Imagine you're running an online coaching business and want to create a dynamic learning experience for your students. Cohort learning platforms can be a game-changer, providing an engaging environment for your students to learn and grow together. This blog will help you compare and evaluate different cohort-based learning platforms to choose the one that best aligns with your goals and enhances your students' learning experiences.
One tool that can be particularly helpful in this process is Delphi's digital clone. This solution allows you to compare and evaluate different cohort-based learning platforms, making the decision process easier and more effective.
What Is Cohort Learning?
Picture a group of learners moving through a course together. That’s cohort learning; students enroll as a group and share the same learning path and schedule. This traditional educational model thrives on the following:
- Communication
- Interaction
- Peer discussion
It’s all about creating a collaborative and dynamic experience.
The Flexibility Factor
Cohort-based learning isn’t confined to a single format. Whether it’s online, in-person, or a hybrid of the two, this model adapts to various settings. It’s like a chameleon, shifting to fit:
- Different course topics
- Employee training
- And more
This adaptability also caters to diverse learning styles, supporting multimodal learning by offering flexibility in delivering and consuming content.
Cohort vs. Self-Paced: What’s the Difference?
Cohort-based learning is all about moving together. It’s synchronous, meaning learners follow a shared schedule and interact in real time. This approach creates an engaging and interactive environment. On the flip side, self-paced learning is asynchronous. Learners progress at their own pace and schedule, which offers flexibility but often lacks the real-time interaction and support found in cohort-based learning.
Cohort Systems: More Than Just Learning
According to RL Maudin et al., cohort systems aim to support students’ social integration. Unlike MOOCs, where learners work individually at their own pace, cohort-based learning fosters community and collaboration. It’s not just about absorbing information; it’s about building relationships and connections that enhance the learning experience.
What are the Benefits of Cohort Model? Why Create a Cohort Based Learning Course
Charge More While Doing Less
Cohort-based courses let you hike up your rates. Why? Because you offer live, interactive sessions where students get real-time help from you. This personal touch makes them willing to pay more. So, instead of churning out endless courses, you can focus on fewer, high-quality offerings and still boost your revenue.
Sell Without Selling
These courses are hot right now because students love the group vibe. They get to:
- Interact
- Ask questions
- Stay motivated
If your course is well-organized and valuable, it'll practically sell itself, and you won't have to spend a fortune on ads or promotions.
Plan Without the Pain
Creating a cohort-based course is less of a headache. You don’t need to script everything ideally, like with pre-recorded classes. Instead, you plan live sessions and adapt in real time. This flexibility makes it easier to focus on engaging with students and cuts down on prep work.
Make Learning Personal
Cohort learning allows you and your students to enjoy a more personalized experience. Interaction among peers enriches the learning process, and as an instructor, you can build closer relationships. You can customize the content better to suit individual needs and the group.
Keep Students on Track
Traditional online courses often lose students because there’s no structure or interaction. The cohort model fixes this by offering a built-in community and deadlines. Students are more likely to stay committed because they’re part of a group moving through the material together.
Scale Up Without Burning Out
You can scale your business with cohort-based courses without constantly chasing new enrollments. You run specific launches for larger groups instead of selling courses one by one all year. This approach allows you to serve more students while keeping your sanity.
Control Your Calendar
Running a cohort course gives you more control over your schedule. You know precisely when you'll teach and can plan everything around it. This predictability means fewer last-minute surprises and more time to manage other parts of your life.
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What Is a Cohort Platform?
Cohort-based learning platforms are digital spaces designed to facilitate group learning experiences. They let educators manage courses where students move through the material together. This setup fosters collaboration and builds a sense of community.
The Power of Community in Cohort Courses
Unlike traditional online courses, which can feel isolating, cohort courses are interactive and immersive. They offer a structured environment where learners can support each other. This approach can be efficient for complex subjects benefitting from diverse perspectives and shared insights.
How Do Cohort Courses Drive Revenue and Simplify Marketing?
The appeal of cohort courses lies in their ability to generate increased revenue. Educators are actively involved in these programs, which justifies higher fees. Students often pay a premium for live interactions and personalized feedback.
