How to Choose the Best Online Course for You in 7 Steps (A Guide)
Covid-19 has hiked up the demand for online courses in 2022. Increasing demand has multiplied the number of online courses available out there.
According to ReportLinker, Global E-learning Market is forecast to reach $457 Billion by 2026.
With so many options to pick from, how will you know which course is the best choice for you?
Here’s a 7-step guide to help you choose the best online course.
Step 1: Decide your Criteria
An online course that does not bring you desired results is the last thing you’d want.
This is why figuring out your criteria is a must-do.
How to decide your criteria?
Ask yourself two questions:
- What do I want to learn?
- Why do I want to learn it?
What are you looking to learn?
The First Question indicates a topic or skill that interests you.
This can range from a broader and introductory perspective to a more narrowed down topic.
what kind of topic should you choose?
Here’s how to find out:
If you’re a beginner at something:
An online course that covers basic concepts from a wider perspective is your go-to option.
If you’re already experienced at something:
In this case, you already understand the basics of the topic.
This means you’re in search of something more specific to learn about.
This can be a sub-topic of a particular subject.
In this case, go with an online course that focuses on a specific aspect of a broader field of study.
Why do you want to learn it?
Figure out what you want to achieve after completing the online course.
Have a clear vision of your goal.
Why is this necessary?
It is because the way you learn influences your desired result.
And how to ensure this?
A great way of ensuring is to make sure the learning outcomes of the online course is in line with your goal.
Step 2: Decide your Budget
How much money can you invest in an online course?
Answering this will help you choose the best online course, within a price range that you can afford.
How will you decide your budget?
Two factors to look at before coming up with a budget are:
- The amount of money that you can invest in an online course.
- The future value of your choice.
How much can you afford for an online course?
Here’s how to find out:
Calculate an estimate of your monthly expenditure and savings.
An online course is affordable if it does not disrupt your regular expenses.
When investing in an online course, it is necessary to have an idea of its future value.
Here’s how to find out the future value of your investment:
Ask yourself: How will this online course benefit me in the future?
If an online course is about learning an income skill:
The benefits of an online course can be in the form of an increased income or a return on your investment.
For any other kind of online course:
Its benefit is about making something easier for you to understand or perform.
Step 3: Determine Which Learning Style Works the Best for You
The way you learn something influences how well you can remember it.
Every person has different learning styles.
Some prefer learning from visual content, while others prefer learning through listening.
According to the VARK model, there are 4 types of learning styles:
- Visual learning (Video lectures, pictures and diagrams)
- Auditory learning (Learning through listening)
- Reading and Writing (Reading and taking notes)
- Kinesthetic learning (Learning through performing)
Have an idea of what learning style suits you the best. This will help you learn faster.
You can try different methods at first. Then, stick with the one that feels efficient.
Step 4: Review the Course Content Thoroughly
Course content refers to what is inside the course.
No two online courses, even on the same topic, will have the same content.
Choose an online course having content that suits your needs.
Here’s how:
While reviewing the course content, look out for these two factors:
What does the online course contain?
A good online course comes with course content that:
- Gives you a crystal-clear idea of the topic you’re learning about,
- Is relevant to your goals.
How is the course content presented?
The content of the online course is well presented if:
- It breaks downs complex concepts into simple chunks of ideas,
- Uses online platform tools to make it easier for the student to understand.
If all these factors are present, they indicate that the course content is the best fit for you.
Step 5: Determine the Course Instructor’s Qualification
Who is teaching the course is just as important as what is being taught.
It is because the knowledge of the course instructor directly influences your learning experience.
Here’s how you can find out if the course instructor is qualified to teach the subject:
Check whether the instructor’s educational background aligns with their teaching role:
If the online course deals with an academic subject, the relevant educational background of the course instructor assures the quality of the course.
Does the course instructor have the necessary practical experience?
Let’s face it: nobody teaches something better than someone who has done it themselves.
This is why it’s essential to verify the quality of the experience of the instructor.
This factor is a must-have, especially if the online course is about learning technical skills.
Determine the instructor’s quality of interaction:
Check how the course instructor communicates their knowledge.
Does the way they’re explaining something make you feel engaged?
Does the way of their interaction sit well with you?
This is a necessary step in the process of decision-making.
It’s because the more engaged you are, the better the learning outcome is.
Here’s how you can find this out:
- Watch a demo video of the online course.
- Search for the instructor elsewhere on the web.
This will help you determine both the quality of the course content and the instructor’s level of interaction.
Step 6: Check if the Online Course is Convenient for You
No online course is good enough if it’s not convenient for you.
Check whether the online course provides you with an adaptable learning environment.
What makes this essential?
Flexibility is one of the key factors why students take up online courses.
This is why an online course should not come in the way of your commitments.
Here’s a good way of ensuring this:
- Check whether the online course is self-paced.
- If not, check if the course schedule sits well with your daily duties.
The general rule of thumb is:
The more control you have over navigating through an online course, the more convenient it is, for you.
Step 7: Determine what People are Saying About the Online Course
Last but not least, check the reviews of the online course.
What are people saying about the course?
Determining this can help you verify its quality.
However, people choose the same course for different reasons.
Keeping that in mind, read an online review from a logical outlook.
Conclusion
Before diving into the sea of choices, remember this:
Every decision ultimately boils down to one key factor- your ability to make the most out of it.
Did you find this blog post helpful?
Is there anything else you think is important?
Let us know in the comments below!
