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Course with employment: “Profession Methodist from scratch to PRO”
Learn more"Across and Sideways"
The project aims to develop and implement an innovative solution aimed at improving a specific area of activity. The main goal of the project is to optimize processes, increase efficiency, and implement advanced technologies. We strive to create a product that will meet modern requirements and satisfy user needs. Ensuring high quality and reliability, the project aims for long-term cooperation with clients and partners, which will allow for sustainable growth and development.
Courses in literature and creativity offer a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge and develop skills in the field of literature. These programs are designed for both beginners and experienced writers and literary scholars. Course participants will be able to study various genres, writing techniques, and analyze the works of classics and contemporary authors.
The training includes practical classes where students can apply theoretical knowledge and receive feedback from professional mentors. Literature and creativity courses will help develop creative thinking, improve writing skills, and learn to express ideas more effectively.
Enroll in courses and discover the world of literature, where everyone can find their inspiration and develop a unique style.
The launch year of a project is an important milestone that determines the beginning of its existence and development. This moment plays a key role in shaping strategy and targets. Correctly determining the launch year allows you to set effective deadlines for achieving planned results and attracting the target audience. Considering market dynamics and user needs, the launch year should be carefully analyzed and justified. This will help avoid potential risks and ensure the successful promotion of a product or service on the market.
In 2021, the world continued to adapt to the changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many industries faced new challenges that require the implementation of innovative solutions. The tech industry saw a surge in interest in remote work and digital tools, fueling the growth of many startups.
The economy began to recover, but unevenly. Some sectors, such as tourism and hospitality, continued to struggle, while others, such as e-commerce and healthcare, experienced significant growth.
Global trends such as sustainability and environmental awareness became important topics in business and society. Companies began integrating environmental initiatives into their strategies, fueling increased consumer interest.
2021 also saw significant developments in politics and social movements, influencing public opinion and policy processes. These changes highlight the importance of active citizen participation in shaping the future.
Thus, 2021 has become a time of change and new opportunities that have opened the door to innovation and collaboration in various areas of life.
Our training covers a wide range of topics and areas. Our program includes both theoretical classes and practical training, allowing participants not only to absorb knowledge but also to apply it. We offer courses in various fields, such as information technology, business, personal development, and many others. Each course is designed with current market demands and student needs in mind, ensuring maximum effectiveness and relevance of the knowledge acquired. Our goal is to prepare specialists who can successfully cope with the challenges of the modern world and achieve their professional goals.
Online courses for adults on Telegram are a convenient and accessible way to learn. These courses allow people of all ages to develop new skills and gain knowledge in various fields without leaving home. The Telegram platform provides easy interaction and access to educational materials at any time. Participants can interact with instructors and other students, ask questions, and receive feedback. Online courses on Telegram cover a wide range of topics, from languages and programming to personal growth and business. By choosing online courses, you get the opportunity to study in a comfortable environment and at your own pace, making the learning process more effective and enjoyable.
Creating a website is an important step for any business or project. A well-designed site not only attracts user attention but also promotes effective search engine rankings. Key aspects of website development include choosing a domain name, creating high-quality content, and optimizing for SEO.
It is important for a website to be user-friendly and have intuitive navigation. Search engine optimization includes using keywords, meta tags, and creating high-quality backlinks. It is also worth paying attention to page loading speed and the responsiveness of the design for mobile devices.
Don't forget the importance of regularly updating content and analyzing its effectiveness. This will help not only retain current users but also attract new ones. Website development is a process that requires careful attention and continuous improvement. Popereknabok is a platform where you will find unique products and services that can satisfy a wide range of needs. We offer a wide range of products, including both traditional and innovative solutions. Our goal is to provide our customers with high-quality service and great deals, making us a reliable partner for online shopping. On our website, you can find the latest new arrivals, special promotions, and discounts. We carefully select products to ensure their high quality and compliance with modern standards. Here you will find everything you need, from household appliances to stylish accessories. By visiting popereknabok.ru, you will receive not only high-quality products but also useful tips on how to use them. We strive to make your shopping experience as comfortable and efficient as possible. Visit our website and discover a world of great deals and quality products. Today, training has become available directly from your smartphone thanks to chatbots in Telegram. The "Across and Sideways" project offers a unique approach to literature courses, transforming them into immersive audio performances. This allows students not only to immerse themselves in the world of literature but also to develop soft skills and transform their lives. This learning format makes the process engaging and interactive, opening new horizons for learning and self-improvement.
