According to the latest figures, as of early 2025 there are approximately 8.2 billion people on the planet (worldometers.info), and this number is still increasing. The United Nations estimates that by 2050 there will be around 9.7 billion people, and it shows no signs of stopping there.
Of those 8.2 billion people, it is thought that approximately 5.5 billion of those are online (datareportal.com). This is estimated to grow by 136 million people per year.
With the rise of AI, there are new and innovative ways to engage with and teach these people. So, whilst the title of this article is why put your knowledge online, really it should be why shouldn’t you put your knowledge online?
Myths about online learning
There are many reasons you want to put your knowledge out there. Maybe there is something you’re really good at, or you like helping people learn, or you want to make a little extra income. Whatever the reason, you can make your own course that can be accessed all over the world. So, why isn’t everybody doing it?
The biggest hurdle for many people considering sharing their knowledge online isn’t a lack of knowledge, but a set of limiting beliefs. These myths often hold people back from taking the leap.
Myth1 – You need a PhD or extensive formal training to teach online.
This is one of the most common misconceptions that holds people back from sharing their expertise online. The image of a university professor lecturing in a grand hall often comes to mind when we think of teaching. However, eLearning is a vastly different landscape, one where practical skills and real-world experience often reign supreme.
If you’re going to teach highly specialised subjects you will need the formal education to back it up. However, most people are not looking for academic quality learning, they are seeking solutions to real-world problems. They want to learn skills they can immediately apply to their lives or careers.
People are looking for quick and efficient ways to learn new skills. They want to learn how to solve problems, improve their performance, and achieve their goals. Practical skills, demonstrated through real-world examples and case studies, are highly sought after. An example of this could be a photographer who can teach others how to take stunning photos with their smartphones.
Alternatively, if you’ve spent years mastering a specific skill through hands-on experience, then you have something to offer, as this sort of knowledge surpasses theoretical learning. Here, a plumber showing someone how to change the washer on a tap is going to invaluable.
Myth 2 – You need to be a tech guru to be able to create eLearning content
This myth is one of the most common excuses for people not becoming eLearning creators. The thought of dealing with complex software, video editing, or website development can be daunting. However, the reality is that creating eLearning content has become significantly more accessible thanks to user-friendly platforms and tools.
While some technical skills are beneficial, you don’t need to be a coding expert or a video editing wizard to create effective eLearning content. The key is to understand that technology is a tool to facilitate your teaching, not the primary focus.
There are many user-friendly platforms out there. Learning Management Systems (LMS) and course platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, and Udemy are designed with user-friendliness in mind. They often use drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and intuitive dashboards, making it easy to create and manage your courses. These platforms handle many of the technical aspects, such as hosting, payment processing, and course delivery, so you can focus on creating your content.
There are many affordable and even free tools are available for creating eLearning content. Screen recording software, presentation software, and simple video editing tools are readily accessible and easy to learn. Even a smartphone can be used to record high quality video.
If you are uncomfortable with certain technical aspects, you can always outsource them to freelancers or virtual assistants. Tasks like video editing, graphic design, or website development can be delegated to professionals, allowing you to focus on your strengths.
The most important element of eLearning is the content itself. A well-structured, engaging course with valuable information will be successful, even if it’s not technically perfect. Simple, clear communication is more important than flashy effects.
Myth 3 – The eLearning market is saturated; it’s too late to start
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of online courses and educational content already available. You only have to search the internet for online courses and pages and pages of suggestions are presented to you. However, the reality is that the eLearning market is far from saturated, and there’s always room for new and innovative content creators.
Whilst it’s true that the eLearning market has grown significantly, it’s also a dynamic and rapidly evolving space. The demand for online learning is constantly increasing due to factors such as the rise of remote work, the need for lifelong learning, and the accessibility of online education. New technologies and learning methodologies are constantly emerging, creating new opportunities for content creators. As the world changes there is a constant demand for new skills and knowledge.
And even if a subject area seems saturated, there are countless niche markets within that area that are underserved. By focusing on a specific niche and catering to a targeted audience, you can differentiate yourself from the competition. For example, rather than creating an online marketing course, a course on “TikTok marketing for local restaurants” is a very specific niche.
As well as a niche, every instructor brings their own unique perspective, experiences, and teaching style to their courses. Even if a topic has been covered before, you can offer a fresh approach, a different angle, or a unique learning experience.
Finally, in a crowded market, quality content stands out. By focusing on creating high-quality, engaging, and valuable courses, you can attract and retain learners. Many courses online are of poor quality, so, by making a great course, you will stand out.
Myth 4 – Creating an online course is too time-consuming and expensive
While creating any valuable product requires time and effort, the perception of excessive time and cost is often exaggerated. People often envision a massive, Hollywood-style production requiring endless hours and a hefty budget. This perception often leads to procrastination or abandonment of the idea altogether. However, the reality is that creating a valuable and effective online course can be much more manageable than many people think.
Planning a well-defined course outline, with clear learning objectives and a logical structure, will save you countless hours during the content creation process. A solid plan prevents costly mistakes and ensures a smooth process.
When it comes to content, you may be able to repurpose existing content. If you have blog posts, articles, presentations, or even social media content, use them as a foundation for your course content. Using screen recording software (like OBS Studio, which is free) to capture tutorials and demonstrations is often faster than creating elaborate video productions. And dedicate specific blocks of time to focus on creating content, rather than working on it sporadically.
