in supply and demand on market equilibrium.”
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Align with assessments: Make sure that the learning objectives align with the assessments you plan to use. The assessments should measure the extent to which students have achieved the learning objectives.
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Prioritize objectives: Identify the most important learning objectives and prioritize them. This will help you focus your course content and ensure that students are able to achieve the most important outcomes.
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Review and revise: Review the learning objectives regularly and revise them as necessary. This will help you ensure that the course remains relevant and up-to-date.
By setting clear and measurable learning objectives, online course creators can ensure that their courses are focused, relevant, and effective.
Designing the Course
Designing an online course requires a clear understanding of the course objectives, target audience, and available resources. The first step in the design process is to create a course outline or storyboard that outlines the structure and content of the course. This outline should include the learning objectives, course topics, and assessments.
Innovative design aesthetics can be used to make the course more engaging and interactive for the learners. This can include the use of multimedia elements such as videos, images, and interactive quizzes. The use of a consistent design theme throughout the course can also help to create a cohesive learning experience for the learners.
Once the course outline and innovative design aesthetics are in place, it’s time to create a design document that outlines the specific details of the course. This document should include the course structure, learning objectives, assessments, and any multimedia elements that will be used in the course. It should also include a timeline for the development of the course and a list of any resources that will be required.
The design document should be reviewed by a team of experts, including instructional designers, subject matter experts, and technical experts, to ensure that the course is designed to meet the needs of the learners and is technically feasible. Any feedback should be incorporated into the design document, and the course should be revised accordingly.
Overall, designing an online course requires careful planning, innovative design aesthetics, and a clear understanding of the course objectives and target audience. By following a structured design process and incorporating feedback from experts, instructors can create engaging and effective online courses that meet the needs of their learners.
Selecting the Right Platform
Selecting the right platform is a crucial step in creating an online course. It is essential to choose a platform that meets the needs of both the instructor and the students. There are several platforms available, including Learning Management Systems (LMS), Kajabi, and Teachable.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
An LMS is a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs. LMSs range from systems for managing training and educational records to software for distributing courses over the Internet with features for online collaboration. Some popular LMSs include Moodle, Blackboard, and Canvas.
Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform that allows instructors to create and sell online courses, build landing pages, and manage email marketing campaigns. It provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of customization options. Kajabi is a good choice for instructors who want a platform that can handle everything in one place.
Teachable
Teachable is another popular platform for creating and selling online courses. It offers a simple and intuitive interface and a wide range of customization options. Teachable also provides marketing tools, including email marketing and affiliate marketing. It is a good choice for instructors who want an easy-to-use platform with powerful marketing features.
When selecting a platform, it is important to consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, pricing, and marketing features. It is also important to consider the needs of the students, such as ease of use, accessibility, and compatibility with different devices.
Creating Engaging Content
Creating engaging content is one of the most important aspects of online course creation. Engaging content keeps students interested and motivated, which leads to better learning outcomes. Here are some tips for creating engaging content:
Use a variety of instructional methods
Lectures are an important part of online courses, but they should not be the only method of instruction. To keep students engaged, it is important to use a variety of instructional methods, such as microlearning, modules, and visual communications content. Microlearning is a teaching method that delivers content in short, bite-sized chunks. Modules are self-contained units of instruction that can be completed in any order. Visual communications content, such as videos and infographics, can help break up text-heavy content and make it more engaging.
Incorporate interactive elements
Interactive elements, such as quizzes, polls, and discussion forums, can help keep students engaged and provide opportunities for them to apply what they have learned. Quizzes can be used to test knowledge and provide immediate feedback, while polls can be used to gather student opinions and encourage discussion. Discussion forums can be used to facilitate peer-to-peer learning and provide opportunities for students to ask questions and get help from their peers.
Design visually appealing content
Visual design is an important aspect of creating engaging content. Use color, typography, and images to make your content visually appealing and easy to read. Use headings and subheadings to break up text and make it easier to scan. Use bold text to highlight important information.
Keep content concise and relevant
Online learners have limited attention spans, so it is important to keep content concise and relevant. Avoid including unnecessary information or going off on tangents. Stick to the topic at hand and provide information that is directly relevant to the learning objectives.
Overall, creating engaging content is essential for the success of an online course. By using a variety of instructional methods, incorporating interactive elements, designing visually appealing content, and keeping content concise and relevant, instructors can create online courses that are engaging and effective.
Involving Subject Matter Experts
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are individuals who possess specialized knowledge or skills in a particular field or subject area. Involving SMEs in the online course creation process can help ensure that the course content is accurate, up-to-date, and relevant to the needs of learners.
