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How to Start an Online Education and Training Business?

Harvey Singh — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 02:49:52 +0000

eLearning is the first foray into online education. Invented in 1998, eLearning is 22 years old! Online learning has increased in popularity in recent years to become one of the biggest trends in education.

Through its innovative technologies and flexible delivery, online learning (also referred to as remote learning) has provided an effective alternative learning option that eliminates the need to be physically in a classroom.

With the drastic changes in the concept of traditional education in the last few years, many people are now seizing the opportunity to start an online education and training business.

Thanks to advancements in technology and the availability of great learning platforms like Instancy.com, anyone can grab a piece of this lucrative pie.

Benefits of Starting an Online Training and Education Business

If you are wondering why an online training business is a great idea and why you should start yours, here are five benefits you should consider.

1. Demand is high

There’s a spike in demand. The online training sector’s projected growth in the US alone is $15.86 billion for 2021. It is no longer considered a fad – it is mainstream across all educational institutions and corporations. Learners are seeking access to quality knowledge content outside of work and school.

2. Minimal setup costs

Unlike setting up a brick-and-mortar school, you don’t need to spend a fortune to start your online education business. The business model doesn’t require expensive equipment, a fleet of vehicles, rent for premises, utility bills, insurance, and other expenses. Setting up and operating your online training business is super-easy and cost-friendly. There are useful cloud-based apps like Instancy that allow you to set up your business in minutes within your desired budget so you can break even and start turning a profit in no time.

3. Convenience

One of the alluring attractions to starting an online training and education business is that it allows you to work from home. There is no need to go in to work daily. You can design and develop courses from anywhere, anytime, and on your schedule.

The convenience drills down to your students as well. Flexibility is key to maintaining a work-life balance during 2020, and this business model is ripe with opportunities. Research shows a 25-60% retention rate for online learning.

4. Flexible work hours

Starting an online education and training business makes it possible for you to earn while working around your schedule. Whether running an online training business full-time or part-time, you can adjust your work-life balance accordingly. Very few businesses give you control of the hours you work like this one.

5. Technology

The recent advancements in technology have made it possible for online instructors to achieve the same results traditional instructors do. We have plenty of online educational tools and apps, such as Instancy, to make the process easier and hassle-free.

Technology enhances learning since you can easily send educational materials to students in various formats such as videos, pictures, audio podcasts, etc., allowing for higher engagement levels.

How to Start an Online Training Business?

The first step in the process is to make up your mind to start an online training and education business. Once you decide to move forward, you can begin the setup process.

1. Choose your niche:

The first thing to do is to consider your expertise. Because of the interest and demand in online education and training, many topic areas have brisk sales. Some topics are academic, some are corporate, and some are for the general population. Do you want to cater to a specific demographic, such as children? Take ample time to research your niche; otherwise, you may offer a course with no takers!

2. Check out the competition

When considering an online learning business, competition is good. Rarely do you want to be the first to market. It is a good idea to perform a comprehensive study of the marketplace. Research to learn about the services competitors offer and their rates. Look for any gaps in products or services as those gaps may be an area where you will stand out.

3. Decide how you are going to provide your services

Do you plan to offer your education products nationally or globally? Some businesses also decide to target the local market only. The choice is yours!

Do you want to provide a blended learning experience where students access different learning modalities, such as self-paced eLearning? Is instruction completely remote, or should students expect to spend some time in a physical classroom? Because of the pandemic, most online education businesses now prefer blended learning; i.e., you need to deliver virtual classrooms for one or more users/learners. You need to provide digital content in various formats, including video, online quizzes, audio podcasts, discussion forums, chat, and more.

4. Decide a consistent fee scale

Deciding how much to charge is probably the most challenging part of the planning process. Be objective and try to determine competitive price points. Also, consider the actual value of your course. What are students paying for similar classes? Charge too much, and you will get fewer sales. Charge too little, and you are leaving money on the table. Let’s look at one example.

At the moment, you have two types of pricing. You sell your courses, quantity one, or ala carte. The alternative is to sell a recurring membership subscription to a course or content library.

