Udemy

KarolyNyisztor · ‎11-15-2020

@drewprof wrote: My only problem will be that my lectures will be between 12 to 30 minutes. It's just too much content that I want to explain. You keep saying that, but it doesn't make any sense. Even quantum physics can be explained in 5-minute chunks. You just need to organize your material better.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎11-15-2020

>> My conversion rate on my free courses has been between 90% to 68%. >> If they seem to like the free stuff Wrong conclusion. Those numbers do not mean anything. What really counts is the completion rate. What percentage of your free course have those students watched? If it's not close to 100%, they don't actually like it. They enrolled just because it was free. We keep telling you that, but you're not listening. Why do you expect a different result if you keep doing what you've been doing? Anyway, I'm done here.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎11-10-2020

It's not about copying styles, but rather about doing what actually works. Studies show that student engagement drops off abruptly after 6 minutes. Quoting: "...the median engagement time for videos less than six minutes long was close to 100%–that is, students tended to watch the whole video (although there are significant outliers; see the paper for more complete information). As videos lengthened, however, student engagement dropped off, such that the median engagement time with 9-12 minute videos was ~50% and the median engagement time with 12-40 minute videos was ~20%. In fact, the maximum median engagement time for a video of any length was six minutes. Making videos longer than 6-9 minutes is therefore likely to be wasted effort." https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/effective-educational-videos/ Again, this isn't conventional education. We should keep in mind that most people take online courses in their spare time, for example during their lunch break. If the video is lengthy, they don't even start it.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎11-10-2020

@drewprof wrote: My courses are about coding. I just need to find a different style that's more appealing for this medium. There is no way I can deliver in 3 to 5 minutes concepts that take a lot more time to implements and comprehend in the context of the code they live in. Then change the context. I've created a dozen programming courses that are available on three major platforms. I found a way to dissect my content into digestible chunks of 3-5 minute videos, and explain abstract concepts such as protocol-oriented programming or machine learning. Your topics - C structs, basic C++ syntax, etc. - do not require lengthy videos either. All you need is to reconsider your approach. Online teaching isn't the same as in-class teaching (luckily). I just wish my college teachers were able to explain stuff as clearly as online instructors such as Simon Allardice or Barron Stone. Just trying to help. In the end, it's your decision.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎11-09-2020

Free lectures may have the unwanted side-effect of lowering your overall instructor rating. >> I am just not sure if my long videos would keep the audience engaged. Keep your lectures short (3-5 minute length seems to be the sweet spot) and to the point. Nobody watches a 20-minute coding video unless you hold a gun against their head. You should check out @LawrenceMMiller's excellent post How can I market my course? .

KarolyNyisztor · ‎11-09-2020

No, it's not mandatory to show yourself in any of the course videos, including the promo clip. But it's definitely better if you do.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎11-09-2020

Success won't happen overnight. And publishing a course doesn't guarantee you get promoted. Udemy's algorithms need some valid data to rank you. So yeah, promote your courses wherever you can and try to get the first paid students. Pro tip: create a decent promo video. Good luck!

KarolyNyisztor · ‎11-09-2020

@Carol / C wrote: I'm just about to put a course on Udemy but couldn't decide whether to put on a paid or free course. Your post, and the answers, have helped me to decide. The free version is going on first. Think twice - or at least do some more research - before jumping to conclusions.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎04-09-2020

All the previous suggestions are great. I'd add one more tip: Implement the closed-door policy. Let your family members know that your closed door means that you're working, and they must not disturb you. This trick allowed me to work from home without distractions, even when everybody's home. It may take some time to make it work, but sooner or later, your family members will understand: when the door is closed, you're working. I've been applying the closed-door policy for more than three years now. During this time, I wrote six books and published about a dozen online courses - despite having three kids. :)

KarolyNyisztor · ‎01-21-2020

There's no contrast between you and the background, which makes it look flat. Actually, the background is better lit than yourself. Besides, the entire scene is way too colorful/distracting. Hints: Sit next to a window. Natural light can do wonders (and it's free) Alternatively, you could invest in some lights. Look up "three-point lighting" on Google