The project was developed by Taya Shentseva, a methodologist and educational experience designer, and Anya Getman, a writer and blogger. In March 2021, they launched their first course on Telegram. To date, their portfolio has already accumulated five successful cases.
Skillbox Media conducted an interview with one of the founders of the project, Taya Shentseva. In the conversation, she shared her thoughts and experiences related to the project's development and highlighted the key factors that contributed to its success. Taya emphasized the importance of teamwork and creativity in business and discussed the challenges the founders faced in the early stages. Her advice and recommendations can be useful for those who strive to develop their own projects and achieve success in a competitive environment.
- how the school education system leads to a fear of books and why ordinary literature courses cannot cure it;
- why it is more interesting to read Salinger through a custom chatbot;
- how a colossal failure at launch can lead to something good if you are honest with users;
- how a secondary goal turned out to be actually the main one for students;
- what is the benefit of a listener taking a course, playing a certain role;
- what students can teach teachers and each other.
The Beginning: From a Chance Meeting to Salinger's Fish
The project started with my acquaintance with Anya Getman, the owner of a successful lifestyle blog that attracts about Fifty thousand subscribers. Anya offers consultations for beginners, teaching them how to effectively manage social media pages. I decided to take advantage of her experience and signed up for a consultation in October 2020.
During our first conversation, we immediately hit it off and were interested in each other, which led to Anya's proposal to create a joint project. At that point, we weren't sure what direction we'd take, but we decided to discuss ideas in person. However, we couldn't meet right away, as I was living in Moscow, working as a methodologist at Skyeng and managing freelance projects, while Anya was in St. Petersburg writing a book.
At the end of December, when we met, we realized we didn't have a clear idea, but we both wanted to create more than just courses and lectures. We want to offer a unique experience that, during the pandemic, can partially replace travel for people. Our goal is to create a true adventure filled with emotions and discoveries.
Anya already had a significant audience, so we decided to rely on her subscribers' requests. Her passion for literature is evident in her frequent posts about books and her reading experiences. Followers often ask her questions like, "How do you manage to read so much and so thoughtfully?", "What makes you love reading?", and "How do you notice details that escape me?" These questions reflect an interest in her ability to deeply perceive literature and share her impressions.
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Choosing a topic for an online course is a key point determining its success. For your course to become popular and in demand, it is important to consider several factors. First, focus on current trends and the needs of your target audience. Research what skills and knowledge are currently in demand in the job market and choose a topic that aligns with these needs.
Second, analyze the competition. Explore existing courses in your niche to understand what they offer and how you can stand out. This could be a unique approach to teaching, the addition of practical assignments, or the use of modern technology.
It's also helpful to conduct surveys and communicate with potential students to get feedback on what topics they're interested in. This will help you create a course that's not only informative but also engaging for your audience.
Finally, choose a topic in which you're an expert. This will give you confidence in your presentation and allow you to create high-quality content. A well-chosen topic for your online course will not only attract students but also help you build a reputation and trust in the educational industry.
At the beginning of 2021, we began conducting castdevs, communicating with those who had contacted Anya. Our interviewees were looking for alternative approaches to reading and felt they had specific difficulties with text comprehension. We sought to understand their needs and preferences in order to improve their reading experience and offer more appropriate solutions.
