How to Choose the Best Online Writing Course
4 Steps to Satisfaction With any Distance Learning Writing Program
Oct 17, 2009
The decision to start an online writing course is not one that should be taken lightly. A writing course can be enormously fulfilling. It can start the creative juices flowing that will eventually lead to a whole new writing career, or boost the chances of promotion in the corporate world. However, the online course experience can also lead to frustration if the writer has not done enough research to determine which course will be the most suitable.
Planning ahead can make the difference between a positive experience and one that leaves disappointment in its wake.
1. Know What the Writing Course Pre-Requisites Are
Nobody wants to find themselves committed to a course that ends up being too basic or too advanced. It's important to choose a course that either (1) has assignments that are flexible enough to adapt to any level of experience, or (2) spells out very clearly what the writer should already know before starting. If this is not immediately apparent from the course blurb, then search for a Course FAQ section, or contact the provider and ask.
2. Seek Testimonials About the Quality of Various Online Writing Courses
Creative writing is a popular outlet for many people, so there are a number of courses on offer. Take the time to ensure that any course in creative writing course is well-written and professionally administered. A good course should have plenty of informative testimonials – but in the end, word of mouth is probably the best reference. Ask around on forums or writers' discussion lists.
3. Check to See What Feedback is Offered to Writers
Some online courses are marketed as "home study programs" or something similar, but don't actually offer feedback as part of the program. If this is the case, the student might as well be reading a textbook – which would probably be a lot cheaper. The whole point of doing an online writing course is to get feedback, so the writer can learn and improve. If there is no information about tutor feedback (but the course otherwise seems promising) write and ask about how assignments are marked, before committing time and money to the course.
4. Compare Different Online Writing Courses
An afternoon (or a week) spent researching what is on offer will pay off. Construct a simple table in Word or Excel and copy information about different courses, so it's easy to compare them. For example, some headings could be: Course Fees, Course Duration, Tutor Feedback, Type of Assignments, and Number of Modules. These headings can be easily tweaked to suit specific needs and interests.
An online creative writing course can be challenging, though-provoking, and above all, enjoyable – if the writer invests sufficient time in making the right choice. Most people will find that there's a course out there that is just right for them, provided they carefully weigh up what is on offer.
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