7 Tips on how to curate content for your online course

When managing your online course, there are a lot of things to consider. The content you provide is your ID and also your projection into the online world. However, it can be hard to constantly create content for your online course. Sometimes it’s better to curate it. You can share content created by others without losing your authentic voice. Curated content saves you time and money and it's already there for you to use.

This type of content is great for the learners who always need more explanations, for the ones who don't really have the time to research for further information on the topic of your course, for the ones connected to social media, but also for the ones who would rather check only their emails.

Whatever your approach is, here are some tips on how to do it right:

1. Know what your learners need

   As we all know there are different types of learners and they have specific needs. You have to get to know what the needs of your learners are and try to nurture them. You can conduct surveys, social media polls or you can go deeper by checking what their searches are.

2. Find reliable sources

   Finding curated content implies effort from your part. You have to be responsible and find relevant and accurate information which your students can rely on. You have to check your data and double-check. It's better to rely on official websites, authority websites and blogs, press releases and so on.

3. Apply relevancy filters to the curated content

   Not all the data you will find online related to your topic is relevant to your learners. The information you provide has to help them solve a problem or help them achieve a goal. There has to be a certain continuity to this microlearning process. You can ask them to comment on your post, watch a video and answer a question, find an example in an article and many more.

4. Keep everything organized

   If you create a habit out of providing curated content for your online course, it's better to have it organized. You can sort your resources by topic, categorize ideas, class similar ideas together, create an appendix for each chapter or module of your course. In this way, your learners will be able to navigate easier through all the extra material.

5. Decide on the best curation method(s)

   Specialists have considered different steps to follow when curating content. For example, you can use the following pattern CSCSCS or triple CS as follows:

   C - Collect information;
   S - Select the relevant information and sources;
   C - Categorize the data to show different perspectives;
   S - Synthesize the data to make it easier to digest;
   C - Collate the information in different formats;
   S - Share your information with your learners.

6. Consider automation

   Curated content makes your course more comprehensive as it offers extra content/materials that can be used outside the course. By making use of automation, you and your learners save time. For example, you can create a reusable template for your resources and your learners have access to extra materials that they don't have to look for.

7. Don’t stop

   Using curated content should not be a singular event. Make a habit out of searching for resources and keep feeding your learners with microlearning materials. Continuity involves stability and organization. This sends a clear message to your learners, that you are persistent and you care about their growth.

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