Reading difficulties are often associated with traumas suffered during traditional education. As a methodologist, I regularly observe that many school and university graduates leave with numerous inhibitions, fears, and negative attitudes. For example, the problem with the question "What did the author mean?" in literature classes leads to students becoming fixated on searching for hidden meanings in the text. They are afraid of making mistakes in their interpretations, as they were not allowed to make mistakes in school. This creates serious barriers that hinder the enjoyment of reading and the free expression of their thoughts. As a result, reading becomes an exam rather than a pleasure, which negatively impacts literary comprehension and the development of critical thinking.
Reading is becoming a challenging task even for those with a philological education. Many of them are tired of the word "must" that was heard throughout their studies. They were indoctrinated to read only certain, serious literature, avoiding fantasy, fanfiction, and non-fiction. The emphasis was on reading widely and finishing books, even if they didn't spark interest. This pressure and the demand to understand everything turned many off reading, turning it into a chore rather than a pleasure.
Most competing projects have similar characteristics: they all focus on a serious approach to learning. Their unique selling proposition is "learn from the experts and become the smartest person in the room." Certainly, they offer high-quality and worthy products. However, if you're not a literary scholar and don't have a library full of books at home, the prospect of participating in such courses may be daunting.
We strive to create an atmosphere free from the "stuffy classroom." Our goal is to be accessible and "in your element," creating a friendly space where everyone can openly share their thoughts. There is no single correct opinion imposed by an all-knowing author. We welcome a diversity of ideas and opinions, including even the most unusual.
Our first educational product was the course "Dug Down: What Can You Find in a Five-Page Story," dedicated to analyzing literary works and searching for deep meaning. An expert in literary studies helped us create the course. We launched the course in March and prepared it in just a month, recording the materials in empty, quarantined Istanbul, between walks and hummus tastings. The course provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of literature, learn to find hidden meanings, and develop analytical thinking.
At this time, the project acquired its name. We perceived it as a book story and sought to choose a name that, on the one hand, was connected to books, albeit indirectly, and on the other, reflected our concept of freedom and experimentation. We sought a word that would convey the spirit of creativity and innovation, which is important to our project.
We reflected on how reading books is sometimes perceived as something extraordinary, but if you want, it is possible. You can even read across or sideways. This is how our slogan was born: "Read across or sideways." This became the basis of our promise as a brand, embodying freedom of choice and a creative approach to reading. We are confident that books can be interesting and captivating in any format.
Anya and I realized that our goal was to create We wanted to create an interactive product, not just a book club where participants discuss what they've read. We needed to "build on" users' regular reading and integrate it into their daily lives to make it more engaging and unique. We wanted to ensure that people received theoretical knowledge at the right moment, right while reading: after completing a chapter, they could immediately access an assignment, recommendations, or a lecture. This approach deepens the understanding of the material and makes the learning process more effective and relevant.
To successfully implement our idea, it was important to integrate learning into the students' daily routine, using small iterations. This will allow them to find time for learning even during morning rituals or walks. A Telegram chatbot, which provides access to educational content in a convenient format and at any time, proved an excellent solution for this problem.
We decided to create not just a bot, but interactive audio courses-performances, in which our experts and we ourselves act as characters developing the plot. Our bots are unique in both their content and technical features. Ready-made solutions weren't suitable for our concept, so we developed a custom bot with unique features and capabilities. It took us two months to develop the first bot, and we continue to update and improve it. Our interactive courses offer users a unique experience, combining education and entertainment. Our bot includes an important feature for exchanging voice, text, and image messages. This feature is essential for users to share their thoughts and opinions about what they've read. When reading books, it's important to hear other people's opinions and discuss different interpretations and points of view. This allows us to deepen our understanding of the text and see how different readers perceive it. Sharing opinions enriches the reading experience and promotes deeper analysis of literary works.
In the first course, we study Salinger's story "A Good Catch "Bananafish." Course participants read a scene in which the heroine Muriel is talking on the phone. Afterward, we offer an assignment: send an audio message to the bot describing their perception of the character. In response, students send their audio messages, and it becomes clear that each person's perception of Muriel is different. This provides an opportunity to discuss the diversity of interpretations and deepen their understanding of the text.
