When it comes to picking the right online course, there are so many choices.
Thousands of programs, subjects, and courses can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Choosing the wrong one wastes your time, your money, and your motivation to learn.
The online learning industry is booming – in fact, it’s grown 900% since 2000, and it shows no sign of slowing down.
The good news?
With a simple course selection process, finding the perfect online course is simple.
In this post, I’m going to share the framework I use to help me pick the right learning programs.
Let’s jump right in…
What You’ll Learn:
- Why Choosing the Right Course Is So Important
- A 5-Step Process for Course Selection
- The Course Red Flags
- The Final Decision
Why Choosing the Right Course Is So Important
Choosing the right course is all about getting results.
Here’s the issue. The average online course has a completion rate of between 10-15%. In other words, most people who sign up never complete the program they start.
Imagine that…
You start a course, but it’s the wrong fit for your learning style, schedule, or goals. Motivation fades quickly. Without momentum, that shiny new course gets buried on your bookmarks list.
Online education has created new learning opportunities. A quality learning platform can help people grow their careers, gain new skills, and learn at a time that’s convenient for them. But only if the right courses are chosen.
For that reason, course selection deserves time and attention. Choosing the wrong course is a waste of resources. Choosing the right one is a door opener.
The 5-Step Process for Course Selection
There’s no guesswork required when it comes to finding the right online course.
Use this 5-step course selection process to make informed decisions every time.
Step 1: Define Clear Learning Goals
First things first: Be clear on what success looks like.
Blurry goals create fuzzy results. Instead of a broad goal like “learn marketing,” be specific. Try something like, “master how to run Facebook ad campaigns for my small business.”
Ask yourself: What is the skill gap I’m looking to fill? How will I use this knowledge? What would make this course a worthwhile investment?
Put specific goals in writing. That creates a filter for evaluating all of the other courses you look at. If it doesn’t directly help you achieve those goals, it’s not the right choice.
Step 2: Assess the Learning Format
Not all online courses are created equal.
Online learning options are broken down into a variety of formats that match different schedules and learning styles. The main categories include self-paced video courses, live virtual classes, cohort-based learning programs, and blended learning models.
Self-paced video is the most flexible but requires self-discipline. Live classes hold learners accountable and provide real-time interaction. Cohort-based programs create a sense of community, deadlines, and structure.
Match the learning format to available time, learning style, and whether you need external motivation. A self-paced format might be a perfect fit for someone with a full-time job. A live session schedule could be ideal for a procrastinator.
Step 3: Evaluate the Instructor’s Credentials
The instructor is critical.
Look for the real-world expertise an instructor brings to the table. Do they have a successful track record in the industry they’re teaching? How much relevant experience do they have?
Seek evidence of: Industry expertise, student reviews, sample teaching style (many learning platforms provide course previews), and instructor’s ongoing involvement with the subject matter.
Great practitioners don’t always make great teachers. Review samples of lessons where possible. Does the instructor have a teaching style that you respond to? Is the information presented clearly and engagingly?
Step 4: Review Course Structure and Content
Go into any online course commitment with your eyes wide open.
High-quality courses should feature: Defined learning objectives for each module, a logical learning path that takes you from beginner to advanced, practical exercises or projects, and some form of assessment or feedback.
Read the course syllabus carefully. Does it cover the topics that are important to you? Is there an overload of fluff content? How up-to-date is the information?
If you’re learning a technical subject, out-of-date content can become a problem. Verify when a course was last updated.
Step 5: Consider Support and Community
Learning in isolation is difficult.
The most effective online learning programs include some sort of support resources. That could mean Q&A with the instructor, a community forum, peer groups, or dedicated support staff.
Course communities are often what distinguish the good from the great. If you can ask questions, share your learning, and learn from others on the same journey, you will do better.
Review what’s included with each course. Some learning programs only offer a bare-bones collection of video content. Others create rich ecosystems for learning.
The Course Red Flags
Before you commit to any online course, keep an eye out for the following red flags.
- Unrealistic promises – Look for testimonials and results not overnight success and guarantees. Real learning takes time.
- No preview content – Reputable instructors stand behind their course material. If you can’t sample the content ahead of time, proceed with caution.
- Outdated reviews – Testimonials from several years ago don’t accurately reflect a course. Seek out recent student feedback.
- Hidden costs – Some programs advertise a low entry price and then upsell later. Be aware of complete costs before you buy.
- No refund policy – Legitimate courses offer some form of money-back guarantee. It’s a sign of confidence and protects you as a learner.
Making Your Final Decision
After you’ve done some research, comparison is key.
Create a simple chart that compares the top three courses you’re considering. Rate each one based on how well they stack up in the following areas: goal alignment, format match, instructor quality, content depth, support options, and price value.
Don’t fall victim to the paralysis of analysis. At some point, you have to make a decision and commit. There’s no such thing as the perfect course. Plenty of great ones out there will meet your needs.
One final tip is to start small when possible. Introductory courses or free trial periods let you sample the water before committing to a comprehensive and often expensive program.
Flexibility is another critical component. Studies show that 85% of students say online courses help them balance work and family commitments. Choose a program that can be learned around existing schedules instead of overhauling a learner’s entire life.
Wrapping Things Up
Picking the right course requires more than an impulse click.
By understanding your learning goals, assessing the learning format, evaluating the instructor’s credentials, reviewing course structure and content, and prioritizing strong support and community, choosing courses is a manageable process.
As a reminder:
- Get specific about your learning goals first.
- Match the course format to your learning style.
- Verify the instructor credentials and teaching ability.
- Check the course structure and freshness of content.
- Prioritize online courses with a strong support system.
The online learning landscape provides a wealth of opportunity for people to develop new skills and grow their careers. But those opportunities only become realities when the process of course selection is given the attention it deserves.
Choose wisely, and the right course can truly transform career opportunities and open new doors.