These courses are also easier to sell. Their popularity makes marketing more straightforward. Potential students are drawn to the dynamic and inclusive nature of cohort courses. This interest translates into higher enrollment rates and increased earnings.
What Role Do Deadlines and Live Interactions Play in Cohort Learning?
Deadlines and live interactions are essential components of cohort courses. They help create a sense of accountability, often missing in self-paced courses. Learners are more likely to stay on track when they know they have a meeting or assignment due. This structure also encourages participation.
Students are more likely to engage with the material and each other when they know they will receive immediate feedback. Live interactions allow educators to address questions and provide real-time support, enhancing the learning experience.
How Do Cohort Courses Foster Stronger Relationships Between Educators and Students?
Cohort courses promote personalized teaching and strong relationships. Educators can tailor their approach to the group's needs and provide targeted feedback. This level of interaction is not possible in self-paced courses, where students are often left to navigate the material independently.
The peer-to-peer learning environment of cohort courses also fosters collaboration. Students can learn from each other and build connections beyond the course. This sense of community can be a powerful motivator and enhance the learning experience.
How Do Cohort Courses Offer Time Leverage for Educators and Learners?
Cohort programs provide time leverage by enabling more efficient scheduling. Educators can plan their sessions and reduce the need for impromptu responses. This structured approach benefits both educators and learners.
Educators can focus on delivering high-quality content and support while learners receive a more consistent and organized experience. Cohort courses can simultaneously accommodate larger groups of students, making them an attractive option for educators looking to scale their offerings.
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4 Essential Features for Cohort-Based Learning Platforms
1. Harnessing the Power of Native Features
When picking your cohort-based learning platform, think about native features as your powerhouse. The more the platform has built-in, the less you'll wrestle with third-party tools. This isn't just about saving time or money; it’s about keeping things hassle-free. Check if your platform includes:
- Live streaming
- Member profiles
Having everything in one place means your students can focus on learning and stay aware of a maze of different tools.
2. Building a Strong Community Space
Community is the magic of a cohort-based course. It’s not just about the lessons; it’s about connecting people. Your platform should be more than a classroom; it should be a meeting place. Look for features like:
- Discussion boards
- Group messaging
A dedicated community space keeps students engaged and connected long after the course ends. They’ll build relationships, share experiences, and stay involved with your content.
3. Exploring Monetization Options
Monetization is a big deal for cohort-based courses. You’re not just charging for your course but crafting a sustainable income. Look for a platform that offers diverse monetization options. Beyond one-time fees, explore recurring memberships or paid events. This allows you to create a financial structure supporting you and your students.
4. Embracing a Native Mobile App Experience
Today, everything’s about mobile. Your platform should offer a robust mobile app experience. Students need to access your course and community wherever they are. They should have easy access to your content at home or on the go. Look for platforms that support web, iOS, and Android. A mobile app reduces distractions and creates a focused learning environment for your cohort.
13 Best Cohort Learning Platforms To Create Your Course
1. Delphi
Delphi is a digital cloning platform that captures your unique style, voice, and expertise, providing a way to scale personalized one-on-one interactions. This tool is perfect for:
- Content creators
- Coaches
- Influencers
- CEOs
- Executives are looking to expand their reach without compromising authenticity.
Use Delphi to preserve your knowledge and wisdom and mass personalize communications. Delphi’s mentorship as a service allows professionals to clone themselves with audience management features.
Get started. Create your digital clone for free today.
2. EducateMe
EducateMe is a user-friendly platform designed to simplify cohort-based learning management. It offers flexible options for the following:
- Supporting Zoom and embedded Jitsi integrations
Instructors can automatically record meetings and track performance with built-in analytics, while students can provide feedback for continuous improvement. EducateMe aims for seamless collaborative learning experiences.
3. Maven
Maven was an early pioneer in cohort-based learning, showcasing renowned content creators like:
- Sam Parr
- Nir Eyal
Challenges of Using a Marketplace Platform
Maven operates as a marketplace, meaning the platform controls your data and brand, introducing competition with other content creators. Maven is best for established creators with a strong social media presence.
4. Teachfloor
Teachfloor integrates seamlessly with Zoom to support diverse courses and programs. It allows educators to earn money while expanding their online student base. Instructors can monitor performance and receive detailed reports, helping them refine teaching approaches. A user-friendly interface makes this platform a solid choice for educators.