KarolyNyisztor · ‎12-14-2019

Sorry you're leaving, you've done an awesome job here! Wish you all the best and keep it up. :)

KarolyNyisztor · ‎10-07-2019

Sure. Get a decent mic and re-record the voiceovers. I checked a couple of your videos, and no tool can help you with that.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎10-07-2019

Finishing my tenth book and recording my fifth Udemy course. I'm so glad the weather isn't that great anymore. ;)

KarolyNyisztor · ‎09-17-2019

Thanks for sharing this, @FrankKane. My story is quite similar - except that it took me 18 years to quit the corporate world. :)

KarolyNyisztor · ‎09-10-2019

My signature? I hit the gym before filming, to look pumped up like Mark Wahlberg in the Ellen show. :) Besides, my voice gets deeper and calmer after exercising. I usually wear a blue Italian shirt which looks great on camera.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎07-30-2019

Always record your screen at the resolution of your expected output. So, if you want to create an HD video, switch the resolution of your screen to 1280 x 720. You can do that on Windows in System Preferences. If you're on a Mac, use an app like QuickRes.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎07-18-2019

Yes, you need to download and install the software, and register with a username/password. Mondays or Tuesdays, between 18:00 - 20:00 CEST would work for me.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎07-18-2019

Unfortunately, Udemy doesn't offer the features we need.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎07-17-2019

Hello @Anonymous , Yes, I might be interested. I'm in the CEST time zone (PDT + 9), but we can probably figure out a time that's convenient for both of us.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎07-17-2019

Hi @Anonymous , That's an excellent idea! Peer reviews are a great way to track progress and keep us motivated. What's your topic/niche? I'm into programming/tech courses.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎07-16-2019

Thanks for this excellent summary, @ScottDuffy !

KarolyNyisztor · ‎06-27-2019

I couldn't agree more! My business is my business. My CPA handles our taxes, and I don't want anybody else to interfere. Besides, I'm an EU citizen, so the entire debate is probably irrelevant for me.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎06-25-2019

I was struggling with the new "Exclusivity clause," but you've got the point. UfB outperforms the other platforms already, and if it keeps evolving at this pace, I have no reason to publish elsewhere.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎06-21-2019

I've got a Røde SmartLav+ too, and it does a decent job. I was able to get acceptable results with the Auphonic app on my iPhone. However, it doesn't even come close to the quality of the AudioTechnica BPHS1 or the Blue Yeti.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎05-10-2019

Thanks for sharing this, @MassimilianoAlf ! But I can't unsee the typo in the title (usefull [sic]).

KarolyNyisztor · ‎05-10-2019

@JocelynH +1 for Asana. I've been using it since 2016.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎03-15-2019

Hi Lizzy, I'm glad you mentioned Marie Kondo. I've been unstoppable since I started applying her advice along with Sean D'Souza's practical hints about energy management. Keep up the good work!

KarolyNyisztor · ‎03-15-2019

Hey @RobynJ, That sounds great - can't wait to see what you guys are coming up with! Hope Udemy grows at an exponential rate this year. ;) Here's my list of priorities for 2019: Improve my presentation skills Publish the course I've been working on since December last year Update/enhance my existing courses Besides: Publish three new books Reach 5,000+ subscribers on my Youtube channel Hike 500+ miles Bench press 240 pounds for 8 reps (instead of 4) Visit Norway or Iceland That'll do. More or less.

KarolyNyisztor · ‎03-11-2019

Way to go! I really like your way of thinking about motivation, money and mental state. Keep up the good work!

KarolyNyisztor · ‎03-05-2019

How I stay positive? It's easy! After 20+ years of aimless struggle in the corporate world, now I know that I'm finally doing what the Universe expects me to do. ;) Feels like arriving home after spending a couple of decades in a hostile country.

Udemy

Karoly Nyisztor

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Karoly Nyisztor

KarolyNyisztor • Level 3

Senior Software Engineer, Author, Inventor

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