[FAQ]

Hello,

I’m planning to host a 5-day paid workshop on mindfulness techniques and I’m exploring platform options. I’ve considered dedicated course platforms, but they seem quite complex and expensive for what I need.

A friend suggested just running it all through a private Telegram channel, which sounds appealingly simple. My question is, is it actually effective for a structured learning experience? How do you handle things like dripping content day-by-day, and how do you manage payments and access control for paying members?

I’m concerned it might feel a bit unprofessional or chaotic compared to a proper course platform. For anyone who has run a course or paid workshop on Telegram, I’d love to hear about your experience and setup. Was it a success?

[Jeff Bullas]

An excellent use case, as Telegram can be a surprisingly robust platform for courses.

Short Answer: Yes, it’s highly effective for courses if you structure your curriculum around a mix of content formats, using a private channel for delivery and a linked group for discussion.

Let’s design a simple course structure using the core content formats available to you.

The key to a professional experience is to assign a specific content format to each part of your course. Firstly, your core lessons can be delivered as pre-recorded video files. Keep these videos concise and focused on a single topic, then post them in your private channel. You can supplement each video with a detailed text message or, even better, a downloadable PDF document that serves as the lesson’s notes or workbook. Secondly, to ensure students are engaged, use interactive text-based formats for daily assignments or knowledge checks. Telegram’s native ‘Quiz’ feature is perfect for creating a quick, automated test after each lesson. Thirdly, you must foster a sense of community, which is best done using a linked discussion group. Here, you can host a weekly live audio chat for a group Q&A session, which feels far more personal and interactive than just typing. Use standard text chat for daily discussions and peer-to-peer support. Finally, you can keep students motivated by providing bonus content in lightweight formats, such as a daily inspirational image with a quote or a short, motivational audio message each morning.

Cheers,

Jeff

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