5. Disco
Disco simplifies the creation of interactive, cohort-based courses. Course creators can easily manage applications and payments with features like:
- Unique questions
- Stripe integration
- Registration page
Zoom integration and calendar invites automate live lesson hosting, making it an efficient choice for educators.
6. Thinkific
Thinkific is a leader in creating and selling cohort-based courses. Its robust course creation tools keep students engaged, while cohort management features like:
- Bulk student additions
- Manager assignments
- Progress reports streamline training
Zoom integration allows for real-time engagement through live lessons. Built-in community features foster collaboration and support.
7. FreshLearn
FreshLearn empowers creators to build and sell courses on branded websites without coding knowledge. It supports diverse content types like:
- Masterclasses
- Cohort-based courses with Google Meets and Zoom integration
The platform encourages social interaction, fostering community and collaboration for more dynamic learning experiences.
8. Teachable
Teachable offers comprehensive tools for building and selling online courses, including cohort-based options. Its user-friendly interface features:
- Course creation tools
- Customizable landing pages
- Marketing integrations
With strong customer support and a comprehensive knowledge base, Teachable is a reliable educator choice.
9. Kajabi
Kajabi is an all-in-one platform supporting the entire online course business. Its flexible course builder and community-building tools make it ideal for cohort-based learning. Features include:
Group chats
Challenges
Leaderboards to enhance the learning experience
Built-in support for meetups and live calls to foster community engagement
10. Graphy
Graphy stands out with its unique approach to online live teaching. It includes a tool similar to Zoom and charges a flat 5% platform fee on successful course enrollments. Graphy is a practical option for educators, designed to help set up:
- Grow communities
- Monetize knowledge
11. Xperiencify
Xperiencify specializes in gamified learning, offering advanced features for engaging and fun experiences. It’s ideal for:
- Gamified cohort courses
- Adding excitement through points
- Badges
- Achievement celebrations
While it may lack traditional features like quizzes, its gamification elements make learning enjoyable.
12. Circle
Circle is a powerful community platform that can also serve as an online course platform. It offers the following features:
- Drag-and-drop curriculum builder
- Content hosting
- Drip options
However, it lacks:
- Quizzes
- Certificates
Circle fosters engaged communities around courses, offering discussion spaces, polls, group chats, and live event hosting.
13. Mighty Networks
Mighty Networks is an online community platform with course-creation capabilities. Its drag-and-drop builder supports structured courses with:
- Video
- Text
- Quiz lessons
Each course includes:
- Discussion feed
- Live events
- Group chats
This makes it a strong choice for cohort-based learning. The platform offers free and branded mobile apps for on-the-go access.
What Makes Cohort Learning So Powerful?
Global Accessibility: Breaking Down Barriers
Cohort-based learning eliminates location and schedule constraints. Learners from different continents can participate without needing to be physically present. This setup not only widens access but also promotes inclusivity.
Many platforms offer flexible pricing and scholarships, opening doors for underrepresented groups. By removing these limitations, cohort-based courses make education more accessible worldwide.
The Motivation of Shared Accountability
In a cohort, shared accountability keeps learners motivated. When you're part of a group working towards the same goal, it’s easier to stay committed. The group dynamics create a support system that pushes everyone to stay engaged and meet deadlines. This collaborative atmosphere leads to deeper learning and more meaningful connections, boosting completion rates and enhancing the overall experience.
Room for Experimentation and Growth
Cohort-based learning allows for flexibility and adaptation. Instructors can adjust their curriculum based on feedback and results, ensuring the course remains relevant and practical. This iterative process leads to continuous improvement, providing a customized experience for each group of students. This ability to grow and evolve together makes cohort-based learning so transformative.
A Structured, Focused Learning Environment
In cohort-based learning, interactions are more engaging than in traditional classrooms. Discussions, group projects, and live sessions foster deeper learning by giving everyone a chance to contribute. This structured schedule provides a clear path and specific milestones, helping learners concentrate on mastering the material without distractions. The result is a more focused and immersive learning environment.
