Hello Instructor Community!
This month's theme in the community is Instructor Stories, which calls for another Instructor Spotlight! This time, we're introducing you to Nina Weinstein.
Nina lives in the United States and teaches English to non-native speakers on Udemy since 2014. Learn more about Nina's instructor journey below!
What do you love the most about teaching online?
The surprises and the appreciation that international students express toward their teacher. Sometimes, I connect with my online students just to see how they're doing; just as I would do with my students offline. For example, at the beginning of the quarantine for COVID, I sent an email to my Udemy students to see how they were doing and to encourage them during this difficult time.
What is the most important thing you've learned about creating online courses?
I've been impressed by how Udemy is always trying to improve an already impressive product. I've enrolled in classes as well as taught them, and the classes have been excellent.
Were there any challenges along the way?
The biggest challenge for me was trying to get the third class in my listening program included in Udemy for Business. It was finally included about a month ago, but because Udemy is so huge, it's difficult to be seen; even if you have a product based on techniques you know work because they work so well in the outside world.
What accomplishments on Udemy are you really proud of?
I'm proud of the continuing success of my classes over all of these years. I'm also proud of the classes themselves. My background is English; not technology or videography. It was a learning curve for me to create classes that look professional and reflect the kind of teaching I do in the outside world, but I love Camtasia and really enjoyed the learning curve.
What advice would you give to a brand-new instructor?
It starts with the quality of the class. Though it's hard to be seen in such a crowded platform, when you are seen, it's important that your classes reflect the highest standards. Everything starts with the class itself.
What’s something you’re planning on doing in the next year?
I have another idea for a class based on my "zoom" techniques -- the best shortcuts to powerful English I've learned in my years of teaching.
Is there a particular success story or learning experience that you would like to share with us?
To market myself I've had to step away from any shyness or humility and almost look at myself as if I were someone else. If I were someone else looking at my classes, how would I describe their benefits, strengths, and uniqueness?
Do you have any questions for Nina? Feel free to ask her in the comments!
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