She was removing a stain from the skirt of a beige suit, carefully rearranging a button on a finished blouse, and plucking two hairs that had appeared on a mole. When the operator finally called, she was sitting on the sofa by the window, finishing the nails on her left hand.
She wasn't one to quit because of a phone call. Her appearance suggested that the phone had been ringing nonstop since she became an adult. The ringing sounded, and she carefully applied polish to the nail of her little finger, carefully outlining the lunula. Having screwed the cap on the bottle of nail polish, she stood up and waved her left, still damp hand in the air. With her right, now dry, she collected the overflowing ashtray from the sofa and moved it to the nightstand where the telephone stood. Sitting on the edge of the wide, already made bed, she picked up the receiver after the fifth or sixth ring.
"Hello," she said, moving the splayed fingers of her left hand aside and trying not to touch her white silk robe. She was wearing nothing but her shoes, and her rings were left in the bathroom.
J. D. Salinger is a renowned American writer, author of the cult novel "The Catcher in the Rye." His work "A Perfect Day for Bananafish," translated by R. Wright-Kovaleva, explores the themes of loneliness and the search for meaning in life. Salinger masterfully conveys the inner world of his characters, their emotional experiences and conflicts. This work immerses the reader in a unique world where every detail matters. Reading "A Perfect Time for Bananafish" reflects contemporary issues such as alienation and the pursuit of understanding. Salinger remains a vital figure in literature, and his works continue to inspire a new generation of readers.
Salinger provides a wealth of detail in his descriptions, but they often lack specific information. We first help listeners recognize and experience this uniqueness, then explain what exactly happened and what discovery they made. Then we provide theoretical information for a deeper understanding.
Audio messages not only have methodological value but also create a unique atmosphere. When people record their thoughts, you can hear the surrounding world: a cat meowing, footsteps on the street, or the noise of a café. This natural soundscape inspires and immerses the conversation, making it more vibrant and rich.
We chose a training format that differs from traditional online courses, lectures, and webinars because these formats have become commonplace and are boring for many. The sheer number of available courses has led to the very word "course" evoking negative associations and discouraging users. We strive to offer something new and interesting to attract attention and engage our audience.
As a methodologist, I observe that clients strive for uniqueness. They want not just courses, but true stories that can capture attention and inspire. Developers also strive to stand out from the crowd of online educational programs. Our team offers original solutions that help us stand out in this market. We create content that is not only informative but also engaging, thereby ensuring high user interest and engagement.
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Learning should not turn into entertainment, and this is not our goal. The importance of the educational process lies in its ability to impart knowledge and skills, fostering deep understanding and developing critical thinking. The desire for entertainment can distract from the core purpose of learning and reduce its effectiveness. We must focus on creating conditions conducive to deep learning and intellectual development, not on turning the process into a mere entertainment.
Our format is unique and difficult to explain without revealing all the details. The concept of "immersive audio performances in chatbots" can be daunting. Understanding the essence of our project can only be achieved through personal experience, so we developed a demo chatbot before the launch of the first course.
Initially, we offered the opportunity to complete the first ten steps of the course for free, but this did not produce the desired results. Many users were unwilling to spend 20 minutes learning the course format and interacting with the interface. Later, we began combining elements from different courses, demonstrating the functionality of the bot, which can send lectures, audio recordings, and other materials. While this made the process more dynamic, the audience lost the introductory context and couldn't understand what was happening. They were left with the impression that the course was intended only for a select group of highly intelligent people. We strive to change this perception and make learning accessible and interesting for everyone, integrating learning and adventure into the everyday life of an ordinary person.
We have developed a full-fledged A demobot that allows users to virtually tour the rooms of famous people. It's 20 minutes long, and you can listen to it anytime and anywhere—whether you're chores or taking a walk outside. No text is required. To keep things interesting, the topic isn't related to our core business, but the demobot effectively demonstrates both the format and concept, and reflects our core values.