The role of SMEs in the online course creation process can vary depending on the course’s subject matter and the instructor’s preferences. Some instructors may choose to work closely with SMEs to develop course content, while others may simply consult with SMEs to verify the accuracy of the course materials.
Contributors are individuals who may also be involved in the online course creation process. They may include instructional designers, multimedia specialists, and other professionals who can help create engaging and effective course content.
LinkedIn Learning instructors are also a valuable resource for instructors looking to create online courses. These instructors have experience creating and delivering online courses, and can provide guidance and support throughout the course creation process.
When involving SMEs in the online course creation process, it is important to establish clear communication channels and expectations. This can include outlining the scope of the SME’s involvement, establishing deadlines for feedback and revisions, and providing clear guidelines for the creation of course materials.
Overall, involving SMEs in the online course creation process can help ensure that the course content is accurate, relevant, and engaging for learners. By working closely with SMEs, instructors can create high-quality online courses that meet the needs of learners and provide value to their organizations.
Ensuring Accessibility
Creating an online course that is accessible to all learners is crucial to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to learn. Here are some best practices to follow when designing an accessible online course:
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Follow Accessibility Standards: It is important to follow accessibility standards such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA to ensure that the course is accessible to learners with disabilities. This includes providing captions and transcripts for videos, using descriptive alt text for images, and ensuring that the course can be navigated using a keyboard.
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Choose Accessible Course Tools: When selecting tools for the course, it is important to choose tools that are accessible to all learners. For example, choosing a learning management system that is accessible on both desktop and mobile devices ensures that learners can access the course content on their smartphones or tablets.
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Provide Multiple Means of Representation: Providing multiple means of representation ensures that learners can access the course content in different ways. For example, providing text-based content in addition to video content ensures that learners who are deaf or hard of hearing can access the course content.
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Provide Multiple Means of Action and Expression: Providing multiple means of action and expression ensures that learners can demonstrate their knowledge in different ways. For example, providing options for learners to submit assignments in different formats such as text, audio, or video ensures that learners can demonstrate their knowledge in the way that works best for them.
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Provide Multiple Means of Engagement: Providing multiple means of engagement ensures that learners can engage with the course content in different ways. For example, providing opportunities for learners to collaborate with their peers or to engage in discussion forums ensures that learners can engage with the course content in a way that works best for them.
By following these best practices, online course creators can ensure that their courses are accessible to all learners, regardless of their abilities or the devices they are using to access the course.
Implementing Assessments and Quizzes
Assessments and quizzes are an essential part of any online course. They help instructors gauge the understanding of their students and provide feedback to help them improve. Here are some tips for implementing assessments and quizzes in your online course:
Align Assessments with Learning Aims
Aligning assessments with learning aims is crucial for ensuring that students are being tested on what they are supposed to be learning. Instructors should design assessments that align with the course objectives and ensure that the questions are relevant and appropriate.
Use Multiple Low-Stakes Assessments
Using multiple low-stakes assessments can help students retain information better than a single high-stakes assessment. Instructors should consider using quizzes, assignments, and other forms of assessments throughout the course to reinforce learning and provide feedback.
Create Authentic Assessments
Creating authentic assessments can help students see the relevance of what they are learning and apply it to real-world situations. Instructors should consider using case studies, simulations, and other authentic assessments to help students apply what they have learned.
Use Both Formative and Summative Assessments
Formative assessments are designed to provide feedback to students during the learning process, while summative assessments are designed to evaluate what students have learned at the end of a course. Instructors should consider using both formative and summative assessments to provide feedback and evaluate student learning.
Use Varied Forms of Assessments
Using varied forms of assessments can help engage students and provide a more comprehensive evaluation of their learning. Instructors should consider using quizzes, assignments, discussions, and other forms of assessments to evaluate different aspects of student learning.
Overall, implementing assessments and quizzes in an online course can be challenging, but it is essential for ensuring that students are learning and receiving feedback. Instructors should take the time to design assessments that align with the course objectives, use multiple low-stakes assessments, create authentic assessments, use both formative and summative assessments, and use varied forms of assessments to provide a comprehensive evaluation of student learning.
Course Delivery and Enrollment
Once the course has been designed, developed, and tested, it is time to deliver it to students. Online courses are typically delivered asynchronously, meaning that students can access the course materials and complete assignments at their own pace within a set timeframe. This allows for greater flexibility and convenience for students.
