How to Create Amazing Online Courses for Afterschool Leaders

Afterschool professionals are movers and shakers--they are not interested in sitting still and being talked at. And, actually, who is?  Professional learning experiences should mirror and model the approaches we want afterschool professionals to use in their daily work with staff and youth.

That means building knowledge & skills through engaging, inspirational and self-reflective experiences.

Can you do that online? We think so.  Here are our top strategies:

1) Meet the Needs of Adult Learners 

Make sure online learning experiences are:

• Practical: Provide examples from other afterschool programs or staff that link the concept to practice
  

• Build confidence: Frequent knowledge checks allow learners to experience success incrementally
  

• Build upon existing knowledge: Reflection questions ask how this relates to what learners already know
  

• Respectful: Well-organized experiences use learners’ time efficiently
  

• Allow for self direction: Learners can go through the course at their own pace, skimming sections they already know and more closely reviewing content they need to know
  

• Action-oriented: At the end of each course, learners identify key actions they will take as a result of taking the course

2) Integrate Various Learning Styles 

Bring learning to life by offering content that’s:

• Visual: embedded videos to highlight content/skill
  

• Auditory: recorded version of content as part of the course
  

• Kinesthetic: interactive learning games to reinforce knowledge

3) Align with Industry Standards

Online learning experiences should build knowledge and skills that professionals actually NEED in order to do their jobs effectively.  Align with the standards in your industry—for example, our courses support leaders to build the knowledge and skills listed in National AfterSchool Association's Core Knowledge and Competencies for Afterschool Professionals. NAA also offers credentials for professionals who show they have this skills which is cool because our courses will prepare afterschool leaders to get those national credentials!

4) Address Compelling, Relevant Questions including:

• How does the learner already relate to the topic?
  

• Why is this topic important?
  

• What does the learner need to know about the topic?
  

• What are real life examples of the topic?
  

• What 2-3 key actions can the learner integrate into their daily life to improve their practice?
  

Finally, we’ve realized that our courses truly stand apart because they are learner-centered. Everyone on the DWL team has worked in afterschool/youth development programs which means we understand the learning goals and needs of afterschool professionals.  It’s important to us that our learners “get it” so they can better lead amazing programs and organizations for children.