How to Structure Engaging Content for a First Coding Course on Udemy?

Hi Udemy Community,

I’m creating my first course on basic Python coding for beginners (~2 hours content). I’ve read Udemy’s guide, but I’m struggling to make lessons engaging.

Setup: 10 lessons, mix of slides, screencasts, and quizzes. Targeting absolute beginners.
Steps Tried:

Drafted an outline with intro, syntax, and simple projects.
Added quizzes, but they feel repetitive.
Tested screencasts, but pacing seems off.

Questions:

How do you balance theory and hands-on exercises for coding courses?
Any tips for keeping screencasts engaging for beginners?
What’s your approach to designing non-repetitive quizzes?

Thanks for your advice!

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RonErez

Congrats on working on the new course!

Here are my suggestions:

1. Teach a small concept, then show it in action right away. For example, explain if statements, then write one with the student. Keep the videos short and cover one idea per video especially if it is for absolute beginners.

2. Keep your voice clear and friendly. Don’t rush, but keep it moving with short, focused tasks. Make sure not to record background noises such as air conditioning, traffic, etc.

3. I found Udemy quizzes and coding exercises confusing. I would simple create video exercises instead. Also mix things up, use code snippets, fix-the-error questions, and tiny real-world examples. Keep quizzes short and useful since otherwise students will skip them.

4. I usually end each section with coding exercises or I might just add a dedicated section to exercises using everything the students learned beforehand.

Good luck!

Fernando C.

Hello @Gabrielavale728,

Thank you for your post, and congratulations on publishing your first Python course! 👌

It’s great to see your focus on creating thoughtful and engaging content. Here are a few resources that may be useful as you continue developing your course:

I hope this helps as you move forward with your course.

Best regards,

Gabrielavale728

Thanks for the kind words and awesome resources! The instructor guide to coding exercises is super helpful. Any tips on applying the student engagement guide specifically to screencast pacing for Python beginners? Trying to keep my 2-hour course dynamic.

Best,
Gabriela Vale | Love From (Link removed by moderator)

Fernando C.

Interesting question, @Gabrielavale728 !

While I couldn’t find an answer that directly addresses your specific question, you might find some useful insights in these posts from fellow instructors:

Hopefully, these complement the resources you’ve already explored and help you build a clearer picture of how to pace your screencasts for Python beginners.

Let us know how it goes!