What is evergreen vs. cohort-based course?

An evergreen course is one that is always available for enrollment and completion, while a cohort-based course has a specific start and end date, with participants working together through the material at the same pace.

Evergreen courses offer flexibility, allowing students to start and progress at their own pace, while cohort-based courses emphasize group learning and interaction.

Evergreen Courses:
Always Available: Students can enroll and access the course content at any time.
Self-Paced Learning: Students can work through the material at their own speed and schedule.

Continuous Enrollment: New students can join the course at any point.
Benefits: Provides flexibility, scalability, and potential for consistent revenue.
Potential Drawbacks: May be less engaging for some students due to the lack of a structured group and deadlines.

Cohort-Based Courses:
Fixed Start and End Date:
Participants begin and complete the course together within a specific timeframe.

Group Learning:
Students are encouraged to interact, collaborate, and learn from each other.

Structured Approach:
The course follows a syllabus with specific modules and assignments.

Benefits:
Enhanced engagement, knowledge retention, peer support, and a sense of community.

Potential Drawbacks:
Requires more time and effort from the instructor to manage the group, and may be less suitable for students who need flexibility.