Online learning gives more people access to education because of its convenience. It allows those with little time to take courses that have flexible schedules. People with responsibilities that require they be at home can participate in online learning from where they need to be.
You must use critical thinking when choosing courses for online learning. Some key considerations to make about online courses include level of flexibility, degree of accountability, resources needed, credibility of the school, price, and what the learning platform is like.
This is an article to help you choose the right online courses for your needs without getting caught up in a scam or into something that doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Read on to see how critical thinking can help you choose the right online learning courses for your needs.
Who Should Choose Online Learning?
Online learning isn’t for everyone. There are some features of it that make it difficult in some ways. Below are some considerations many people don’t think about when they’re considering online learning as an option.
- Time-management is essential – The majority of online courses are self-paced. You’ll work within a time frame but when it works into your schedule. If you don’t manage your time properly, you risk not finishing the course by the deadline.
- Be persistent – Online learning comes with its own set of challenges. Some of these include technical difficulties or the lack of someone to help you understand assignments. Persistence in working through these challenges is something that is necessary for the online learning environment.
- Self-motivation is key – You must be able to self-motivate. Many courses don’t have a lot in the way of accountability. You will have to make good decisions and study as you would for any other type of class.
- Communication is important – You are responsible for reading any and all instructions for assignments and your schedule. It’s up to you to know what needs doing and when it must be done by. When you have questions, you must be clear and concise in your emails to your teacher, so you get the answers you need.
How to Choose the Right Course
Choosing the right course should not be as simple as doing a Google search for what you want to take and signing up for the first one that pops up. You need to employ your critical thinking skills to make sure you choose an appropriate course.
Let’s talk about some of the things you need to consider.
Level of Flexibility
Not all online courses are created equal. There are different kinds. Some are self-paced while others require that you attend virtual meetings with your teacher and the group.
It’s likely that you’re looking for flexibility if you’re considering online learning. Be sure to look at the type of learning environment each course consists of and if there is a virtual schedule to follow.
Degree of Accountability
We’re all different people. Some of us thrive with higher degrees of accountability. If you’re like that, you may need an online course that includes assignments which must be turned in at scheduled times along the way.
Even in a self-paced class, you might need to have completed a specified percentage of the course by an indicated date to qualify for the credit. It’s important to look for the degree of accountability that will help you be the most successful possible.
Resources Needed
When you’re shopping for online learning courses, look at what resources you’ll need to complete the course. Some online classes require certain programs, books, supplies, and even internet speeds.
Make sure you’ll have access to what you’ll need to complete the course before you sign up.
Credibility of the School
This is highly important to consider. Unfortunately, there are many online scammers. They work to get money and information out of people in many different ways.
You should only sign up to take online courses through a school or entity that you’ve verified is legit. Do some research into who is providing the courses you’re considering. You could end up losing money and wasting your time if you don’t do your due diligence up front.
Price
Before you start looking into online learning courses, decide on how much you can comfortably spend for your classes. You need to have a budget set.
Online courses, just like anything else, come with a variety of different prices. You should shop around to find a course that fits into your budget.
Learning Platform
Learning platforms for various courses come in all different fashions. Some are more technical and difficult to navigate than others. Not all learning platforms are user-friendly for those with basic levels of computer and web skillsets.
You should be able to find information about the learning platform you’ll use for each course. It’s a good idea to look at reviews from people who’ve already taken the course to see what they have to say about the user platform. This is a good way to get an idea of if it’s a good platform for you.
Critical Thinking Helps You Find the Right Course
If you consider all of the items we’ve talked about here, you’ll find the best course for your needs. Choosing the right one isn’t just about the subject matter. There are many other considerations to make.
By thinking critically about the online learning course you sign up for, you’ll save money, effort, time, and maybe even the embarrassment of failing, in some cases.
Final Thoughts
Online learning is largely convenient and flexible. It’s a great option for people who need flexibility and don’t have the time to commute to a classroom away from home.
The key to choosing the right online courses is to use critical thinking when you’re considering the options. Think through all the factors that will affect your level of success in completing the course. Choose what’s best for your needs in all areas by thinking critically about the options.
References
https://careerwise.minnstate.edu/education/successonline.html
