Cultus
Online education is attracting more and more attention worldwide due to its flexibility and availability. Nowadays, major institutions proudly offer a variety of courses ranging from technology to administration. Since the competition is huge, it’s very easy to get lost going through numerous offers. How do you make sure you choose a high quality course that’s just right for you? We’ve put together tips that will help you make the right decision.
State your goal
Before you even start looking at endless lists of courses, you need to answer one simple question – what is it that you really want to achieve? Do you want to finally land the promotion you’ve been waiting for? Or maybe you want to build new skills or just broaden your horizons? Whatever reasons you have, you need to set a clear goal, so that you are not disappointed at the end of the course. High quality course providers offer free advice from admission counselors, so if you are having a hard time deciding, just write an e-mail or chat online with a trained career adviser.
Carefully read the syllabus
Every course provider is obliged to publish a syllabus containing the topics of consecutive classes together with detailed descriptions of topics covered during each class. Read it carefully and assess if the presented material meets your expectations and will help you reach your goal. Find out how many classes the course covers and remember that if the syllabus doesn’t seem to satisfy your educational needs, neither will the course itself.
Check out the institution
After you’ve decided on a specific course, it is advised to research the institution. Check if your course provider has been accredited by a respected agency. Also, look up online reviews and opinions, which will help you determine if the institution is trustworthy.
Value for money
Let’s talk about money now. You need to make sure that admission costs won’t hinder your finances more than expected. Inquire about all costs of the course, but also research the prices of additional materials. Check if you will have to buy your own textbooks,or if they will be provided by the institution.
Get the facts straight
Last, but not least, contact the course provider to inquire about the information flow and feedback. Find out what technology is necessary to go through the course without any trouble. It is important to know how the course provider will distribute necessary materials. You should be aware that during the course you might be asked to submit papers or take part in online discussions. You may need to take weekly quizzes or midterm tests as well, so find out how the assignments will be distributed and then submitted.
It’s no secret that choosing a high quality online course and collecting all necessary information is crucial when going for distance education, but we hope that with these tips you will be able to make the right decision more easily.
Kelly Smith is a dedicated tutor and writer. Currently, she develops her passion at Career FAQs, one of the leading providers of career and educational resources in Australia, where she provides career advice for students and job seekers.