The membership subscription will be more profitable long term because this is a recurring fee!

5. Choose a name

Next, pick a name for your business. Your choice of a name matters as it is part of your brand, so consider choosing a name that sets your services apart and Google it to ensure that it’s available. It might also help to ask other people’s opinions on a name.

6. Deal with the financial and legal issues

Remember that starting an online education business is more than just a way to earn an income. It is a business, and you will have to file for the appropriate small business license in your state. Consider speaking to a small business lawyer to find out about the best way for you to file.

7. Gather the tools you need for business

If you’re starting an online business, you need to ensure that you are well-equipped to provide your students’ quality services. It’s also essential to choose a suitable online learning platform. Instancy is an excellent platform to consider.

Why choose Instancy as your training and education business learning platform?

Instancy Learning Platform and Learning Experience Platform is a powerful yet simple-to-use framework that includes five integrated products you may also deploy in a modular way as required:

1. Instancy Learning Management System (iLMS)

2. Instancy Learning Content Management System (iLCMS) and Authoring Tools

3. Instancy Mobile Learning Apps Platform for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Phones and Tablets

4. Instancy Learning Record Store (iLRS)

5. eCommerce and Catalog Management

The Instancy software-as-a-service platform may be deployed as a branded online learning portal.

Instancy’s multi-tenant architecture enables learning organizations to create multiple sites for = training business clients and reseller partners.

Instancy Learning Management System (iLMS)

Instancy’s iLMS lets you plan, manage, deliver, and evaluate personalized and blended learning programs. Whether you’re working with eLearning, classroom training, webinars, video tutorials, or informal learning, Instancy’s system gives you the ease, flexibility, automation, and capabilities you need.

Key Features:

1. Design your learning portal and sub-portals the way you want

2. Deliver eLearning, blended learning, assessments, and performance support

3. Manage the calendar of events and classroom training

4. Deliver and manage virtual classroom training

5. Engage your learners with social learning and provide the ability for knowledge collaboration

6. Manage skill-competency based learning

7. Manage learning assignments, reports, and analytics

8. Deliver and track Experience API (xAPI), SCORM, and AICC (eLearning standards) course packages

9. Leverage Instancy’s Application Programming Interface (API) to create a seamless workflow between iLMS and other applications.

Related Read: 11 REASONS WHY OPTING FOR AN LMS IS A SMART DECISION FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION

Instancy Learning Content Management System (iLCMS) and Authoring Tools

Speed up content production for eLearning and instructor-led courseware with reusable learning objects to enhance learning effectiveness and reduce training project costs with our robust framework.

Instancy Learning Content Management System (iLCMS) offers collaborative content publishing workflows that allow you to coordinate the tasks of multiple contributors and reviewers across the content supply chain.

Manage content submissions from numerous sources, expedite updates, and ensure the right individuals’ published content routes in the proper format.

Key Features:

1. Manage your source content in a single repository and update as needed in Instancy’s Learning Object Repository (iLOR).

2. Create powerful eLearning content rapidly and cost-effectively with Instancy’s web-based eLearning Authoring Suite.

3. Multiuser and collaborative author and reviewer workflows
Effortlessly convert your MS-Word documents into engaging eLearning content using Instancy MS-Word storyboard to the eLearning conversion tool

4. Convert your existing MS-PowerPoint presentations into engaging eLearning content using Instancy MS-PowerPoint to the eLearning conversion tool

5. Create online assessments and surveys

6. Sequencing rules to personalize content delivery

7. Automate the complete workflow for creating, delivering, and managing test preparations

8. Training event management and blended learning

9. eLearning standards (SCORM, AICC, xAPI) support

10. Media resource management

11. Multi-language support to localize learning content

Instancy Mobile Learning Apps for Your Training & Education Business

Empower your customers. Deliver learning and on mobile platforms.

Instancy Mobile Learning App Platform enables you to create, manage, and deliver mobile learning to multiple mobile devices from within one integrated Learning Management System (LMS).

