How to Find a Good Online Education Course

Online education is coming of age, and schools, universities and even individuals are offering courses. Today, you can learn to cook like a professional chef in the privacy of your own kitchen or craft the perfect mystery novel under the tutelage of an expert author all in online education classes. Before spending your hard-earned dollars, make sure the course you sign up for is top quality and suits your needs.

Difficulty:

Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Laser Printers
• Internet Access
• Computers

1. Decide what you are after in an online education course. These courses offer very different results, from bachelor's and master's degrees to certificates of completion.

2. Choose a source that is respected in the field you want to study. For example, when thinking of cooking, think Le Cordon Bleu, Martin Yan and Cook's Illustrated.

3. Look at the syllabus and any pre-course materials you can view before enrolling and paying any money. Determine if the course is going to cover everything you expected.

4. Answer questions like how much contact you will have with the teacher, who is the teacher, and what are his or her credentials? Will there be any opporunity for one-on-one conversation with your instructor, and are you comfortable with the amount of time that the institution will be investing in your education?

5. Weigh the cost of the course against any benefits you expect to receive. If this one course will cost more than an entire degree program at a non-virtual entity, consider whether the convenience is worth the cost.

6. Check out the institution offering the course to see if the program is accredited or licensed. In the US, the Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) can help with public education institutions, and the Better Business Bureau may be able to give you information on private institutions.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask to be given a complete list of costs involved in the program. Make sure this list includes any textbooks, materials, equipment, certification testing or additional costs needed for completion of the program.

• Make sure this is a subject you are interested enough in to study faithfully. Online courses offer little or no supervision, so you must be committed to finishing the course if you want to stay on track.

• Don't expect credits from online courses to be honored everywhere. If you plan to apply these credits in a specific place or situation, it is best to check their regulations regarding applicable knowledge and credits before investing your money.