Beta Testers Invitation: Your Role in Perfecting Our Online Course!

So, you’ve created an online course and crafted an engaging introductory lesson that sets the stage for learning. But there’s one more critical step before launching: inviting Beta Testers to provide valuable feedback. Beta testing allows you to ensure that your course materials are clear, effective, and user-friendly across diverse audiences. Feel free to adapt this guide to suit your specific needs, and please remember to credit me if sharing directly. —This blog focuses on self-directed, asynchronous online courses; however, testing your facilitated workshops is essential, too, including testing navigation information, a technology check with your team and pre-training communication processes. The following information can be applied to all contexts.

Why Beta Test?

Inviting Beta Testers provides a fresh perspective, helping you catch any issues before the official launch. Their feedback helps fine-tune navigation, lesson flow, and clarity so your learners have the best experience possible. Plus, early feedback can inform FAQs, testimonials, and other support content! This is good for sales pages and/or in the workplace; employees need a hook to generate interest and buy-in.

Expectations and Communication for Beta Testers

Beta Soft Launch Disclaimer:
To our Beta Testers – thank you for being the first to explore this course! Please note that this is a soft launch, and some sections (e.g., videos or additional content) will be added soon. We appreciate your understanding and feedback during this phase. Expected completion of edits: (insert date).

Your Role as a Beta Tester:

Review Assigned Sections: If possible, focus on your assigned sections or the entire course.
Provide Constructive Feedback: We value your honest, kind input, which helps us create a seamless learning experience.
Track Your Progress: Note how long it takes to complete each section to help us estimate course length for future users.
Complete a Short Survey: After reviewing, please take our brief, 5-minute survey to share your experience. (Link below).
Share any technical problems: Anything that was not clear or user-friendly or any technical issues. Please provide details, what device and browser you were using. We encourage you to try it on your computer, tablet and phone.

[Insert Survey Link or Start Button Image Here]

Testing your course before launching it can avoid frustrations

Timeline & Important Details

Access Duration
Let Beta Testers know how long they’ll have access to the course. This clarity allows them to schedule their review effectively.

Feedback Submission Deadline
To keep your testing process on track, set a clear feedback deadline. Consider sending reminder emails as this deadline approaches.

Contact Information
Provide an easy way for Beta Testers to reach out with questions or technical issues. Direct access to a contact ensures they don’t feel “stuck” if they encounter problems.

Survey Tips for Beta Testing
Your survey should capture key insights to enhance the course. Here are some effective survey questions:

What aspects of the course were confusing, if any?
Was the course navigation intuitive?
What did you enjoy most about the course?
Did you encounter any technical or content-related issues?

Consider segmenting the course among Beta Testers for more in-depth feedback. Once testers complete the course, you could even offer a certificate or another small reward as a thank-you for their time.

Bonus: Printing Instructions for Certificates

Upon course completion, many learners enjoy a tangible certificate. Here are some pointers to make printing smooth for everyone:

Device-Specific Printing: Each printer is unique. Beta Testers can check online resources or consult their printer’s manual for specific instructions.
YouTube Tutorials: For more guidance, YouTube offers various tutorials on printing certificates across different devices.
Print Locations: Those without access to a printer are encouraged to use a USB to save the certificate file and print it at a local print shop. Some online services even offer direct print delivery!

“Thank you to all our Beta Testers for helping make this course the best it can be. Your insights are invaluable, and we’re excited to hear your thoughts!”

Related Podcast

Hot Bonus Tip

Beta testers are an excellent opportunity to confirm that everything works as expected—different perspectives on navigation, expectations, and the course content itself.

Stay tuned

Future blog posts will include tips on creating Videos for your online course, tips on Using AI to develop training, MS Teams Tips and tricks, Hybrid contexts, eLearning course development, facilitation onsite or online considerations, and more. Email me if you have an idea for a future blog post or video tutorial.

If you missed it: Effective eLearning Introductions; Online Course Videos; New Zoom Workplace; Updated Zoom Settings; Facilitator Carry-on Bag Must Bring List; Are you losing learners? The Neurodiverse Workplace (Book Recap) Working with Clients or Vendors/Consultants

‘Virtual Facilitator Course’

Turn your audience into participants!

Plus take our Learning Types Quiz

Author

Patricia Regier, MEd is the Online Expert who’s built a career on the belief that training and online learning doesn’t have to be boring. As Owner of Regier Educational Services and with a Master of Adult Education, Patricia is known for making her audience feel empowered, engaged, courageous and confident. Her debut book and keynote, The Online Shift teaches newcomers to the online space and seasoned professionals alike how to optimize their online presence and maximize engagement. She’s tried, tested and refined using the latest behavioral science, research and psychology to make sure your next online experience is a hit!