To facilitate course delivery, instructors can use a learning management system (LMS) such as Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle. These platforms provide a central location for course materials, assignments, and communication between instructors and students. Instructors can also use video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams to hold synchronous sessions with students.
Enrollment in an online course can be done through the institution’s student portal or through the LMS. Instructors can set enrollment caps or require prerequisites for their courses to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course material. It is important to communicate enrollment requirements clearly to students before they register for the course.
Instructors should also consider accessibility when delivering and enrolling students in their online courses. This includes providing closed captioning for videos, using alt text for images, and ensuring that course materials can be accessed by students with disabilities.
Overall, course delivery and enrollment are important aspects of the online course creation workflow. Instructors should use an LMS to facilitate course delivery and communicate enrollment requirements clearly to students. They should also consider accessibility when designing and delivering their courses.
Marketing Your Online Course
Once the online course is created, marketing is the next crucial step. It is essential to reach the target audience and convince them that the course is worth their time and money. Here are a few tips to help you market your online course effectively.
Define Your Target Audience
Knowing your target audience is key to creating a successful marketing strategy. Identify the demographics of your ideal student, including age, gender, education level, and interests. This information will help you tailor your marketing efforts to reach the right people.
Develop a Marketing Plan
Creating a marketing plan will help you stay organized and focused. It should include a timeline of when and where you will promote your course, as well as the tactics you will use to reach your target audience. Consider using social media platforms, email marketing, paid advertising, and content marketing to promote your course.
Utilize Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be powerful tools for promoting your online course. Create a social media strategy that includes regular posts, engaging content, and targeted advertising. Use hashtags and shareable graphics to increase visibility and encourage others to share your course with their networks.
Offer a Free Trial or Preview
Offering a free trial or preview of your course can be an effective way to attract new students. It allows them to get a taste of what your course offers and can help build trust in your brand. Consider offering a free module or video to entice potential students to enroll.
Leverage Testimonials and Reviews
Positive testimonials and reviews from satisfied students can be powerful marketing tools. Collect feedback from students who have completed your course and use it to promote your course on your website and social media channels. You can also encourage students to leave reviews on third-party websites like Yelp or Google My Business.
Conclusion
Marketing your online course requires careful planning and execution. By defining your target audience, developing a marketing plan, utilizing social media, offering a free trial or preview, and leveraging testimonials and reviews, you can effectively promote your course and attract new students.
Feedback and Quality Assurance
Feedback and quality assurance are essential components of any online course creation workflow. It is important to ensure that the course content is of high quality and meets the needs of the learners. Quality assurance involves reviewing the course content for accuracy, consistency, and relevance. Feedback, on the other hand, involves gathering information from learners to improve the course content.
One way to gather feedback is through surveys. Surveys can be conducted at different stages of the course creation process, such as during the development phase or after the course has been launched. Surveys can be used to gather feedback on the course content, the delivery method, and the overall learning experience. The feedback gathered can be used to make improvements to the course content and delivery.
Another way to gather feedback is through reviews. Reviews can be conducted by subject matter experts or by other instructors who have experience in the same field. Reviews can help identify areas where the course content can be improved and can also help ensure that the course content is accurate and up-to-date.
Quality assurance can also be achieved through the use of checklists. Checklists can be used to ensure that the course content meets certain standards and criteria. For example, a checklist can be used to ensure that the course objectives are clearly defined, that the course content is relevant, and that the course is accessible to all learners.
In addition to surveys, reviews, and checklists, it is also important to have a quality assurance team in place. The quality assurance team should be responsible for reviewing the course content and ensuring that it meets the required standards. The team should also be responsible for identifying areas where the course content can be improved and for making recommendations for improvement.
In conclusion, feedback and quality assurance are important components of any online course creation workflow. Surveys, reviews, checklists, and quality assurance teams can all be used to ensure that the course content is of high quality and meets the needs of the learners. By incorporating these components into the course creation process, instructors can ensure that their courses are effective and engaging.
Project Management in Elearning
Creating an eLearning course involves managing a complex project with multiple stakeholders and deliverables. To ensure the success of an eLearning project, it is essential to have a robust project management plan in place.
Project management in eLearning involves managing the project from start to finish, including planning, executing, monitoring, and controlling the project. Effective project management ensures that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
Managing an eLearning project involves establishing clear accountability and roles for each team member. This helps to ensure that everyone involved in the project knows what is expected of them and what their responsibilities are.
To manage an eLearning project effectively, project managers can use a variety of project management tools, including project management software, Gantt charts, and project management templates. These tools can help to streamline the project management process and ensure that all tasks are completed on time.
