HOW TO CREATE AN ONLINE COURSE USING AI?

Considering using artificial intelligence technology to create an online course? The answer is yes, AI can be utilized in the creation process. However, it's crucial to keep in mind some important factors before diving into AI-powered education.

Did you know that the first paragraph was written by an AI writing tool? Although it is well-written, professional, and attention-grabbing, one should not completely rely on AI tools for creating online courses.

AI technology can certainly provide a significant benefit in creating useful, captivating, and efficient training material, but it is not meant to handle the entire task alone.

What is AI, and how does it write?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the technology enabling computers to make decisions based on previous information or experience. It is applied in various fields, ranging from voice recognition to self-driving cars, dating site algorithms and now, with AI writing tools like ChatGPT, the creation of original written content has become more achievable. Related article: Why Edutainment is an Absolute Game-changer in Learning?

These writing tools generate content through techniques such as machine learning, which involves learning from data, and natural language processing that allows for the comprehension of human language and converting it into a form that computers can understand.

By receiving input in the form of questions, suggestions, or prompts, the AI system gathers relevant data from the web, processes it and uses it to generate novel content.

How to use AI in writing

Technology is limited, and as a result, relying solely on AI to create an online course might not be the best option (more on these limitations will be discussed later). However, there are several ways to utilize it to enhance your writing efforts.

For instance, AI can assist with:

• Generating ideas for a particular subject

• Composing initial outlines as a starting point

• Conducting preliminary research on relevant facts and statistics related to the topic.

These advantages can enhance the writing process and can be applied to the creation of an online course.

4 Ways to use AI when creating online courses

AI has the ability to simplify the process of creating new courses by providing various benefits. From combating writer's block to increasing productivity and improving content quality, here are four ways AI can assist you in developing your online training course.

1. Generate Content Ideas

AI writing tools can help overcome writer's block and ensure you consider all relevant information when creating a course. Even though you may know what kind of training your organization requires, you may struggle with where to start or what information to include. With an AI writing tool like ChatGPT, you can input your questions and it will generate ideas by analyzing data on the topic and target audience.

For example, if your company has shifted to a remote, asynchronous work model, you can use an AI writing tool to help you create a training course on effective email communication to avoid miscommunication and potential project delays. By inputting a prompt, the tool will analyze existing content and provide you with the most popular concerns and tips related to email communication. You can then review the responses and select the most relevant information to create a lesson or series of modules. Related article: How Much Does it Cost to Develop an Educational App?

2. Create useful course descriptions

Use AI to create course descriptions that clearly explain the purpose and outcomes of the course. Having a succinct summary of your training program will assist employees in understanding its significance and encourage them to participate. This not only saves you time, but also provides a benefit to your organization.

Whether it's a summary within your LMS library to guide employees' learning or a document to gain support for your training strategy from company leaders, AI can help you generate concise and engaging course descriptions quickly. Many AI tools come with templates for summaries or content descriptions. Simply input your complete course content or outline and specify any desired parameters, such as length or tone. With just a few clicks, you will have a description highlighting the main points of your content.

3. Producing visual elements

AI can be utilized for more than just writing. Utilize it to enhance your course with visually appealing and multimedia elements. Effective training often requires a mix of media types. Graphics make it easier for the brain to quickly understand and process information. Many people also learn better through video or audio instruction compared to text alone. Related article: eLearning Automation: Full Guide 

The appropriate AI programs can transform your content into eye-catching infographics, breaking up blocks of text and presenting complex or important information in an easily digestible format. Additionally, AI programs can take your text and convert it into professional and engaging eLearning videos. These programs utilize existing images and clips and allow for customization with logos, your own images and clips, and design elements.

4. Refining your text

AI can assist you in refining your final product. Grammatical and spelling errors, as well as convoluted writing, can detract from the reader's focus and decrease your credibility. Related article: AI in eLearning: The Importance of Chatbots. 

AI editing and revision tools have become highly advanced and can scan your content for context and meaning, identifying and correcting even subtle human errors. These tools offer a range of services, from grammar checks to rephrasing lengthy or unclear sentences, ensuring that your writing is clear, professional, and to the point.

You can use AI tools for grammar and vocabulary to edit for accurate word selection and clear, readable writing. Many AI writing assistants also allow you to adjust your writing style to match a specific voice, providing suggestions to make your writing more professional or conversational, based on your preferences.

What AI Can’t Do

While AI has advanced significantly and can be extremely helpful in generating your initial drafts, it is important to remember that it cannot do all the work for you. There are many nuances to creating a well-designed online course that can only be achieved by human intervention.

For example:

Customized content: 

AI can analyze standard information about your content topic, but it doesn't guarantee that everything it finds will be relevant to your needs. You must review and determine what is relevant, accurate, and valuable.

Creativity:

 AI can learn from data and previous experience, but it does not possess the ability to generate original thoughts or ideas. It can be a useful tool for organizing and analyzing data, but its cognitive abilities are still limited.

Quality control:

 AI has remarkable learning abilities, but its understanding of language and logic has limitations. Without human oversight, there is a risk of poor quality affecting your content, including grammar and usage errors, incorrect application of statistics, and plagiarism.

AI plays an important role in the future of L&D

Although AI has advanced greatly and can provide support in developing an online course, it cannot replace the human touch that makes training engaging for learners. The use of AI in L&D can help reach goals more efficiently, but it cannot produce an entirely effective course without human involvement. To take advantage of the advancements in technology, L&D should stay current and incorporate relevant AI tools into their strategy, but the final product still requires human planning and touch.