Updated Noobs course introduction screencast

I’ve revamped the WordPress for Noobs course introduction screencast. When I created the first one, the course didn’t exist. Since we’re at the end of Week 6 as I write this, I’m now able to take people behind the scenes to show how the course actually works.

Updated Noobs course outline

Now that we’re in the middle of Week 6 of the Jan/Feb WordPress for Noobs course, I’ve updated the Noobs Course Outline page to more accurately reflect what actually has happened.

I’ve added a column for weeks (Week 1, Week 2, etc) to show what gets delivered and when.

Registration now open for March-April WordPress for Noobs

Registration closed last week for the first WordPress for Noobs course (Jan-Feb 2011). Yes, I let a few stragglers in the e-door even after the class had begun.

Given that Noobs 1 is going well, with the technical components humming along, I’ve decided to offer WordPress for Noobs again, starting March 14 and running through May 6. You may now enroll.

Noobs course begins with 35 participants

The first WordPress for Noobs course is now into its second week with a rowdy group of 35 participants. All’s working well with the integration of two big WordPress plugins to make the course happen:

  • Wishlist Member which handles the registration, integration with PayPal, and membership management
  • Simple:Press which provides the discussion forum for the course (screenshot on the right)

I’m using GoToWebinar to host a live Q&A webinar for the class each week, and Camtasia Studio to produce two screencasts (how-to videos) each week, hosted at Screencast.com.

Access to the Noobs materials for one year after the course is over

I’ve had several people ask me if course participants will have access to the modules, especially the screencasts/tutorial videos, when the course is over.  I put that question on the Noobs course FAQ page about a month ago, but I waffled on the answer, as I was unsure whether to offer a monthly or annual membership option.

I’ve now decided against that, as I don’t think I’d be able to provide enough ongoing value to warrant charging for it.

So although the web forum area will close at the end of the course, enrollees will have access to the screencasts/tutorial videos (and any other module content) for a year (March 1, 2012).

Affiliate program added

I’ve added an affiliate program for Your Thick Skull so that anyone can earn a commission for referring someone who signs up for an online course.  Registration is free. After signing up, you will be supplied with a range of banners and textual links that you can place within your site or email to people. When a user clicks on one of your links, they will be brought here to YTS and their activity will be tracked by the affiliate software. If the user makes a purchase, you will earn a commission.

The affiliate program is now in effect for the WordPress for Noobs course.

Noobs FAQ page added

I’ve added a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for the WordPress for Noobs course.

Noobs starting date changed to January 10

Due to the holidays and numerous requests, I’ve changed the dates for the WordPress for Noobs course.

It will still be eight weeks, but starting January 10 and running through March 4, 2011.

Liftoff! WordPress for Noobs

I’ve opened up registration for WordPress for Noobs, the first online course offered here at Your Thick Skull (YTS).

I’ve blogged about it in more detail at Wigley and Associates, though that’s a bit of a rehash of the YTS About page.

I’m psyched!

Coming soon: Your Thick Skull

Your Thick Skull is my new site to help people learn stuff (mainly things I’ve been learning myself) through online courses, but with this twist:

I’m a bit of a smart-ass coach.

If you’re the tender-hearted, easily-offended type, it’s probably best to go elsewhere. I’m not mean but I can be a bit blunt. And I try to have fun at this which for me involves… well, you’ll just have to see.

I may be offering some courses on the technical use of social media tools (blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)  since I’ve been doing that on a consulting basis for many years (see my business site, Wigley and Associates). Likewise, a course on how people in leadership positions can use these social media tools.

But I’ve got other course ideas I’m exploring, some of which would involve teaming up with other content experts.

If you’ve somehow stumbled your way here and things aren’t quite ready, subscribe to the RSS feed for this blog as I’ll be posting updates here regularly.

Whatever the content I’ll be offering here, I look forward to helping you get it through Your Thick Skull.

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Instructor and Coach: Griff Wigley

Griff Wigley, Instructor and Coach, Your Thick Skull

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