Creating an eLearning project plan is an essential part of project management in eLearning. The eLearning project plan should include a detailed timeline, milestones, and deliverables. The project plan should also include a list of all the resources required for the project, such as software, hardware, and personnel.
The eLearning project plan notebook is a useful tool for project managers to keep track of all the project details. The notebook should include all the project documents, including the project plan, budget, and timeline. It should also include notes from project meetings, status updates, and any other relevant information.
In conclusion, project management is a critical component of eLearning course creation. Effective project management ensures that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. By following a robust project management plan and using project management tools, eLearning course creators can ensure the success of their projects.
Profit from Online Courses
Creating and selling online courses can be a lucrative business venture. With the increasing demand for online education, the potential for profit is high. However, it’s important to note that creating a successful online course requires effort, time, and resources.
One of the advantages of online courses is the ability to reach a large audience. This means that even if the course is priced low, the profit can still be substantial due to the high volume of sales. Additionally, online courses require minimal overhead costs, as there is no need for physical classroom space or materials.
Pricing is an important factor to consider when creating an online course. It’s important to research the market and compare prices of similar courses to ensure that the course is priced competitively. Offering discounts or promotions can also help increase sales and attract new customers.
Another way to increase profit from online courses is to offer additional resources or services for a higher price. For example, offering one-on-one coaching or access to a community forum can be an attractive upsell for customers.
It’s important to note that creating a profitable online course requires a solid marketing strategy. This includes building an email list, creating engaging content, and utilizing social media platforms to reach potential customers.
Overall, creating and selling online courses can be a profitable business venture. However, it’s important to invest time and resources into creating a high-quality course and developing a solid marketing strategy to ensure success.
Best Practices in Online Course Creation
Creating an online course can be a daunting task, but following best practices can make the process smoother and more effective. The eLearning industry has developed numerous resources to help course creators design engaging and effective online courses.
One of the best resources for online course creation is the International eLearning Conferences. These conferences bring together experts from around the world to share their knowledge and experience. Attendees can learn about the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in online course creation.
Another valuable resource is “The eLearning Designer’s Handbook” by Tim Slade. This book provides practical tips and strategies for designing effective online courses. It covers topics such as instructional design, visual design, and course development tools.
When creating an online course, it’s important to keep the following best practices in mind:
- Start with clear learning objectives: Define what students should be able to do or know by the end of the course.
- Use a variety of multimedia: Incorporate videos, images, audio, and interactive elements to keep students engaged.
- Design for accessibility: Ensure that the course is accessible to students with disabilities by providing captions, transcripts, and other accommodations.
- Provide opportunities for interaction: Incorporate discussion forums, group projects, and other activities that encourage students to interact with each other and with the course content.
- Test and iterate: Continuously test the course with students and make changes as needed to improve the learning experience.
By following these best practices, course creators can design online courses that are engaging, effective, and accessible to all students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best online course creation software available?
There are several online course creation software available, and the best one depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi, and Udemy. Each of these platforms has its own unique features and pricing plans. It is important to research and compare the options before choosing the best one for your needs.
How do you design and structure an effective online course?
Designing and structuring an effective online course involves several key considerations, such as setting clear learning objectives, creating engaging content, and providing opportunities for interaction and feedback. It is important to keep the course structure organized and easy to navigate, with clear instructions and expectations for students. Utilizing multimedia elements, such as videos, images, and interactive quizzes, can also enhance the learning experience.
What are some recommended templates for online course creation?
There are several online course creation templates available, including those provided by the course creation software mentioned above. Additionally, some learning management systems, such as Canvas and Blackboard, offer customizable course templates. It is important to choose a template that aligns with your course goals and objectives, while also being visually appealing and user-friendly.
What is the typical timeline for developing an online course?
The timeline for developing an online course can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the course content and the experience level of the course creator. However, a typical timeline for developing an online course is around 3-6 months. This timeline includes the planning, development, and testing phases of the course creation process.
What are some key considerations when creating course content?
When creating course content, it is important to consider the needs and preferences of your target audience. This includes creating content that is engaging, relevant, and easy to understand. It is also important to ensure that the course content aligns with the learning objectives and provides opportunities for interaction and feedback.
What are the best free online course platforms available?
There are several free online course platforms available, including Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy. These platforms offer a wide range of courses in various subjects, and many of them are created by top universities and educators. However, it is important to note that these platforms may not provide the same level of customization and control as paid course creation software.