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10 Skills to Excel At Online Content Creation
As COVID-19 continues to ravage the country, the day is not far when the lockdown will jostle us from our blissful ignorance and lay the truth bare in front of us of the lack of digital infrastructure in India for education of the masses. We are headed for a long term crippling in the education segment and we must at least have our crutches ready for support now.
As the world moves away from a physical interaction regime towards a new digital paradigm, the power of technology must be harnessed to recreate the offline interactions over an online platform. E-learning is the now only locomotive that can drag the stationary train of heavy academic burden forward. Trainers and teachers must switch paths and somehow bridge the gap to address the shortfall created and wedged wider by the pandemic.
What does it take to be successful e-learning content creator?
Knowledge Hungry
“The mind is to the book as the sword is to the whetstone,” says a popular quote. They’re sage words for the wise whose propensity for learning is commensurate to that for teaching. Even a teacher is a perpetual student and will invariably end up providing the best for the young minds as (s)he will for himself/herself. A key differentiator among many, this is the fine line between good and great.
An inclination to understand an individual’s learning & grasping process
This ranks among the top skills for e-learning because the human brain is a complex organ and understanding its functioning is not an easy task. It takes immense effort and research to fully read into it. This particular skill is the basis for deciding the critical aspects of the process such as – optimum delivery method for knowledge, model / theory that best enables a learner’s to easily grasp & recall, the learning behaviour of the brain.
Creativity alloyed with Writing Ability
A good creator knows that not all content consumers read voraciously, some grasp it faster with a visual aid. This is where creativity trumps all other skills. E-learning is all about engaging the student and make him / her want to learn more. The information needs to be solid and impactful.
Effective Communication of Ideas & Concepts
Do not try to create e-learning content if you can’t take constructive criticism because communicating ideas effectively and impactfully is a product of continuous improvement which is possible only by working on user feedback. Communication is a two-way street, keep both sides flowing and avoid any congestion.
Facilitate Learning not Overwhelming with Information
Some of us may have been achievers through school but do not forget your roots. Take the effort with patience like your teachers did with you in school. Summarize the large banter into key points, powerful presentations or infographics that leave a mark.
Keep Pace with emerging technology and eLearning Tools
The best part about technology is that it offers many solutions for one problem. It is essential to identify which one delivers the best learning as well as teaching experience. This needs a delve into technological developments at least in the arenas you depend upon.
Critical Thinking your way to Problem Solutions
As a creator, it is inevitable to face challenges on various fronts such as layout, design, engagement, etc. Being succinct with the information at hand & crafting the material well is key to success. Secondly, an analytical / critical thought process will push you to find innovative ways of delivering your ideas.
Eye for detail
Content that draws the consumer’s interest is well-structure, well-expressed and crisp. Aesthetics are a helpful tool for retention to memory and so is learner interaction. Both must be factored in for an immersive experience.
Awareness of real world applications
A half-hearted and unorganized concoction of information is a recipe for disaster. How a learner can use this information outside of the learning device is a critical aspect of teaching. It is a healthy practice to integrate some examples into the theory, ones that promote curiosity.
Dedication to provide the best-in-class experience
Most importantly, young minds grasp information quickly and retain it for longer. It is important to make sure they remember what they do for good reason. Setting the bar high not only attracts learners but also ensures everybody out there aims higher and delivers better quality for their user base.
Being a content creator is a task, but being a good e-Learning content creator is an immersive & demanding task, on top of that delivering it. Those passionate about writing, who are brimming with curiosity and are creatively inclined – this is a great way to learn and hone your talents. After all effort never goes unrewarded.