Читать книгу Online Learning For Dummies - Susan Manning - Страница 18

We assume you know what you want to study — for instance, you know whether it’s art history or business administration. That said, do you want to take a course or two, or do you need a degree or certificate? We ask this question because it influences how you go about finding an online course. Setting your sights on a degree means investing more time and money in the learning process. If you’re like most people, the stakes seem a little higher when money is mentioned, and you want to make the best decision.

Here are a few possibilities, and you may want to explore all four:

 If all you need is a course or two in one area: Check with your local 2-year school. Many 2-year colleges offer online courses at a fraction of the cost of traditional 4-year institutions.

 If you’re looking for a graduate level course in your professional area: Go back to wherever you earned your undergraduate degree and see whether that institution offers online courses. You already have a relationship with those folks, and you may find that the application and admission processes are streamlined.

 If you need to brush up for a career boost: Check with professional associations. More and more associations offer courses and certifications via online programs. Having an industry-recognized credential might be just what you need.

 If you have no idea where to start: Use a standard search engine to explore the possibilities at major online institutions. We deliberately avoid listing popular schools, because the landscape changes quickly! Plus, every learner needs to do their homework in terms of researching reputable, accredited programs. That said, if you find an interesting prospect, be prepared to receive solicitations the minute you submit a web based form asking for more information.

If you do a Google search, the schools listed at the top are most often for-profit schools. Be careful when it comes to for-profit schools! Many are far more interested in taking your money than in offering you a good education. Later we talk about how to look at accreditation. Top of the list may not equate to top in quality!

Jump to Chapter 4 for a more detailed explanation of the process of finding the courses and programs available online.