What equipment and technology do you need to create an online course?
First off, you DO NOT need a big, fancy studio set up. You just need a clear and effective way to get your knowledge, experience and expertise across to your students.
That said, video is a hugely popular format when it comes to teaching and learning, so it’s worth thinking through what equipment and software you will need to record and edit these before you dive into creating your course content.
(Please note: I only recommend items I use in my own online course business. The links below are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase through these links.)
Video recording equipment
If you have a smartphone and an internet connection, you already have 90% of what you need to record good quality video for your courses.
Sound quality is very important, so you might want to consider using a lapel (Lavalier) type microphone ($) that clips to your clothes. Some plug straight into your phone, others connect wirelessly (using Bluetooth).
Prefer not to use a smartphone? Then, you’ll need access to a computer/laptop/tablet, a camera (preferably digital) – DSLR or a Webcam – and a good quality USB or wireless microphone. I use a Blue Yeti USB microphone ($$) with a pop-filter ($), that stands on my desk.
When it comes to webcams, you can’t go far wrong with anything from Logitech.
If you prefer a DSLR (and have the budget for one), I highly recommend the Canon EOS range, plus a suitable tripod to mount it on – something sturdy but light enough to stand on either the floor or a desk, which will give you more flexibility in where you position it. (If you’re just starting out, or on a limited budget, start with a decent webcam and invest in a good microphone.
Don’t want to appear on camera? Don’t let that stop you. You can create highly engaging ‘screencast’ videos simply by talking through slideshow presentations or creating demos or tutorials where you share and record your computer screen or ‘workspace’.
Ultimately, having the ability to use both on-camera and off-camera styles, will increase your flexibility in how you teach and connect with students.
So, besides a way to record video (and audio), what else do you need?
Lighting
Natural light is best when you’re filming. Ideally, if you’re recording indoors, you’ll want to position yourself facing (or to one side) of a window. Try to avoid having a window behind you as the resulting daylight will cast your face in shadow and make it difficult for your audience to see you clearly.
If you need more light, a selfie ring light ($$), mounted on a tripod, is worth considering. If you’re filming using a smartphone, choose a tripod that will hold the phone as well the ring light, with the phone in the centre of the ring. If you’re using a webcam and computer/laptop, position the mounted ring light behind or slightly to one side of your screen as you’re looking into the camera.
If you need more lighting, take a look on eBay or Amazon for ‘studio lights’ or a ‘filming starter kit’.
Video editing
If you’re going to record videos, you’ll also need access to video editing software, plenty of storage capacity (video files are hefty and take up a lot of room), and the ability to upload videos direct to your Learning Management System (such as Teachable or Thinkific), video host or website. I strongly recommend using a computer/laptop for editing video, since you’ll need a decent sized screen and more working memory than most smartphones provide.
I use Camtasia to edit my videos, but if you’re a Mac user there are other options including Screenflow. Both are paid options ($$). A free alternative (at the time of writing) is DaVinci Resolve.
Audio editing
I can’t overestimate the importance of good quality audio. Poor audio remains one of the key reasons why students stop watching videos or listening to your content, so it’s worth taking care over your sound quality.
There are a number of freely available audio editing software programs, but Audacity is my favourite by far. Even though Camtasia permits me to edit audio files, I much prefer to edit out any extraneous sounds (mostly ums, ahs, coughs, splutters, car engines revving and doors slamming outside, etc.) inside Audacity before importing my cleaned-up .mp3 file into Camtasia. I find Audacity’s interface to be simpler and less cluttered, which means I can focus solely on the sound quality before incorporating the results into my videos.
Backups and storage
Your course content is a vital asset you won’t want to lose, so it pays to have a secure backup option in place. Video files in particular take up a lot of storage space, so it’s worth keeping copies somewhere separate from your computer’s hard drive. I use Amazon’s AWS, but there are plenty of alternatives that are similarly priced, including Google Drive, which has the added advantage that you can upload videos from there direct to your Teachable or Thinkific school.
Other tech
Learning Management System
The other key piece of technology you are going to need if you are serious about becoming an online course creator, is a Learning Management System (such as Teachable). This is where you will host your course and where your students can pay for and access your course content. This is not the only option (see here for a more detailed explanation), but it’s the one I recommend, particularly if you are new to course creation, or don’t have a website or are not the most confident with technology. (Even if you are, there are some added benefits of letting someone else do all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to concentrate your energies on promoting your course and supporting your students.)
Email Autoresponder
The final piece I recommend is a good email autoresponder service, so you can build your email list. If you’re on a tight budget, start with a free option (such as MailerLite). You won’t start paying for the service until you have 1000 subscribers on your list, which should give you time to start making course sales. If you want more features, consider ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit (both of which offer free trials).