Drafting Your Course Outline

Interactive text-based lessons

Here are some content formats to consider (many contributors use a combination):

• Text and images
• Process workflow and timeline
• Checklists/bullet points
• Hot graphics
• Quote

Video Lessons

Here are some video formats to consider (many contributors use a combination):

• Slide presentation
• Screencast workflow
• Talking head
• Physical demonstration

Next, sketch out your main points for each lesson. Some contributors prefer to write out a full script for each video, while others are comfortable with detailed bullet points. A full course script is essential for interactive text-based courses.

Whichever method you choose, follow these best practices to ensure your courses are organised and engaging:

• Set the right expectations. In the first lessons of your course, start with a quick 10- 20 second overview of what your course will cover so that users know what to expect. Establish credibility by giving users a taste of your style and what they will learn to do or create in the course. Share examples of your work or stories from your experience.
• Keep it simple and direct. Stick to one major concept per lesson so that users aren’t
  overwhelmed with too much information, and reinforce key points by repeating
  them throughout your lessons.
• Vary your visuals. Find a balance with your visual style. For example, if you’re using a
  talking-head format in your video, cut to an image every so often to demonstrate your points. Especially with your intro - which serves as the trailer for your course - aim to refresh what users are seeing at least every 20-30 seconds. As you outline your course, think about where you’ll cut away to example images or slides to illustrate your points.
• Fill the gaps. The goal of your lessons is to give users all the skills they need to successfully complete the course task. As you go through your task demonstration, be sure to cover all the necessary steps in the process so that users are fully equipped to get started. Set users up for success by offering multiple ways to access the content. Consider including on-screen text, images, physical demonstrations of materials, and supplemental resources in the course.
• Keep it real. Users prefer contributors who appear natural and conversational. Reference examples and anecdotes wherever possible to avoid overly dry content and keep users engaged. For example, tell users how you got into your field or about a favourite subject you’ve done. Don’t be afraid to show your personality! Head here for more tips on contributor presentation.
• Explain the ‘why’. Anticipate user’s misconceptions by asking yourself, “what is the most challenging part?” and narrate your decisions along the way. Tell users why you make particular choices with your project or use certain techniques so that they can get to pick up your practical tips and common pitfalls.

Once you’ve drafted your outline, feel free to email it to our Contributor Support team at teach@builtintelligence.com, or share it with our contributor community in the BuiltIntelligence Contributor Centre to get helpful feedback before you launch into filming.