Tori McElwain
Online courses, also called digital courses or on-demand courses, offer incredible flexibility and convenience, but let’s face it—working through a course on your own can be challenging. As a quilting or crafting instructor, your goal is not just to sell your digital course but to ensure your students succeed and feel the joy of completing their creative journey. That’s why designing a course that motivates and engages your quilting or crafting student is critical.
Below are actionable strategies to help your students stay on track, inspired, and eager to finish.
Gamify the Course Experience
Injecting a little fun and competition can turn your course into a delightful experience for students. Gamification doesn’t have to be complicated; even small incentives can make a difference. Here are some ideas:
Badge Rewards: Create digital badges that students earn after completing modules, mastering new techniques, or sharing progress photos.
Progress Bars: Add visible progress trackers so students can see how far they’ve come.
Challenges: Host monthly challenges (e.g., “Complete this block by the end of the month”) with small prizes like quilt patterns or exclusive video tutorials.
Set Up Accountability Systems
Accountability is a powerful motivator for independent learners. As the instructor, you can set up structures that make students feel supported every step of the way:
Peer Groups: Encourage students to form small accountability groups. Use tools like Facebook or Zoom with breakout rooms to facilitate group check-ins.
Weekly Reminders: Send email reminders summarizing the week’s tasks and cheering students on. A simple “You’ve got this!” can go a long way.
Progress Sharing: Create a space where students can share their finished blocks or projects—whether it’s a private Facebook group or a hashtag on Instagram.
Incorporate Live Engagement
While your course may be designed for self-paced learning, adding live components can keep students energized and connected:
Live Q&A Sessions: Schedule periodic live events where students can ask questions, troubleshoot tricky sections, and receive real-time encouragement.
Virtual Sew-Alongs or Craft-Alongs: Host live sew-alongs or craft-alongs where students can work on projects together in a supportive, fun atmosphere.
Guest Experts: Invite guest speakers to share their tips, techniques, or quilting journeys. These special events can rekindle excitement for the course.
Design With Engagement in Mind
The way you structure and present your course materials can make a huge impact on student retention:
Bite-Sized Lessons: Break your content into manageable chunks. Short videos (5-30 minutes) and concise instructions help avoid overwhelm.
Actionable Steps: End each lesson with a clear action item, such as “Practice this motif on a 6” square” or “Press all your blocks for best results before moving to the next step”
Layered Learning: Build lessons that gradually increase in complexity, giving students a sense of mastery and momentum.
Celebrate Success
Acknowledge and celebrate your students’ milestones to keep them motivated:
Spotlights: Feature completed projects in your newsletter or social media, with the student’s permission.
Certificates of Completion: Offer a printable certificate for students who finish the course.
End-of-Course Showcases: Encourage students to share their final projects in a virtual gallery or at a live event.
Ready to Take Your Workshops to the Next Level?
Creating engaging, successful workshops isn’t just about the content—it’s about crafting an experience that inspires and empowers your students. For more in-depth strategies on designing workshops that are fun, impactful, and profitable, grab a copy of my book, Workshops Unleashed: How to Design Engaging and Successful Workshops for Quilters and Crafters. Whether you’re new to teaching or a seasoned pro, this book is your go-to guide for transforming your workshop ideas into must-attend events.
Let’s empower quilters everywhere to finish strong and fall in love with the journey.
Comments