What was it like during your first year of online teaching?

Hey there, online educators!

The world of education has undergone a major transformation with the rise of online learning, and many teachers have embraced the virtual classroom. For those who've taken the leap, the first year of online teaching can be a powerful journey, filled with challenges and rewarding discoveries.

We want to hear from you! Whether you're new to teaching online or a seasoned pro, we’d love to know about your early experiences in this digital space.

What was your first year like as an online instructor?

Share your stories, insights, and valuable lessons in the comments below!

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jonas1988

Hey there MarinaT and others,

Online educators! My first year teaching online was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. I vividly remember the steep learning curve as I struggled to master new technologies, adapt lesson plans to fit a digital format and connect with students through screens instead of face-to-face. One of the biggest challenges for me was finding ways to keep students engaged and motivated without the physical presence to guide them.

But amidst the struggles, there were many rewarding moments. When I finally got the hang of using interactive tools, I saw my students light up in the virtual classroom, just like they would in person. That breakthrough taught me the importance of flexibility and creativity in this space. I’d love to hear about your own first-year experiences and how you navigated the early challenges of online teaching. What tools or techniques helped you engage students and build rapport in this new world?

SivakamiS2017

I started in Q3 2017, and frankly, I had never heard of Udemy before.

Having had to quit my full time Corporate job because of my mom's deteriorating health, I had taken up doing guest lectures for Managers, young Leaders, Executives and MBA students, at a few local Colleges. It was one of my students who told me about Udemy.

The first 1-2 years were obviously a struggle.

Until 2019, I never really thought I could make much money on Udemy, and so continued my guest lectures. But my revenue went up quite a bit during the latter half of 2019, and UB started picking up too. I had 5 published Courses by then I think, don't remember exactly.

And then the pandemic happened, and 2020 increased my revenue significantly more. The latter half of 2022, and the first 3 quarters of 2023 are still some of my best revenue months so far.

I still DON'T make much, hardly as much as some of the biggies here. But it has been enough for me, I enjoy what I do, a lot. And I do have a decent sum saved up from my Corporate stint.
But now, with these series of revenue share cuts, things may not look so good anymore, especially next year and the year after that.