Building a Lasting Community
Cohort-based learning is more than just taking a course; it’s about building a community of learners. This sense of belonging keeps students engaged long after the course ends, as they continue to:
- Interact with peers
- Share insights
- Support one another
These ongoing connections turn short-term courses into long-term relationships, making the learning experience educational and deeply fulfilling.
Key Factors To Consider When Selecting the Best Cohort-Based Platform for You
Organizing Your Cohort: Essential Management Tools
Managing your group efficiently is crucial when running a cohort-based course. Look for platforms that offer tools to:
- Group students
- Keep track of their progress
- Communicate easily
These platforms should let you create sub-groups within a cohort. This way, you can tailor interactions and ensure that students get the support they need as they move through the course together.
Hosting Interactive Learning: The Need for Live Sessions
Cohort learning thrives on interaction, and live sessions are a key part of that. Your platform should support live classes directly or through a tool like Zoom. Live sessions keep students engaged and allow for real-time questions and discussions. They’re a core element of the cohort experience, helping to build a sense of community and shared learning.
Fostering Connection: Community Spaces for Every Cohort
Community is a big part of cohort-based courses, so you’ll need a platform to create spaces where students can interact. These spaces should be separate for each cohort, allowing students to collaborate and engage with one another. A strong community element will enhance the learning experience, making it more interactive and supportive.
Enhancing Learning: Additional Tools and Features
Depending on your needs, you might want to look for platforms that offer extra features like:
- Group assignments
- Peer reviews
- Group chats\
These tools can enrich the learning experience, providing more opportunities for interaction and collaboration. They’re not essential for every course but can add depth to the learning process.
Create Your Own Digital Clone With Delphi Today
Imagine multiplying your presence while keeping your unique style and voice intact while reaching countless individuals. With Delphi, this isn’t just a dream; it’s a reality. This digital cloning platform allows coaches, influencers, executives, and content creators to replicate their expertise across various channels.
Delphi ensures that your wisdom is preserved and personalized, whether you’re:
- Texting
- Calling
- Video calling
Enhanced Audience Management With Digital Clones
The platform offers audience management features like:
- Mass messaging
- Conversation hopping
- Alerts
- Analytics
By creating your digital clone, you can streamline your communication strategy without sacrificing the personal touch.
Cohort-Based Learning Platforms: A Powerful Tool for Collaborative Growth
Cohort-based learning platforms are revolutionizing how we acquire knowledge online. By grouping learners, these platforms facilitate collaboration and interaction, allowing participants to learn from each other’s experiences.
This approach encourages engagement and fosters a sense of community among learners. Also, cohort-based learning platforms often incorporate features like:
- Live sessions
- Peer feedback
- Project-based assignments\
These features further enhance the learning experience. By leveraging these tools, coaches and content creators can deliver more impactful and meaningful experiences for their audiences.
Embrace the Future of Mentorship With Delphi’s Scalable Solutions
Mentorship has always been an integral part of personal and professional development. However, traditional mentorship models can be limited by time and availability constraints. With Delphi, these limitations are a thing of the past.
The platform’s mentorship-as-a-service model allows knowledge-based professionals to clone themselves, enabling them to reach more people simultaneously. This approach benefits mentors by freeing up their time and providing mentees with valuable insights and guidance. By embracing this scalable solution, you can ensure your expertise is accessible to those who need it most.
Enhance Audience Engagement With Delphi’s Advanced Features
Maintaining audience engagement is crucial for any online business. Delphi’s advanced features make it easy to keep your audience interested and invested in your content. With mass messaging capabilities, you can send personalized communications to large groups of people at once.
This feature is handy for:
- Sharing updates
- Announcements
- Important information\
Delphi’s conversation-hopping feature lets you jump into ongoing discussions and provide real-time feedback or support. Utilizing these tools can create a more dynamic and interactive experience for your audience.
Use Analytics and Data to Inform Your Content Strategy
Analytics and data play a critical role in shaping your content strategy. Delphi’s platform provides valuable insights into your audience’s behavior and preferences, allowing you to tailor your content accordingly.
This information can help you:
- Identify trends
- Understand what resonates with your audience
- Make data-driven decisions about your content
By harnessing the power of analytics, you can create more engaging and relevant experiences for your audience, ultimately driving more tremendous success for your online coaching business.