As the MOOC craze continues to explode, anyone interested in taking an online course faces a tricky question: Which course to take? Here are five aspects that you should consider before you start.
1)What is your learning style?
Many MOOCs are video-based. Other courses use presentation formats. Some also require participation in group work. If you want to stay motivated during your course, think about how you enjoy learning.
Are you a visual learner, preferring to use images to understand a topic? If so, a video-based course will work well for you. If you are a verbal learner who gains new information by speaking and writing, try a text-based course with lots of note-taking. Social learners, meanwhile, will thrive in forum discussions and project-based assessment.
2)Are you ready to become a full-time student?
Be realistic about the time that you can commit to your online studies. Participating in an online course can take as much time and commitment as a class-based program. Check the course requirements and make a plan around your current schedule.
3) Does the course really meet your needs?
Whether you are interested in a professional qualification or want to take a personal development course like yoga, there is a MOOC for you. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of taking lots of free courses in everything that you ever wanted to learn. Before you start a course, think about the end goal. Is the course aimed at beginners or advanced learners? Why do you need this qualification?
4) Do you need a support group?
Some people learn best from seeing how others approach the problem. If you are such as learner, you will need to supplement your online lessons with an in-person support group.
5) What kind of certification will you get?
Take time to find out what kind of certification is available upon completion of the course, and how you can prove your learning to others - for example, certificates, transcripts or digital badges.
