How to Find Online Classes

The Internet has made education more convenient and cost effective. Students can learn everything from accounting to zoology by taking an e-learning class. Online education offers many advantages to a traditional classroom setting. Students can “go to class” any day and time and work at their own pace. There are a large number of distance education providers that include state universities, community colleges, and education companies. It's important to carefully research the distance education options to ensure you select a reputable e-learning provider.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Before you register for an online class, consider if you're comfortable with distance education. E-learning is best for people who prefer to work independently at their own pace and have good time management skills. The Web site Elearners.com has an article and quiz to help you determine if an online class is a good fit for your learning style.

2. Begin your research with the local university and/or community college. Many brick-and-mortar institutions offer for credit and non-credit e-learning courses. There is a potential benefit to taking a class from a local school— the school may offer a lower in-state tuition rate.

3. Check with the local library. Some libraries partner with educational companies to offer non-credit e-learning courses on popular topics such as computer skills.

4. Search the Internet for distance education classes. Pick two or three Web sites that offer the course you wish to take and compare the curriculum, textbook requirements, course length, homework assignments, time expectations, cost and instructor qualifications.

5. When you seek an online vocational or college degree program, check to see if the school is accredited. There are several national and regional accreditation agencies in the United States. The United States Department of Education Web site provides detailed information about distance learning accreditation.

Tips & Warnings

• Some e-learning students may feel isolated by learning on their own. Many distance education providers offer chat rooms and message boards. Take advantage of these options so you can meet other students.
• Don’t go it alone if you run into trouble. Email your instructor to ask questions.
• A potential pitfall to distance education is the tendency to procrastinate and get behind on assignments. After you register for class, write down due dates on your calendar and schedule study time.

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