How to choose the right online course
With the surge in edtech, VCs are betting big on it. With all the hype around the edtech industry and Professionals looking around to invest time and money behind an online course, here are few tips which an individual should consider before opting for an online course.
1. Keeping the end goal in mind
With the wide range of options available, the first thing before researching for an online course/degree should be to keep the end goal in mind. People generally take up an online course with the following aspirations
- Up-skilling and job change
- Shift of industry
- Migration to a different country
- Quest of learning something new
If the why is clear, it will become much easier to decide on a course and start with the learning process. If you are new to this online learning ecosystem, you can go for a shorter duration course, saving time, energy, and money. You will be able to gauge your measuring outcomes and be better equipped to make a decision regarding a more long duration course.
2.Accreditation
A large section of MOOCs does not hold credits. This might not be an essential factor for certificate courses but a significant factor for online degrees. Accreditation will directly help the employers and institutions know the credibility of the course. Chances of earning useful education are better, resulting in a higher probability of landing a job afterward. Most accrediting entities and organizations do not recognize online colleges and universities generally offer course work, and degrees are not based on a proper academic assessment. Courses taken and degrees earned from nonaccredited schools often are not valid. Accredited online courses would come with a specific price point; however, it will be a better trade-off in the long run.
3. Cost and payment models
This is one of the crucial factors. There are options of zero-cost EMI and subscription models that make it pocket-friendly for the learner. If the course is a fixed duration course, one should go with an EMI option, if the course has a variable duration and if the learner can project to complete it before the end, then he/she must opt for a subscription-based model which can help them save a few bucks. The subscription model can help you save anywhere between 10–30% of the course fees.
4.Learning Pedagogy
Pedagogy, in simple ways, is the method of teaching. This, by large, influences the learning outcomes derived from the course. Courses are designed through experiential learning, making sure that students apply the same in different real-life scenario-based case studies and theoretical and conceptual understanding. To get more clarity before enrolling, the learner should research this from the course brochure, website, company spokesperson, alumni, etc.
5.Profiles of the instructors
The experience and delivery by the instructor/tutor would define and derive the learning experience of the entire course. The profiles of the instructors should match your end goal. If you wish to upskill, and an industry veteran is delivering the course, it would be an ideal case. Similarly, if you want to go into academia, the instructor should have an excellent research background to suit your end goal.
6.Networking opportunities cohort size and P2P interactions
Networking opportunities and cohort size go hand in hand. The bigger the cohort size, you would build more contacts via the various networking events that will add on to your professional circle. Apart from this, different course-based peer-to-peer interactions would be a great bet as this would make sure you gain some soft skills and the subject matter knowledge. Practices like peer review of assignments, monthly zoom catchup with the cohort to discuss the course’s whereabouts, sharing aspirations, having closed LinkedIn, Whatsapp Groups will be of great help.
7.Flexibility
Finally, since you would be doing this alongside your job, it must be flexible enough so that you have a happy learning time. You can ask the following set of questions to the spokesperson
Will there be any recording provided of the live lectures?
Are there any exams?
How is the course timed, and how many hours need to be put in?
You should ask for the completion rate, which would be in direct correlation to the flexibility of the course? The percentage completion rate and the percentile distribution of marks/grades would help you understand the flexibility.