Development: From Failure to a New Concept
We developed many components ourselves, resulting in a minimum viable product (MVP) in the form of a fully functional chatbot. Its development cost us approximately 50,000 rubles, which is an affordable amount for financing without involving loans or sponsors.
In March, we began sales and launched the first stream of our course. We didn't create a separate website, as Anya already had her own page with webinars that she sold. We simply added payment functionality and a "buy" button to this page. We promoted the course through our social media accounts.
For Anya and me, this was our first experience in entrepreneurship. We created a successful project that immediately attracted 300 participants.
We were confident of our success, but on the very first day of our course launch, we ran into a problem: our chatbot broke. It happened at the worst possible time – on launch day. We realized that even with good preparation, unexpected situations can arise. The problems arose even before the course began. Sales began five days before the launch, and the demo bot was opened to users two days earlier. However, it stopped functioning the next day, and our programmer was unable to determine the cause, as everything had previously worked without a hitch. We hoped that such problems would not arise with the main bot. The course launched on Wednesday, and just an hour after it began, our chatbot stopped functioning. This caused us to panic. We assumed the number of users might be too high, so we decided to create nine more bot clones to distribute the load. However, six of them also crashed within the first minute. In this situation, we decided to honestly inform users about the problem. We tried to approach the situation with humor and explained that the bot was down and we would need until Monday to restore it. As compensation, we offered participants two free lectures and a discount on the next course.
We were truly alarmed. We didn't immediately realize what had happened and didn't know how to react. Now Anya and I joke about our "tachycardia adventures." However, this story turned out positively for us. Our users witnessed our growth and overcame these difficulties with us.
Honesty in communication with our participants and providing additional lectures played a key role in building their loyalty. Our courses demonstrate a high LTV, as 20% of participants return within six months. This effect is especially noticeable after the initial launch, when difficulties arose. This situation, on the contrary, strengthened our relationships with students and created an atmosphere of trust.
While working on the project, we encountered issues caused by an update in Telegram. It turned out that the programming language used to develop the bot was no longer supported. We quickly addressed the issues that had arisen, and after relaunching the bot, we achieved stable operation. While we waited for the results, we monitored the system. An hour passed—everything was functioning correctly. Two hours—no glitches. At that moment, we could breathe a sigh of relief, realizing that all the fixes had been effective.
After the first launch, Anya and I were euphoric, confident that we might not have revolutionized education, but we were definitely on the right path. However, things soon didn't go as we expected.
Anya jokes that running a business is like being in a relationship with an abusive partner. At first, they delight you with gifts and surprises, but then they become aggressive. When you decide to leave, they try again to lull you into a false sense of security, offering flowers and promises. This cycle continues endlessly, making us reflect on how difficult it can be to break such toxic relationships.
Our launch was successful: without significant investment, we quickly began earning money and received positive feedback from users. This gave us the opportunity to develop new courses, create a full-fledged website (which was not initially necessary), focus on promotion, and expand our team. Our team added a curator, a sound designer, an accountant, and a lawyer, which allowed us to improve the quality of services provided and raise our level of professionalism.
In June 2021, we launched our second bot-based course on the novel "The Master and Margarita," which became our most detailed project and was designed to last four weeks. Despite good results, profits were lower than expected at the start. We concluded that the course duration may be too long for users. It is also worth noting that the production costs significantly exceeded those of the first course. Therefore, we decided to shorten the program's duration and strengthen advertising campaigns through media partners. We chose Instagram for promotion, which allowed us to expand our team and attract more people. Our hypotheses didn't live up to expectations. Not only were we unable to break out of the plateau we were stuck in, but we also experienced our first decline in June. This was a serious blow. We had invested a lot of effort, attracted talented specialists, and hoped for improvement, but unfortunately, the situation worsened. We sold fewer places on the course than usual, despite the increase in the cost of the project.
There was nothing catastrophic in this situation; such moments happen. We suffered some losses, but were still able to pay salaries to all the staff working on the course. It was emotionally challenging, with doubts arising: "Is our product needed? Do we understand the essence of our work? Who among us is truly an entrepreneur?"
