Want to run an Online Program? Learn from the HCL Foundation!

I recently finished a 12-week online course on Corporate Social Responsibility offered by HCL Foundation . This is the 9th batch, with around 300 registrations, free. It was an amazing experience. Why so? Well, I will tell you. And also hope all who offer such courses, both paid or free, can look at them for some learning. I will just list 10 which stand out:

1.?????? A smooth learning platform with just a couple of glitches at the very beginning (https://www.hclfacademy.org/)

2.?????? A clear outline of the course with dates, and prepopulated content for the first session as soon as the portal opens.

3.?????? For each class, a preparatory recorded video of the class pre circulated so that all can come prepared. Post-class, the recording of the class is shared with the deck used, as well as all the documents (from MCA, Foundation, and other organizations).

4.?????? The sessions are always attended by faculties – Dr. Surabhi Yadav and Nikhil Pant. Being from the corporate and NGO sides, they bring both perspectives. And yes, all the questions are encouraged, and all of them are answered. Participants are also encouraged to contribute (not there in many other courses), and in case there is no answer, it is taken up in the next class.

Having taken many classes myself in various capacities, and being a lifelong student, I can say with confidence that what separates the good teacher from the bad is their ability to constructively engage with the class. It requires domain knowledge, and communications skills – not easy.

5.?????? Regular quizzes with closing dates, and as gates for next modules – attempt with minimum score. All quizzes have two options, but the score will be the average of the two – a smart move.

6.?????? Having said that, the idea is not for folks to drop-offs. Exceptions are accommodated, so that all well-meaning ones can complete the course.

7.?????? Guest faculties as necessary. And real documents on topics like CSR policies, MCA guidelines, or penalties during the class – building credibility as well as teaching how to look for them when needed.

8.?????? Final examinations, including a mock one, give an exposure to what to expect. A session completely dedicated to how to prepare for the final exam, and another one on summarization of the entire course.

9.?????? A live Zoom and WhatsApp support before and during the final exam. We know many of us get the jitters when we face a question paper, even if it is a free course.

10.?? And of course, the LIVELY WhatsApp group, which was created at the very beginning, along with the faculties, was vibrant all the time.

We know what WhatsApp groups turn into, hundreds of comments and questions from folks who are just too agitated, or too lazy to solve themselves.

Each of these was answered painstakingly, with passion and content, by the faculty, and fast too. This is an exception.

?A big thank you to the entire team. I learned a lot, and not just about CSR. And I am sure many can benefit from this too. If so how? Well, join the next batch when it is open.