There’s a massive shift happening in the online education space…and if you’ve been feeling a little off-kilter about what’s working (and what’s not) when it comes to courses, programs, memberships, and digital products, you’re not imagining it. The model that worked in 2020 isn’t the model that’s going to carry you through the next five years. 

Let’s rewind.

Back in 2020, we saw an explosion of cohort-based, community-centered offers. Memberships, programs, masterminds – anything that connected us to other humans while we were physically isolated at home saw a massive boom. These spaces provided support, shared identity, mutual accountability, and a sense of “we’re in this together.” And they worked because we needed them to.

But fast forward to 2021, and cohort fatigue started creeping in. People were burnt out on group chats, constant Zoom calls, and noisy communities. The pendulum swung the other way, toward self-paced courses and siloed learning. 

“Just give me the info. Let me do it on my own!” 

The only problem? Most people didn’t do it.

Self-paced courses have abysmal completion rates. 

I mean, truly terrible. 

We’re talking 2% on average. 

The accountability, structure, and support that came with community-based learning were missing and so were the results.

Cue the course hangover.

Suddenly, there was a wave of “courses don’t work” sentiment sweeping the industry. And while the demand for learning didn’t go anywhere (humans will always seek knowledge and skills), the way that demand is being met has started to shift. Again.

Here’s what’s changed:

• Buyers are more discerning than ever.
  
• Info is everywhere (thanks, AI).
  
• People don’t just want content, they want connection, implementation support, and real transformation.
  

AI Has Changed the Game – But Not the Rules

AI hasn’t killed the online course. But it has killed the “info dump” model.

You don’t need to spend hundreds on a course to learn how to do something. You can ask ChatGPT, and it’ll not only give you the steps, but it’ll build a strategy for you, tailor it to your niche, and format it like a Notion board.

Information is no longer a differentiator.

So what is?

Your experience. Your personality. Your frameworks. Your ability to hold space, build community, and help people implement what they’re learning.

People don’t want more noise, they want signal! They want leadership. They want someone who can cut through the overwhelm and help them make real progress.

That’s the gap AI can’t fill: that’s where the opportunity lies.

Where We’re Headed: The Rise of Community-Based Offers

If you’re a coach, course creator, or service provider looking to futureproof your business, the next evolution of your offers must prioritize human connection. That might look like:

• Building a community layer into your existing digital product
  
  
• Designing implementation-focused programs over information-based ones
  
  
• Shifting from static content to experiences, frameworks, and personalized support
  

And yes, it brings new challenges:

• What if you don’t love being “on” live?
  
• How do you scale a community-based offer without burning out?
  
• What does curriculum design look like in a post-AI world?
  

These are exactly the questions smart creators are asking right now.

Redesigning Curriculum for a Post-AI Era

If AI can generate your course content, what value are you bringing to the table?

It’s no longer about teaching “everything they need to know.” It’s about guiding people through how to do it. Your role becomes part educator, part mentor, part facilitator.

This means your curriculum isn’t just content – it’s a curated experience.

Your frameworks.

Your philosophies.

Your process.

Your ability to build momentum and get people taking action.

That’s the IP that can’t be copied or generated.

Scaling Doesn’t Have to Mean Sacrificing Your Sanity

Yes, a self-paced course is easier to scale on paper. But what’s the point of selling 1,000 copies of something if no one finishes it?

Community-based offers can scale when done intentionally:

• With onboarding flows that reduce overwhelm
  
• With community hosts or co-coaches who share the load
  
• With asynchronous support that allows for flexibility
  
• With implementation sprints and progress tracking baked in

The key? Don’t recreate a classroom. Create a movement.

People don’t just want access to your content. They want access to you. To your mind, your mission, your people. That’s what builds retention, results, and long-term revenue.

You Don’t Need to Burn It All Down—But You Do Need a Plan

Got digital products and self-paced courses that are still selling? Amazing. Let them keep working for you.

But also recognize: they might not always.

Futureproofing means looking at how to add human touchpoints, how to evolve your offer ecosystem, and how to build something that stands out because it’s rooted in connection and implementation.

You’re not competing with AI. You’re complementing it. You’re leading in a world where information is free—but transformation is still priceless.

So ask yourself:

• Where does your human magic shine most?
  
• How can you make your offers more implementable?
  
• How can you turn your insights into frameworks and experiences?

That’s the future of online education.

And it’s already here.

The future of online education is evolving, and staying ahead of the curve means not only adapting to changes but leading them. Volume is designed to help you navigate this shift, equipping you with the strategies to create impactful, scalable content that resonates with today’s learner and builds a community that works for you. Let’s build your next level of impact.