Online Courses

It is helpful to begin looking at institutions in your location first, and then branch out to other institutions based on your subject needs. Before committing any money or resources, be sure you thoroughly acquaint yourself with the institution. Consult their academic advising services and ask several questions. Below is a checklist of questions to ask any institution or organization that is providing online makeup courses education. The checklist is divided into five categories.

1. Basic information about makeup courses online education provider should make clear
            2 Important technical considerations
            3 Day-to-day operations and experience of the course or program
            4 Costs of the makeup course/program
            5 The makeup course delivery system

Checklist for evaluating online programs.

Basic information any makeup online education provider should make clear
            1 How credible is the makeup course?

Do they have a good reputation? Can you check references?
            2 What are the qualifications of the makeup course designers, instructors, delivery personnel?

Do they have proper licensure or accreditations for your needs?
            3 Exactly what are you expected to learn?

Is this what you want to learn? Do the outcomes match your needs?
            4 What are the “intended learning outcomes” for each and every course and the entry level knowledge or skills necessary for your success?

Do you have the necessary preparation to be successful in this course or program?
            5 What will you get when you finish the course or program? e.g. college credit, completion certificate or professional designation.

Can you do anything with it? Will it be recognized by another institution? Will it help you get a job, raise, promotion, or into a degree program?
            6 Who or what accrediting body recognizes the institution and its programs or degrees?

Are the courses and programs reputable? Have they been recognized by a government entity or a well-known professional organization?
            7 Is the timeline/timeframe flexible for completion or mandatory?

If there is a mandatory timeframe (e.g. within a typical term of 15 weeks) how much flexibility is available within those weeks? If you are traveling and don't have computer access for two weeks, will you fail the course? If the completion timeframe is extremely flexible (e.g. one year) is that too much flexibility for you? Are you able to keep yourself on task without an impending deadline?

8 Who are the teachers/instructors and what are their credentials? How will they interact with you online?

Is their any human interaction in the course or is it all computerized? Is the instructor credible? You might try sending the instructor an email and see if you get a response in a timely manner.
            9 How will you be assessed? What is the criteria for evaluation and success?