With the dawn of online education comes a new way for fresh graduates and current workers alike to enhance their skills and knowledge towards their dream career path. More and more people are trying out getting their education online as it gives them the flexibility of being able to study at their own schedule at the same time as being able to practice what they learn by working in the field. Someone who currently works in finance may be able to take an online course in accounting to broaden his knowledge, while also continuing his work in finance at the same time.
As most of the people who go to college would have a change of mind with regards to what they want to do with their lives in the middle of finishing a course, an online course looks ideal as it offers you some background with regards to the career path you are planning to take without long-term commitment. It is also a cheaper way to try if you really do want to take said career path. It also has the added benefit of being credited in most state universities, which means you would need shorter time to get a university degree if you do decide to go with the profession.
With all the online courses in Australia, Canada, UK and US, choosing the right one could be a confusing task. Worse, some even looks the same, so educating yourself on what to look for in an online course is an important factor in laying down the career path you want to take.
First, you should check if the online courses available interest you. If you don’t plan to work on finance and all the course they offer is finance-related, it would just be a waste of time to take such course. Unless the course you take could indirectly help you in the future or you just want an additional skill to add to your portfolio, you should choose an educational institution that offers online courses in which you are passionate about.
Second, check to see if the school and the courses that they offer are accredited. Accreditation is like a quality seal for school, those who are accredited have proven that they meet the standards set upon by regional or even national accrediting organizations. An education degree from an accredited institution would give you an advantage not only in the local job market but also internationally. You should also check the reputation of the school you are planning to take your online course in, as this usually gives you an idea on what they can, and also what they can’t offer you in terms of the quality of their educational offerings.
Lastly, make sure that the course offers a fun and enjoyable learning experience. Do a research by asking alumni and current students. Take a look at their syllabus, how they help you learn. Check to see if they offer off-campus activities related to the online course you wanted to take. Check out their website and see if they communicate with their students, how they coordinate the lectures, and how they measure your performance.
By checking all of these things, you are assured that you are going to get not only quality education but also an enjoyable experience throughout the term.
When I was in college, I took a few online courses. I took them because I had to, though. You know – they were part of my major 🙂
I love this post! I’ve had a few friends get degrees that were worth nothing, because the schools weren’t accredited.
Online learning is such a cool way to learn new skills or continue your education. It can definitely be hard to choose the right course, so thank you for sharing these tips.
I think online courses are a great resource. Good for working and busy families/
I would love to take an online course to help extend my knowledge, even if it wasn’t for actual college credit. I especially love the idea of learning another language.
This is really helpful. There are definitely some things I’d like to learn about and online courses would be new to me.
So many options these days, hard to narrow things down and figure out what is best for schooling…online or not, a lot to think about.
When I was in college, 15 years ago, online courses were just starting to be offered at my University. I took a couple summer classes that were online courses and I learned that you really have to be self disciplined to take courses online. I am now taking online courses to get another degree, and I’m still able to work my full time job (and blog) because of the flexibility that online courses offer.
Such great advice. I love that online learning is a possibility. There are some great curriculums allowing people to work AND complete their education.
This is a helpful reminder to everyone that boosting knowledge is just a computer and internet connection away. Even if it’s just a course at a time, it’s a wonderful way to feel good about continuing to learn and a nice thing to post on a resume.
I’ve taken classes online. I actually like it better than in person because I can do the work while everyone is sleeping.
I have done several online classes and really enjoyed the freedom they provide. With a family, I need the flexibility to complete assignments when I have time.
You list some great pointers here.
These days, online courses are popular and certainly here to stay.
Accreditation is incredibly important. No use in taking a course if it won’t be recognized.
It is great to learn at your own convenience in your own surroundings
Yeah, this is so important when picking classes. You don’t want to pick something that you don’t want to do or it’s a waste of money.
Online classes can definitely be tricky to choose. Definitely a fun learning environment is a HUGE plus
I’m undergraduate as I.T but sometimes I’m thinking to take a course online. So glad that you shared some smart tips.
These are great tips for taking an online course! Thanks for sharing!