7 Steps to Create Online Courses with PowerPoint or Keynote

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So you want to create a course but you hate being on camera, right? Well, you don't have to be.

Say Whaaaat!!

Yes, you can create an entire course, training or tutorial with presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote or Google Slides. There are other solutions but these are the most common.

In fact, you can create an entire course in the following 4 steps.

Step 1: Create Your Slides or Slidedeck as they are commonly called
Step 2: Write your script
Step 3a: Record from within the presentation software or
Step 3b: Record the audio (voice) separately using audio software
Step 4: Save the video file
Step 5: Pair the slides and audio in a video editing software
Step 6: Edit and save (export) your video to your computer
Step 7: Upload (or put) your video on your hosting platform. My preference is Kajabi for training because video hosting is included in all packages but sites such as Vimeo or Wistia are also great solutions.

Easy Peezy!! Okay, okay, I know I am oversimplifying the process but this is the general process.

Now, one of the more common questions is what software to use? For audio software, Audacity is a common choice because it is free and works on both Windows and Mac.

My preference for Mac users is Garageband as it too is included on all Macs for free.

Upgrade Your Sound

Now, because you are not on camera, sound is very important. In fact, whether you are on or off camera, I always suggest that one of the first items to purchase is a good mic.

My favorite, and the one that I use the the Blue Yeti. It too works on Windows and Mac desktops and laptops.

There's also a newer smaller (and less expensive version) called the Blue Yeti Nano. I have not tried it but all the reviews are positive.

Where to Buy Blue Yeti Microphones

Blue Yeti (Mic Only) on Amazon - https://amzn.to/371ObBc
Blue Yeti (Mic, Headphones & Pop Filter) on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2HyqlBM
Blue Yeti Nano on Amazon - https://amzn.to/2NLmtRJ

Video Editing - Creating Your Masterpiece

There are a couple of methods to "editing" when you use Presentation software. Typically, time, budget and skill level play a part in determining which solution is best for you.

Method 1 - No edits. Naturally, not doing any editing seems like the preferred method but it requires that you record totally within the application without mistakes. While you have the ability to re-record over mistakes that is typically achieved per file.

As an example, say you had a 5-module course. Using Keynote or Powerpoint, you create a new file per module. Now, I know you're awesome consider having to re-record an entire modules or lesson because it needs an update or your made a mistake. This can become frustrating over time but it can be done.

Method 2 - Edit "in post". There's an expression of "we can fix it 'in post'" which we can fix all the blunders post production or after all the recordings are complete using software. While this is the more common solution, many will outsource video editing or avoid video altogether because the belief that editing is too hard.

My favorite piece of video editing software has been Camtasia by Techsmith and while I have used ScreenFlow (Mac Only), Filmora and online solutions like WeVideo, I still come back to Camtasia to bring everything together.

Save or Export Your Masterpiece

Regardless of which solution you use, export or save your video as .mp4, .mov, .avi or whatever your hosting platform supports. As an example, YouTube and Kajabi will accept most of the popular video platforms.

Personally, I tend to record at the highest level (4k from a camera) and export (or save) my file at 1080p Full HD or 720p HD resolution. Why? The higher the resolution, the clearer the image BUT it may take longer for mobile connections to view your video.

We typically don't set our recording resolution when we are using Keynote or Powerpoint but we can set it when we save our recording from these applications.

If we use video editing software, then we typically have more options such as creating and saving our course video at 4k even though we didn't record it at that resolution.

Upload Video to Hosting Platform (Kajabi or Other)

When you are ready to choose a hosting platform, my recommendation is Kajabi, because it will auto-adjust the video DOWNWARD based upon the connection speed of the viewer.

If you uploaded or put your 4k video into Kajabi, it can autoplay 540p if the connection speed is slower and/or on a mobile device. This helps to reduce buffering (and frustration to your viewers).

If you want to use another platform, I would check into Wistia which is what Kajabi uses, Vimeo Pro or Amazon S3. Costs are always considerations but ensure you can get analytics such as

How much of a video was watched
How many people watched a video
Demographics of viewer

in your hosting platform.