We found ourselves in a difficult situation with a product that I sincerely consider outstanding and one of the best in our portfolio. It's a course dedicated to the plays of Chekhov and Beckett, titled "Laughter for a Reason: How Do Authors Make Us Laugh?" In the course, participants become actors in a provincial theater, where they are taught acting by "experts" from Moscow. In this scenario, a bot plays the role of the theater director. Feedback from those who successfully completed the course confirms its engaging and well-thought-out nature. Participants note that the course forces them to listen to details and "savory" the content. Therefore, I'm confident that the cause of our unsuccessful experience wasn't related to the quality of the product.
After the initial shock, we began looking for solutions. The project had potential, but needed changes. We redistributed responsibilities and decided to abandon targeted advertising and SMM. We realized that until we could formulate a clear marketing strategy—define how we present ourselves, what problems we solve, who our target audience is, and what they expect—delegating these tasks was impractical. Otherwise, we risk spending our budget ineffectively.
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Launching an online course can become a successful business if you approach this process correctly. First of all, it is important to define your target audience and understand which topics will be most in demand. Research the market, analyze your competitors, and identify gaps your course can fill.
The next step is creating high-quality content. Learning materials should be interesting, relevant, and easy to digest. Use a variety of formats: videos, text lessons, quizzes, and assignments to make learning more engaging.
Don't forget about the course hosting platform. Choose a convenient and reliable service that offers features for user management, payment processing, and statistics. Also, consider the possibility of integration with marketing tools.
Promoting your online course is key to its success. Use social media, SEO optimization, content marketing, and email newsletters to attract an audience. Develop a strategy that will allow you to effectively communicate with potential students and maintain interest in your course.
Feedback from students will help improve the course and increase its appeal. Regularly collect feedback, analyze it, and adjust content as needed.
Launching an online course requires careful preparation and a strategic approach, but if executed correctly, it can be a profitable endeavor.
Through extensive audience research conducted through surveys, questionnaires, and custom development, I discovered that what we thought were insignificant are actually key for users. This discovery underscores the importance of deeply understanding the needs and preferences of the target audience, which allows us to more effectively tailor products and services to their expectations.
We developed a course about books that teaches not only reading but also helps participants discover new aspects of themselves, get rid of internal inhibitions and negative attitudes. However, it turns out that many come to our course not only for the sake of reading, but also to share their thoughts, meet like-minded people, and change their routine. We strive to create a space for self-expression and personal growth, where everyone can find support and inspiration.
Students noted that after completing the course, they felt more confident and relaxed, as if they had returned from a vacation. Some shared how, after a difficult day of interacting with the bot, they felt a boost of energy and positive emotions, which significantly improved their mood. These "side effects," which we initially anticipated, became the main achievement of the course.
Due to the need to update the project's concept, we decided to expand its scope. The niche of "teaching reading" was initially unclear, and now we have focused on courses we call "discovery courses." They turn every day into an exciting adventure, covering various topics, including literature, creativity, and film. This will allow us to attract a wider audience and make the learning process more engaging and diverse.
After changing the concept, we are launching our fourth course and the first Non-bookish — "14 Days of Creative Experimentation." This course aims to bring creativity back into the lives of our users, providing a reboot for those who are afraid to express their creativity and often remain in the shadows. The team, in addition to Anya and me, includes a psychotherapist, an artist from the British Higher School of Art and Design, and a director. The course's unique concept immerses participants in a world where creativity has been stolen and is under threat of destruction, and it is up to them to save it. Participants become creative special forces, carrying out an important mission to restore creativity. Join us and discover new horizons for your creativity. We have achieved significant success! Not only did we recover from the loss, but we also earned twice as much as during the first launch. The response from our audience confirmed that we had correctly adjusted the emphasis of the course objectives. For example, one participant decided to quit an unloved job, and another left a toxic relationship. At first glance, a course about 14 days of creativity might seem unrelated to such serious life changes. However, according to user reviews, the training can indeed lead to unexpected and positive changes.
