23keysmooc

1. #23keysmooc
Module 7: Let’s promote our MOOC!
Sílvia Simon
C4D, UdG, silvia.simon@udg.edu, @silviasimonr
Miquel DURAN
C4D, UdG, miquel.duran@udg.edu, @miquelduran
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc

2. This module is about...
• From the title till the video presentation, our MOOC
will be assessed by the number of registered students,
by the number of students completing it, and by what
they say about the MOOC in the Internet
• Our MOOC will be successful, above all, if we make it
appealing and relevant, not just interesting
• Note: your duty is to attract students to your subject
and increase their interest in it. Don’t give for granted
that, because you think that your content is wondeful,
they will love it and not abandon the MOOC.
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc

3. Attracting students
• A MOOC is a MASSIVE course. Thus, it is of
utmost importante to get registered students.
• Promoting the MOOC is a triple lane path:
– Promotion by the host institution
– Promotion by the host platform
– Promotion you may leverage
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc

4. The platform
• Promoting a MOOC is rather different than
promoting a master or doctorate: the target
audience is very different and diverse.
• The very platform gives a very good
promotion, i.e., MiriadaX within Spanish
speaking areas; Coursera everywhere, EdX,
etc.
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc

5. Clues to strong and effective
promotion
• Title must be appealing
• Every module and submodule must have an
appealing, attractive title and description. No
reason should be provided to abandon the
course.
• Repeat, share, etc . – promotion by the host
university and host platform
• Use wisely classical stuff: brochures, gadgets,
etc.
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc

6. Promoting further
• One should make clear that behind the MOOC
there is team of actual people. Everyone
should have a defined, clear digital identity.
• Create a video presenting and describing the
course, where instructors appear and
collaborate.
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc

7. Presentation video
• What is this MOOC about?
• What is the outcome a student can expect?
• Which are the particular, clear gols?
• Why is it singular?
• Does it providen some kind of emotional
output?
• Which are the skills that are required? Or
academic background?
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc

8. Video presentation -2
• One should be clear and truthful.
• If students find that the course does not fulfill
their expectations, they will criticize you in the
Internet and your reputation will go down.
• This video should be made viral – short video, like
a music videoclip. Have it reshared. Use your
international network of colleagues and former
students.
• Money should be invested in this promotional
video. Quality might be higher that DIY videos in
the actual course.
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc

9. Poeple’s opinions
• People like people. You my consider former
students’ opinions, statements of interests,
short sentences by key influencers... in your
promotional and/or description video.
• And please be proactive!
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc

10. Having a blog / newssite
• Our experience shows that it is quite
important to have a newschannel. It can be a
blog, a twitter feed, or any means of fast, clear
and relevant social network.
• Keep people informed about the actual
buildup of the MOOC, not just after you have
finished everything.
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc

11. Branding your MOOC
• Title is very important, but you should build up
brand value.
• Choose an identifier (tag, hashtag) that is new to
Internet (e.g., we created #magcimooc)
(#23keysmooc was also available).
• Get a twitter account, facebook page, and blog
(e.g. in wordpress or google) with that name.
Also Instagram, Tumblr, Slideshare, etc... before
someone steals it and damages your brand.
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc

12. Hints
• Start promoting 2-3 months in advance
• Don’t forget to promot it during the course, participants keep registering
until the final period of the MOOC
• Create a 20-30 s viral video, and a 3-4 minute presentation video
• Create a unique, new identifier that allows branding (beware of foreign
words that mey mean something ... )
• Know well your environment, your host strategy, your team.
• Don’t do it alone! Collaborate with other instructors
• Don’t do it alone! Ask for advice
• Don’t do it at zero cost! Even though it may be DIY... there is alwat a cost
• Do always follow the corporate image
• A MOOC is an adventure. You will learn a lot and is likely to provide a fair
reward
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc

13. Practise session 3
• Designing a viral video
• Designing a presentation video
• Planning the promotional process
• Thinking of rewards that prevent dropouts
@silviasimonr@miquelduran @c4dudg #23keysmooc