Wondering if it might be time to update an old course? Keeping your courses fresh and relevant is crucial to learner engagement. But what if you have a course that's still valuable at its core, yet feels a bit outdated? Don't worry – there are simple ways to give your tried-and-true content a modern makeover. Let's explore how to determine if your course is a candidate for refreshing and some quick strategies to update an old course.
Is it Time to Update an Old Course? A Quick Checklist
Before you update an old course, it's important to make sure your course is still fundamentally sound. Use this checklist to evaluate:
- Learning Objectives: Are they still relevant and aligned with current needs?
- Core Content: Is the main information still accurate and applicable?
- Learner Feedback: Have learners indicated the course is valuable but needs updating?
- Industry Standards: Does the course still meet current industry requirements or best practices?
- Engagement Levels: Are learners still engaging with the material?
If you've answered "yes" to most of these questions, your course is a prime candidate for a refresh rather than a complete overhaul!
⚡8 Quick and Simple Ideas to Update an Old Course
1. Incorporate Guest Speakers or Expert Panels
As mentioned in our video tip above, one of the easiest ways to breathe new life into an older course is by introducing fresh perspectives. Invite subject matter experts to:
- Deliver guest lectures (live or pre-recorded)
- Participate in panel discussions
- Provide commentary on existing content
This approach adds a contemporary touch and brings real-world relevance to your course.
2. Update Case Studies and Examples
Replace outdated examples with current ones. This simple change can make your content feel much more relevant and relatable to today's learners.
3. Refresh Visual Elements
In today's visually-driven world, the look and feel of your course can significantly impact learner engagement. A visual refresh can make your content feel more current and appealing. Give your course a visual facelift by:
- Updating graphics and infographics
- Introducing new images or videos
- Refreshing the color scheme or layout of materials
4. Incorporate Current Events or Trends
Link your course content to recent developments in the field. This could be as simple as adding a "In the News" section to each module.
5. Add Interactive Elements
Interactivity is key to keeping learners engaged and promoting active learning. By incorporating interactive elements, you can transform a passive learning experience into an engaging, participatory one. Boost engagement by introducing:
- Quick polls or quizzes
- Discussion forums
- Interactive assignments or projects
6. Create Supplementary Micro-Content
Learners appreciate bite-sized content that they can consume quickly and easily. Supplementary micro-content can reinforce key concepts, provide alternative explanations, and offer flexibility in how learners engage with your material. Develop short, focused pieces of content that complement your main course:
- Infographics summarizing key points
- Brief podcast episodes discussing course topics
- Quick video tutorials demonstrating specific skills
7. Leverage Social Learning
Encourage learners to share their own experiences and insights related to the course content. This user-generated content can add a fresh, current perspective to your materials.
8. Update Technology Platforms
If your course is on an older learning management system, consider migrating to a more modern, user-friendly platform. This alone can make your course feel more current.
Stay the Course with Desklight
While these quick refresh strategies can breathe new life into your existing courses, sometimes a more comprehensive update or even a complete overhaul is necessary. That's where we come in! At Desklight, we specialize in creating innovative, learner-centered instructional designs that engage and inspire learners.
Whether you need to update an existing course or create a brand new learning experience from scratch, our team of learning strategists are ready to help. We use human-centered design principles to ensure that your courses are both up-to-date and truly transformative for your learners.
Ready to take your learning experiences to the next level? Let's chat about how we can help you create courses that are not just current, but cutting-edge. Contact us today for a complimentary discovery consultation to begin revolutionizing your learning programs.