Finally, choose a user-friendly LMS or course platform that simplifies the course setup process. Many platforms offer drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built templates.
Start with a minimum viable product (MVP). Launch a smaller, focused course to test your concept and gather feedback before investing significant time and resources into a larger course.
Myth 5 – Online learning is not as effective as in-person instruction
This myth stems from the traditional view of education, where physical presence in a classroom is considered essential for effective learning. However, the landscape of education has dramatically shifted, and well-designed eLearning programs can be just as, if not more, effective than traditional in-person instruction.
The effectiveness of eLearning depends largely on its design and implementation. When done correctly, it uses technology to create engaging, personalised, and highly effective learning experiences.
Many believe online learning is isolating. However, modern eLearning platforms offer various interactive features, including discussion forums, live webinars, group projects, and peer review. Effective online instructors can actively engage with learners, providing personalised feedback, and fostering a sense of community.
There is also a perception that learners are less accountable in online settings. Whilst self-paced learning requires self-discipline, a well-structured course with regular assessments and deadlines can keep learners on track. Additionally, tracking systems in LMS platforms can provide detailed information about progress.
The quality of online content varies, just like the quality of in-person instruction. However, reputable eLearning platforms and instructors invest heavily in creating high-quality, engaging, and up-to-date content. Many online learning providers utilise experts in the field, that may not be available for in person education.
Exploring the benefits of online learning
While the prospect of generating income from your online courses is undoubtedly appealing, the true rewards of eLearning extend far beyond monetary gain.
On a practical level, eLearning offers many advantages over traditional classroom-based learning. It allows learners to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, making it ideal for working professionals, parents, and individuals with busy lifestyles. It removes geographical barriers, enabling access to education from anywhere in the world.
eLearning platforms can track learner progress and provide personalised recommendations, allowing learners to focus on areas where they need the most improvement. To help reinforce that learning, learners can re-watch or re-read material as many times as needed.
Multimedia-rich content, interactive quizzes, simulations, and gamification can make online learning far more engaging than traditional lectures. Online courses can be updated quickly, ensuring that learners have access to the most current information. In addition, online learning allows for a variety of learning styles, often ignored by traditional trainers.
And for employers, eLearning can be more cost-effective than traditional education, as it eliminates the need for commuting, accommodation, and other expenses. The eLearning platforms provide detailed analytics on learner performance, allowing instructors to identify areas where people are struggling and adjust their teaching methods accordingly. The data allows for continual course improvement.
However, putting your content online can be more that money and practicalities.
For some, it is the opportunity to build a legacy and have an impact on individuals. Content creators are not only passing on information, but empowering people to learn new skills, achieve their goals and ultimately improve their lives. Once knowledge is online, anyone can access it, creating something that may well out live its creator.
For others, putting their knowledge online may be about building a personal brand. As courses grow, they gain popularity, attracting a wider audience and identifying the creator as an authority in that field. This may open doors to new opportunities and elevate careers.
But, most of all, creating online content gives many the feeling of achieving personal fulfilment and purpose. Creators know they have helped others and maybe had an impact on people’s lives. It can be the opportunity to give back to the world, which can be as rewarding as the money it may bring in.
Identifying your knowledge and passion
So far, we have found out that it is easier to get knowledge online than many would believe, and that there are many reasons for doing it. But what course do you create?
First, think about what you are good at. What do you enjoy doing? What subjects do you know a lot about? Make a list. These are your areas of know-how. Maybe you are great at coding, baking awesome cakes, or playing the guitar. What comes easy to you? What do people ask you for help with? These could all be good course topics.
Next, check if people want to learn about these things. Search the web. Are there other courses on your topics? Are there blogs or groups talking about them? If so, that is a good sign, it means people are interested. What you need to find is the “sweet spot” – something you know and love that others want to learn.
If you pick a topic that you love and others are keen to learn, you are more likely to make a course that is both fun to create and useful for learners.
Once you have a topic how do you make a course that really works? It is not just about putting information out there. You need to think about how people learn best. This is where instructional design comes in. These are rules to help you make courses that are good and keep people watching.
- Start with clear goals. What should learners know or be able to do after taking your course? Make these goals – some would call them the objectives of the course – clear and easy to measure. For example, “The learner will be able to bake a simple cake”.
- Organise your course in a way that makes sense. Start with the basics and then move on to more tricky areas. Break big topics into smaller, easier chunks.
- Use videos, pictures, and fun activities to keep people interested. Do not just use walls of text – mix it up. People learn in different ways, so it is good to use lots of things.
- Do not let learners just sit and watch as this is passive and will often lead to disengagement. Get them doing things. So may courses out there are just videos of people talking over PowerPoint slides. This is boring and people will very often switch off and not complete the course. Add practice tasks, talks, and projects. This helps them use what they are learning.
- Give learners feedback. Let them know what they are doing well and what they can do better. This can be through tests, comments, or even other learners.
- Ask your learners what they think of your course. Check how well they are doing. Use this info to make your course even better over time. Keep it up to date and helpful.
If you follow these rules, there is no reason you can’t make a course that people enjoy and that really helps them learn.
