Online Classes?

Icemopper

Hey, so

I'm a college graduate with two majors, music and religious studies, and I only graduated last year... I'm in a job I don't want, it is very physical, and there is zero room for advancement or anything.

So I'm looking at online courses to expand my resume at least a little bit in the technology realm, or at least something that would make me look better to future employers.

What courses would be good to take that are available online for that?


Plus, what is the general consensus of online courses? Has anybody taken them and what is your experience? Where do I start?

Thanks

MindLib

I'm not really sure on which sort of classes you should take, but I'll give you my experience as an online student.

First, from the research I've done, verify the school you're looking into is both locally and nationally accredited. The 'Local' accreditation is better, and if the school isn't, pass it up, because it could be a 'degree mill'.

Second, online private schools are expensive. I go to South University - Online, and I calculated my graduating debt (BS in IT) at somewhere around 60K. If you aren't degree-seeking I suggest you go through a state college, much cheaper. I had no problems getting aid, and everything was done through e-mails/faxes.

Third, my experience in classes has been pretty good. A lot is dependent on the teacher, but be prepared to go the extra mile. Online classes in general seem to be at least a little more challenging than live classes. You have to be self-motivated to get things done, but being able to log on your computer any time of day and be transported into the classroom makes up for that IMO. The class system is pretty linear, basically a glorified message board, but it works.

3drage

If it's tech skills you want to learn nothing beats hands-on in person experience. Online schools are quite pricy, and offer little in the way of hands on experience. It's one thing to parallel a current tech job with classes so that you get real-world experience, but just taking tech classes online usually isn't the best route to go. I'd recommend self-study certifications over degrees just for the nature of how the tech world is set up. Hiring companies want people with experience so they don't mess up their mission critical systems, if all you have is a degree behind your name then prepare yourself for entry-level at best. (especially given the economy with the glut of out of work experienced tech people).

I have nothing agianst on-line classes and have a degree from Phoenix, but it was earned while I was in the tech industry so my experience coincided with education.

So I take it there aren't many positions open for a Religion and Music expert?

Icemopper

No positions open at all, sadly, unless I want to go back to grad school, but given my circumstances in life in general, I can't do that.

What about other classes that aren't tech related? I don't necessarily need that, I was wondering what classes would put me in an entry level position really, one that could lead me somewhere much more than I am now.