Key Features:

1. Mobile learning management system

2. Distribute learning content on native apps (iOS and Android)

3. Design wizard to configure the native apps

4. Create and deliver mobile learning content

5. Event management and registration workflows

6. Quizzes & assessments

7. Online surveys

8. Document sharing

9. Create audio and video content library

10. Enable your learners to purchase from their mobile device

11. User management

12. Reports & analytics on learning progress

13. Access content and assignments offline

14. Track offline and synch learner experience and progress using experience API (xAPI) within Instancy native learning apps

eCommerce and Catalog Management

Merchandize your training and educational offerings and digital content through various eCommerce and payment options. Instancy eCommerce management system integrates with multiple payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.Net, and comes with an integrated shopping cart interface.

Key Features:

1. Create a catalog of training and education resources

2. Manage eCommerce transactions for eLearning courses, virtual classrooms, video, online assessments, exam preparation packages, learning tracks/packages, shippable products, and more

3. Enable classroom and training event registration and payments

4. Enable eCommerce based recurring payments or membership subscriptions  

5. Enable multiple offline payments and approval workflows
Support discounts and coupons

6. Email notifications to end-users and administrators 
Monthly sales reports

7. Integrate your catalog listing with your web site, including single single-on

Instancy Learning Record Store (iLRS) and Experience API Integration

The Instancy Learning Record Store (iLRS) is a cloud-based web application that receives and stores real-time learning activity statements generated by the Experience API, whether that content or applications are inside or outside the Instancy Platform.

The Experience API and Instancy LRS allow you to track learning activities anywhere and everywhere – web browsers, mobile apps, simulations, performance support, social learning, business applications, and more. You can follow any action, store the information into Instancy LRS, and generate meaningful reports.

Key Features:

1. Repository of learning activities ranging from formal eLearning courses, performance support, training simulations, and games to informal learning activities such as learner-generated content, learning sharing, and online discussions

2. Learning analytics, dashboards, and reports across all learning activities, including assignments, course progress, completion, assessment, surveys, and certifications

3. Out-of-box integration with Instancy Learning Management System (iLMS) and Instancy Learning Content Management System (iLCMS)

4. Receive xAPI data from external sources and OAuth integration

Find out more about the Instancy Learning Platform with a demo and free trial by clicking https://stag2023.instancy.com/schedule-meeting.html. You’ll be amazed at the ease with which you get up and running. The Instancy Support Team is here for you – we want you to succeed. 

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

The post How to Start an Online Education and Training Business? appeared first on Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network.

Instructional Design for Higher Education

Harvey Singh — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 06:52:37 +0000

As current events dramatically change how we live, think, and learn, course design becomes front and center on the minds of academia. ‘We already teach online’ or ‘We have a complete curriculum plan’ are words heard today. What most fail to think about is the number one most important task:

Never Try to Migrate a Classroom Course Online Without a Detailed Plan

Assuming you have a curriculum plan, course plan, or lesson plan, go back and review it carefully. Think about the reading portion first.

Does the textbook publisher have adjunct online components available?

If so, look at how online content can add value to the course. Become familiar with the content and list the areas of difference between the textbook and online source.

Now, if you do not have the online resources, how can you add interactivity to the textbook information?

Next, look at any other media you can include in the course. Are there any web links the students can go to for more information or enhanced study? Students love to move around, watching videos. PowerPoint slides done well, simulations, case studies, and interactive group discussions. How do you do that now in the classroom? Are there labs or exercises you can recreate from the classroom to virtual?

If your course is a lecture course, you have different challenges. Lecture courses can be easier to move to an online setting, but you still want to keep the students motivated and attentive.

If you draw on a whiteboard while lecturing, you can replicate that using drawing tools within the video-based distance learning software, such as Zoom.

Some instructors videotape their traditional classroom presentations, edit them into smaller segments, and use those as part of the course.

Online learning technology allows for flexibility when designing and delivering an excellent student experience.