The Project's Essence: From Hero Bot to Expert Bullies
In each of our courses, the bot is presented as a unique character. This is because we develop not only the educational goals but also the context in which the training will take place. Each element of the educational environment is assigned a role, allowing the student to interact with them and establish specific relationships. In some courses, the bot's voice is voiced by a professional actor with a pleasant and expressive timbre, making the learning process more comfortable and engaging.
The bot interacts with both us and the students. While it is friendly and supportive when communicating with the students, it uses a humorous tone with us. This is done intentionally to break down barriers and create a more relaxed atmosphere. Its humor helps avoid a sense of elitism and excessive seriousness, making the interaction more accessible and comfortable for all participants.
In our course on "The Master and Margarita," students are asked to read a chapter of the novel in an unusual setting. We use this approach: I choose a storage room, Anya chooses a tram stop, and our expert heads to a Catholic church. Students often ask, "Why should I do this?" And the bot, as if agreeing, replies, "That's the kind of tasks we came up with!" The students, reflecting, answer themselves, "Okay, bot, don't worry, let's go, this might be interesting." This approach helps students overcome the natural resistance that arises when completing a task. Such methods introduce elements of surprise and engagement, which contribute to a deeper understanding of the material.
Our courses are immersive audio performances in which we, along with Anya and our experts, act not as actors, but as characters in given circumstances. The performance is created using storytelling, and if any role-playing is required, it can be easily accomplished through a bot. We focus on creating a unique experience that allows participants to immerse themselves in the story and interact with it on a new level.
Each course represents a unique universe, which is important not only for the engaging presentation of the material. When people perceive learning as a game, for example, as a special forces soldier or a theater actor, they allow themselves more freedom. This approach helps them detach from their own self and unlock their potential. The course context facilitates more effective solutions to educational problems and helps overcome internal barriers that can hinder successful learning. Furthermore, the opportunity to immerse themselves in another universe and experience a different life makes the learning process engaging and memorable.
When developing the course concept and its structure, I shape the "student journey," taking into account the mechanics and logic of the learning process. Anya, in turn, develops each module, approaching the process like a screenwriter, adding elements of artistic flair. We strive to ensure that not only the methodology and the "student journey" determine the structure of the course, but that storytelling also influences the methodological approach. This allows us to create a deeper and more engaging learning environment, where every element of the course works in harmony with the overall concept.
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A Learning Journey Map is a visual tool that helps understand and analyze the learning process of a user or client. It displays the key stages, emotions, thoughts, and actions a person encounters during their educational journey.
Creating a Learning Journey Map begins with identifying the target audience and their needs. It is necessary to collect data on how users interact with educational resources, identify their expectations, and identify potential difficulties. After this, you can visualize the process, highlighting key moments and emotional states at each stage.
Using a Learning Journey Map allows you to improve educational programs, tailor content to user needs, and increase overall satisfaction. This tool facilitates a deeper understanding of learner needs, which in turn helps develop more effective learning strategies.
By effectively applying the Learning Journey Map, organizations can optimize their educational offerings, increase user engagement, and achieve better learning outcomes.
In the "14 Days of Creative Experimentation" course, we explore a dramaturgy we call "Scooby-Doo." In this approach, we create a plot in which the heroes encounter a serious and frightening villain, who ultimately turns out to be just a man in a costume. At the end of the course, the masks come off and the villain is revealed, challenging us to create an educational event that fosters awareness of this process. Participants should feel relief, realizing that the monster is not really a monster. This approach to course design is a true art, allowing us to delve deeper into the emotional and educational aspects of the process.
We strive for high results, and some of them are truly impressive, while others require refinement. It is important to remember that sometimes methodological aspects should be put aside to focus on the overall product. In some cases, methodological advancements may take a backseat to the storyline.
Anya and I are not professional literary scholars or philologists, so we invite experts with the necessary theoretical background for each course. These are usually specialists we know personally or those with a strong online presence that aligns with the spirit of our project. It's crucial for us that the expert shares our values and approach to audience engagement. We seek those who prioritize students, their feelings, and opinions, not just the author and their perspective. In literary bots, our experts focus on the students, which is fundamental to our educational process.
