So much info is already available online for free… why pay for an online course? Just curious about everyone’s opinions here.
If you’re great at setting your own goals, keeping up with your own learning, and assessing your own progress, maybe there’s not much point.
Jael said:
If you’re great at setting your own goals, keeping up with your own learning, and assessing your own progress, maybe there’s not much point.
Yeah, the structure and content being organized is a big deal. Sure, it’s all out there somewhere, but figuring out the right order and knowing it’s accurate can be tough.
It’s kind of like reading a textbook alone versus having a teacher explain it in a class. Just because the info is there doesn’t mean it’ll make sense on your own or that it’s broken down in a way you can handle.
If you already know a lot about a topic, self-learning works pretty well. But if it’s something advanced, remember a lot of the latest research and detailed info can be locked behind paywalls in academic journals.
In short: If you don’t have a solid base in a subject, teaching yourself can be tough. If you do have that base, it’s easier to go solo… but expert guidance can make sure you’re on the right track and not missing important stuff.
@Jet
For example, I’m trying to learn French. I know how to learn languages since I’ve done it before, so I’ve been teaching myself a lot. But I found I still needed a class for that live feedback from a native speaker on pronunciation and grammar. It really helps.
A lot of courses offer a certificate at the end. It’s different from just saying “I know this stuff” — there’s some proof you’ve gone through a program.
I know some might argue that a certificate doesn’t mean much if you just watch videos and don’t engage, but that’s a separate issue.
Courses can offer curation, accountability, help with questions, proof of skill, and a certificate. I pay for fitness classes even though I know how to work out by myself, because it gives me motivation and structure.
Having someone curate the info is huge. There’s so much misleading stuff out there — it’s hard to know what’s good on your own.
Before debating this, I think we need to agree on what we mean by ‘course.’
Academia and industries have different ways of defining courses and learning modules. Courses can be a structured way to not just learn but apply knowledge.
Some courses just deliver knowledge without much depth, and often the instructor doesn’t know much more than the students. But for those who need a bit of structure and organization, a well-designed course, even if it’s simple, can save time and give clear guidance.
Not every course is about tests and certificates — sometimes it’s about getting info that’s well-organized so you don’t have to sift through endless videos and articles.
Courses arrange info in a way that’s helpful for specific goals. Good courses are designed to predict and address issues you might face as you learn. And being able to ask questions in a student community or with the instructor can make a big difference.
@Palmer
But you miss out on the experience of being in a real classroom, and that can change how students act and engage.
Blue said:
@Palmer
But you miss out on the experience of being in a real classroom, and that can change how students act and engage.
True, but online courses let you reach people from all over. They’re not meant to replace classrooms, just to give another way to learn. Most people won’t rely only on online courses for everything, but they’re great for adults to add new skills here and there.