Enterprise Learning Management Systems Have One or More of the Following:

Learning portals and sub-portals
Blended learning capabilities
Classroom management
Virtual classroom management
Social learning
Competency and professional development
Learning administration, reports, and analytics
eLearning
Gamification
Mobile learning
Learning content management system
Web-based eLearning authoring tools
PowerPoint to the eLearning conversion tool
Storyboard conversion tool
Online assessments and surveys
Online test preparation
Learning record store
eCommerce and Internet marketing system
Easy ability to accept add-ons and third-party integrations

Those Who have Successful Online Migration Experiences do so with the Help of their learning management system Tools and Capabilities.

If you do not have the necessary tools to provide your students with a robust, interactive experience, it is time to rethink your approach.

Can it be accomplished without the help of technology? Yes, you can use tools most organizations use daily such as PDF and PowerPoint. You can take your traditional class content and simply allow students to view them online. However, neither you nor your students will be happy with the results. Being an instructor in today’s environment takes planning, the unique creation of content, and engaging delivery.

Instancy wants you to take your subject matter expertise and use that knowledge to deliver a top-notch educational experience. Do you want to learn more about how you can do that? Whether you are looking for a new technology platform or you want to discuss your instructional design approach, we are here to help you!

Our founder, Harvey Singh, built the Instancy Learning Platform with educational technology in mind. He began his career as a graduate of Stanford in Education Technology. Our team lives and breathes education and design daily. We are here to help!

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

The post Instructional Design for Higher Education appeared first on Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network.

Guide to Remote Learning K-12

Harvey Singh — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 09:18:43 +0000

As schools rapidly migrate to a remote learning environment, a learning management system built with distance education in mind is imperative. The online classroom is a mix of virtual face-to-face experiences, assignments, files, and conversations accessible on a mobile device, tablet, PC, or browser.

Moving a course from classroom to virtual classroom requires a detailed migration plan. While your class content stays the same, how you present that information might change in a remote setting. While you as an instructor maintain eye contact and control in a traditional classroom setting, the same is not true in a remote setting. For example, in the classroom you may have an insect collection you use during a science section, you must get creative to recreate that experience in a remote experience. To accomplish this, you can either take a video of the insect collection and discuss it or you can find a free online resource.

Instructors – don’t let perceived hurdles of remote learning stop you from doing what you do best, teach! Yes, there is a learning curve. Yes, it is going to take some work. Yes, you are going to have fun doing this. Here’s some tips and tricks we feel will help you be creative with your content.

* Do not try to recreate all the content – you might be surprised to find how much free resources are available to you. If your district does not already have digital lesson plans, google to see what you find.

* Take Advantage of Free Resources

* McGraw Hill – if your school uses McGraw Hill textbooks, you may have access to their online resources. If not, they also offer free ones.

* Khan Academy – a unique and refreshing method to teaching. Even if you do not use the curriculum, choose limited course content that reinforces your instruction.

* Smithsonian Learning Labs – is the K-12 section of their online learning resources. Jam packed with features, their offerings will add excitement to your class activities.

* Encourage Student Collaboration and Engagement

* Give student assignments that include opportunities to respond to the lesson material and then respond to peers’ work

* Design assignments to incorporate at-home, hands-on learning

* See commonsense.org for more ideas

* Plan a Virtual Field Trip

* Give student assignments that include opportunities to respond to the lesson material and then respond to peers’ work

* American Museum of Natural History – at the time of this writing, they are offering a virtual field trip called ‘Mars Watch Party’

* Online courses – use these courses as the ‘anchor’ for a virtual field trip. Or make your own trip details. Use a previously recorded field trip and incorporate into your curriculum.

Other digital museum visits such as The St. Louis Science Museum

* Provide Students with Emotional Support Resources

* Anxiety/mental – especially during COVID – instructors and administrators may become a student’s preferred confidante. If you notice unusual behavior, document it and try to get help.

* Instructors sometimes are more than teachers, they get involved – there was a news article about a teacher caring for her student’s newborn child because her parents were ill with COVID-19

* Ensure you have trusted technology partner – Instancy is a great choice!

