The World Of Online Courses -- Should You Go For It?

After a two-year break from her career, Yana was looking for work; her previous company was ready to take her on board, but she was keen to change her technology and domain--something the firm was not ready to oblige with.

She enrolled in a two-week online program and sent out applications with a new set of skills. She was chosen by a startup! She was back in action, and quite delighted at how online courses helped her.

Rajeev, however, was in shock when he realized that his post graduation degree is of no use, as many companies are inclined to hire a candidate who has done a full-time course and not through distance or online learning. He often regrets his decision!

So, should one go for an online course or not? Let’s dive in to find out.

Online Learning?

The biggest advantage of online learning is, learning anytime, anywhere, at your pace. One could enroll for an online course when:

• He/she is not able to enroll for a full-time/part-time course because of time constraints.

• He/she is looking to learn something very specific--like a language, a technology, etc.

• He/she has money constraints. As compared to the full-time and part-time courses, online courses are still cheaper.

• He/she needs to brush up on their skills after a certain gap.

Nidhi Choudhary, a working mother from Bengaluru, says: “Yes, I would go for online courses as it could help me stay up to date with technology without compromising with my family time or work.”

Are these Courses reviewed or authorized by any education board?

The most crucial point to be considered before enrolling in these courses is whether they are approved/reviewed by any education board. With content and free tutorials available online, it may not be hard for people to offer you that and ask for a fee.

Nidhi says, “I think they should be approved by the education boards, as we can see in the case of Indira Gandhi National Open University and Symbiosis.”

Pradeep Chopra, the founder of DigitalVidya which offers Digital Marketing courses, talks about his firm: “Yes, all of our digital marketing courses offered are in exclusive association with Vskills, a Govt. of India initiative.”

Do the firms consider online courses as a valid entry point?

Yes and No. Yes, because the short-term courses such as for Java or for learning French would be more like a certification [that may come with an expiry date] and are seen positively by firms.

However, the MBA/PG courses done via distance or online learning are still not considered as a valid entry point for many firms.

On asking Nidhi whether she would hire a candidate who has done an online course, she says: “Yes, they have been designed to support an individual who is not willing to take a break from their work; so it shows a diversification in his personality. That’s surely an added advantage.”

Pradeep says, “Yes, given the reputation of Digital Vidya and Vskills, participants of our programs are preferred for hiring by agencies and brands across India.”

The difference between distance learning and online learning?

Distance Learning is where the student and the institute may be present at different locations--the study material is sent through post. Many institutes also offer online access to teachers to enable students to clear their doubts. The candidate may have to reach the institute to appear for the exams, or could also submit it online [depending upon the institute].

On the other hand, in Online Learning, students can access classes, lectures, and study material through the web. Even assignment submissions or exams are conducted online, and most of the interaction happens via video calls or video classes.

Are online courses instructor-led?

Online courses may or may not be instructor-led. That truly depends on the course material or objective of the course. Pradeep adds on to that: “While courses are a primarily instructor-led program, there are other elements such as live assignments, exercises and self-study industry interaction sessions, which are integral components of online courses.”

How is an instructor chosen?

Just as for a school teacher, you need to be a B.Ed. Pradeep shares his story on what DigitalVidya follows: “Our process of selection of program leader is very stringent. It includes multi-stage evaluation; and one must be currently practising in the area one proposes to deal with and must be passionate about teaching.

Should I go for an online course?

Answer these questions with Yes/No

• Are you looking to learn about something specific?

• Are you looking for a certification and not a degree?

• Do you have a current obligation and would not be able to enroll for a full-time/part-time course?

• Do you have a good internet connection with a desktop/laptop?

• Do you foresee the specific certification adding value to your career growth?

If you answered YES to most of the questions, you may want to go for an online course. However, do remember to enroll to an authentic portal.

Keep in mind what Brain Herbert said: “The capacity to learn is a gift, the ability to learn is a skill, but the willingness to learn is a choice made by you!”

What do you choose?

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