"The Power of Cohorts in Online Education and the Importance of Preventing Burnout"

"The Power of Cohorts in Online Education and the Importance of Preventing Burnout"

In Online Ed, Content Is No Longer King—Cohorts Are. Today, educational content is readily available on various platforms such as YouTube, newsletters, blogs, and social media. With millions of views on learning-related content every day, it's clear that content generation has become a saturated market. The challenge lies in monetizing expertise and building a community around it. Cohort-based courses (CBCs) have emerged as a solution, offering interactive learning experiences within a group setting.

The completion rates of MOOCs, which provide recorded videos and on-demand courses, are notoriously low, ranging from 3 to 6 percent. The gap between the promise of online education and its actual results has paved the way for CBCs. These courses bring students together in cohorts, progressing through the material with hands-on, feedback-based learning at the core. The scarcity in online learning today is community, and CBCs address this need effectively.

Affordability is a significant advantage of CBCs, making education more accessible. However, the low cost of MOOCs has led to brand degradation and decreased quality. Pre-recorded content lacks interaction and real-time feedback, limiting its effectiveness in teaching complex topics. In contrast, CBCs offer active and hands-on learning experiences, promoting higher retention rates and better overall outcomes.

The network benefits of startup accelerators are also present in CBCs. The value lies not only in the content but also in the community and connections formed. Students engage in various modalities, such as breakouts, role-playing, discussions, and debates, which enhance comprehension and retention. Collaborative learning has been shown to produce better results, demonstrating the importance of community building in education.

Traditional social platforms often create a division between monetization activities and community building. Content creators struggle to make a living solely from advertising revenue, leading them to pursue alternative means such as brand partnerships or merchandise sales. CBCs offer creators a productized offering that allows them to leverage their expertise without constantly feeding the content monster. This shift provides more time and effort for community building, resulting in better engagement and financial success.

While CBCs redefine success in online learning, it's crucial to address the issue of burnout among creators and learners. Burnout is characterized by a loss of motivation, emotional sensitivity, and a lack of care. To prevent burnout, it's essential to prioritize self-care and seek professional help if needed. Regular therapy sessions can provide valuable perspective and support.