If you are part of the K-12 school system, the Instancy Learning Platform can help you create an online school with multiple teachers and classes. Each class has a repository of blended learning resources such as eLearning modules, virtual classroom sessions, and social learning tools like discussions and messaging. Content can be individually assigned to students and their progress can be monitored by the teachers. 

Instancy Team

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

The post Guide to Remote Learning K-12 appeared first on Instancy Learning Platform and Social Learning Network.

Mobile Learning in Education using Instancy Mobile App Platform

Harvey Singh — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 04:28:28 +0000

Wouldn’t it be great if busy professionals could learn at their own convenience to develop their skills or gain new ones; they can carry their learning resources and access them anywhere and engage in the learning process anytime that is most convenient? They can have an entire learning university including social learning connections within it in their ‘back pockets’ and fingertips!

Mobile learning makes sense because mobile devices is what users prefer to search and browse the internet, access data and information just at the point of need. It is immediate and it is convenient.

There are many ways in which a mobile learning experience can be configured and delivered to your learners. Moreover, there are many type of learning resources that you can include on your mobile experience ranging from short learning modules, online quizzes/tests, documents, virtual classrooms or blended leaning tracks that combine many modalities of learning and add prerequisite and learning sequences as well.

Instancy Mobile Learning App platform offers training and education institutions many options to create and publish branded mobile learning apps. There are three different approaches for creating and packaging branded mobile learning apps with Instancy learning platform:

Option 1: Learning Management System Portal as a Responsive Website

Instancy LMS website in a complete online university website that is ‘responsive’ and it adjusts to the web browser and device and can work on a browser or any mobile device like a tablet or a smart phone.

This mobile responsive website can be used to deliver and access eLearning content, class room registration, notifications and it can provide discussion forums for experts and students to discuss various topics within their learning.

Option 2: A Branded Mobile Learning Management Native App

The second option is to create a branded mobile learning native app which can be published as an android app on google store or published on the apple app store. Within the native app you can provide the students with native experience through which they can connect with the server.

Through the mobile learning native app, learners can connect to Instancy content server, a cloud based application, through which they can access all the assigned learning in multiple modalities.

They can receive ongoing assignments of eLearning tutorials which could be very short to keep the learning concise and something that they complete in a short period of time they can have a organized list of videos, documents and include quizzes with various kinds of interactions they can also receive push notifications about reminders and re-enforcement on what they are learned, besides that users can also engage with other learners using discussion forums and browse through list of all the other pears and connect with them in formal way as part of the learning environment. Through this native app users can also given the opportunity to download the content on the device and access that content at their own time in a offline mode their progress and scores can be recorded on the device with in the app and can be synchronized to the server at a later time.

Option 3: Package an eLearning Course as Mobile Native App

The third option for creating your mobile learning native app is to publish a set of content, for example, a specific course, online test, a set of documents or videos within the native app and published on to the app store. The ‘eLearning course app’ is a standalone app that can be downloaded on learners’ tablet or smartphone and it does not need to connect with the server to access the content or to provide any kind of user login, password or maintain any learner progress tracking on the server side. The content is all packaged with in the app the user can access the content multiple times and their progress data is kept within the downloaded native app.

Summary

Based on the business requirement, with Instancy mobile learning app platform, there are multiple ways to create and publish mobile learning for your learning organization or training business. You can upload existing content such as videos, documents, existing eLearning courses or you can create new mobile learning content including micro learning tutorials, test or quizzes, surveys and leaning tracks using Instancy authoring tools on cloud-based Instancy Learning Content Management Server (iLCMS). From the iLCMS you can publish your content within:
a) Intancy’s browser based mobile learning management system or
b) Mobile native app that connects to the content server and provides self-registration, access to a catalog of learning resources and track learner progress or
c) Stand-alone native app with packaged content without needing to connect a cloud-hosted content server.

To schedule a demo of Instancy Mobile Learning App Platform click on this link.

Your learning business is unique. We configure the right learning platform solution that fits you like a glove.

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