7 Questions to Ask before Joining an Online Course
Over the past decade or so, technology has taken over different fields and transformed them. Online Education is one such domain that has improved as a result of adding new tools to it.
In just a few clicks, it gives you the opportunity to learn a topic of your interest from an expert professional who understands the subject well. These courses also allow students from different regions to connect, interact and learn. Moreover, online courses are a better option if you tend to feel lost in a traditional classroom setup. However, before you enrol yourself into a course, here are a few questions that you must ask yourself:
1. Do you have the right motivation in you?
A typical online session does not always have a mentor to guide you through a class. In fact, you have no fellow students to wake you up in case you doze off. Only self-motivation and focus can help you get through. These courses give you the liberty to work at your own pace provided you complete the task at hand. You can also join group-learning programs that have virtual classmates for the push you need to complete the course.
2. Check the technology you’re using.
It’s never a good idea to think about joining an online course if you don’t have access to the internet or a computer for that matter. Fortunately, both, computers and Wi-Fi have become less expensive. While these are only basic requirements, every course has its own technological need. Before enrolling in a course, make sure you go through its list of essentials.
3. Is my guide/mentor qualified?
Your mentor is an important part of your learning process. He/she must know the strategies for effective teaching in the 21st century since they are responsible for driving the course in a direction where you learn to apply your knowledge. Tutors need to be well qualified and better equipped. If your guide is one of the other participants or alumni from a previous course, it’s time you reconsider your decision of joining that session. It’s also helpful to learn about your mentor before you apply for the course.
4. Will you participate more since the session is virtual?
In an online class, you can choose to remain silent and not participate as much. If this is what you’re thinking to do, then your doubts or questions will remain unattended. This platform is perfect to wipe out your fears, speak up and develop your confidence.
5. What learning method do you prefer?
Online courses are generally designed with videos and audio clips. Most students learn better listening to their guide while others remember the things they watch. There is also a third category which comprises of the ones that learn without any audio or video assistance, they are known as kinaesthetic learners. The online environment is best suited for all three kinds of learners. You just need to decide which method works best for you.
6. How many people have completed this course?
You know it’s not good news if not many have made it to the finish line of a particular course. There are chances that it might be poorly executed or it failed to build motivation in the learners to complete their course. Before you enrol into a course, do check its completion rate. If it’s low, ask your program provider for the reason and proceed with caution.
7. Will this course help me in my career?
One of the first things to do before joining a course is to have a clear idea of your learning objectives. If you are planning to take up a course after high school, you may have to attend several sessions to know how to choose a career after 10th and 12th. An online course not only requires investment in terms of money but also demands four to six hours per week on average. The experience and knowledge you gain from it must add to either your professional or personal growth.
The comfort and ease with which you learn in an online environment are noteworthy. No added costs of travelling or buying books make students opt for these courses over traditional classroom sessions.
