Flexible Classes

There are four types of classes to make use of in Steppit. Each provides a unique way to release your course material and mentor your students. They are Personal, Flexible, Intake and Open.

Here we’ll be diving into the Flexible type, with a useful user case from Happy Babies Doulas.

Summary: Small classes, instant access

With ‘Flexible’ classes, content is accessible from the start, and students can post their work to receive feedback and message their class. Perfect for fast-paced classes or students seeking flexibility.

‘Flexible’ type features:

• Instant-access course content – All units are unlocked from the course start date
• Private posting feed –  includes a photo upload posting feed shared only with that class
• Class chat – group chat private to the class and mentor to student direct messages
• Limited spaces – up to 40 students per class
• Higher level of teacher support required – Instant access makes student progress less predictable.

Pros

• High opportunity for learner engagement in a private posting feed and group chat
• Instant access to all the course content gives learners flexibility and means they can fast-track the course, completing it at a faster pace than week-to-week if that suits them

Cons

• Because the course doesn’t run on a week-by-week schedule, students may be less consistent with their progress, which may mean you have unpredictably quiet or busy periods when providing them support and feedback.

Use Case

Happy Babies Doulas are antenatal specialists that offer a 40-week course for expecting moms and dads. They use the Flexible class type, giving open access to all their clients who enroll because, of course, everyone has a different due date and therefore slightly different requirements and timelines for moving through the course content as they await the arrival of their tiny tot!

Happy Babies Doulas open multiple classes every 3 months on their Bump to Birth course and group their clients into classes subject to geographical location, in the hope that those who live near each other may be able to form a friendship further than the virtual classroom as they move into new parenting life. There is a limit of 15 couples per class, which is what the organization has found a happy balance of not too big and not too small! A doula is allocated per class.

The group chat is used to share frequently asked questions along the pregnancy and birth journey but mainly as a social place to get to know each other, and build relationships; sharing hopes and plans for their birth experience and beyond.

The direct channel is used between each couple and the doula where the couple is coached towards their bespoke birth plan as they progress through the course. After completion of each unit, the doula answers any questions and reassures them on their journey.

After the birth of the babies, each couple can finish the final post-natal unit and opt to have a post-birth consultation on their private chat. When all couples have finished, the class is closed and a WhatsApp group formed for those who wish to continue their new-found friendships moving forward.