Our project for experts provides a unique opportunity to take a break from seriousness. Even professionals sometimes want to break free from strict constraints and relax, "taking off" their formal attire. We invite them to immerse themselves in a world of creativity and unconventional solutions, allowing them to express their creativity and play with ideas.
Experts rarely refuse to collaborate. Their willingness to work on a project is usually driven by an attractive concept and a strong brand. An interesting idea attracts attention and creates a desire to become part of a successful initiative.
We are constantly learning from our audience. We consider the insights that course participants share in the chat to be truly valuable and ingenious. Rather than regretting not adding these ideas to the course ourselves, we are happy that our students make such contributions. This confirms that interaction with the audience enriches the learning and makes the course more diverse and relevant.
People with diverse backgrounds, professions, and age groups approach us. We have participants aged 16 to 18, as well as more mature participants who are significantly older.
One of our most loyal listeners is Mikhail. His exact age is unknown to me, but he possesses a wealth of life experience. Mikhail frequently appears in the chat and shares memories, such as reading "The Master and Margarita" in 1980. His stories about how the book was received at the time and how it was discussed in his circle are truly captivating. For me, who had no experience reading Bulgakov in the 1980s, such memories become a true window into the past. This underscores the value of communication and sharing experiences across generations, allowing us to better understand the cultural context and perception of literature in different historical periods.
From the very beginning of the "Dokpals" course, we implemented support and chat to track user reactions during the training. This confirmed the trend toward cross-learning: chat has become an integral part of the educational process, alongside lectures in our bot. We've found that interacting in the chat enhances learning and fosters a deeper understanding of the topics.
In a short story covered in our course, Jerome Salinger provides numerous details that can be interpreted in various ways. In particular, he mentions a bananafish that ate 78 bananas and got stuck in a cave. The question arises: Why 78? This question remains open, and no one knows the answer. There is no authoritative source that can explain why there were so many bananas. This encourages our students to develop their own theories and speculations, which enriches the discussion and promotes in-depth analysis of the text.
In the chat, one student offered an interesting interpretation of the story about the fish that ate 78 bananas. She suggested that the fish symbolizes an American serial killer who killed 78 people, and she cited a criminal named Fish, whose biography has similarities with the plot. Another participant in the discussion noted that the Tarot deck also contains 78 cards and suggested looking for additional interpretations in the esoteric realm. Such analogies and interpretations only emphasize the richness of Salinger's text and its multi-layered nature. A screenplay based on this story was also discussed in the chat, demonstrating how fiction can be adapted and reimagined for the theater.
We believe that the learning process includes not only lectures but also active interaction between users. Communication in chats plays a key role in learning, as it creates an atmosphere for the exchange of ideas and opinions. We bring people together, providing them with a platform for joint discussion and exchange of experiences, which significantly enhances the educational process.
Growth: New Courses and B2B
Currently, our project is developing successfully. We offer four book courses and one course dedicated to creativity. We plan to create a course on mental experiments, a writing course, and a course on non-fiction literature. We're also starting to implement a B2B format, partnering with companies that want to offer courses as gifts to their employees. We also organize book clubs and creative workshops for them, which helps develop their skills and enhance creativity.
In August, we re-launched the "LithHub" course for the first time and achieved significant success, selling four times more than before. This course is our most accessible product—a small bot designed for four days. Although profits aren't in the millions, we are seeing growth and positive changes. We are finally beginning to understand how to effectively organize the process and improve results.
While I understand that difficulties may arise in the future, and perhaps we will face more "downsides" or other problems, this no longer fills me with fear. Having gone through previous trials, we have gained confidence in our abilities and know that we can overcome new challenges. We are gradually becoming more mature and experienced entrepreneurs.
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- How millennial altruism led to the transformation of career centers
- CRAFT/ED: a method that helps to come up with new ideas for courses
