Going from deciding on accreditations to making sure the institute is reputable, signing up and paying for an online course can feel like a risky business. But fear not! Let’s dive into the essential criteria that guarantee an online course is credible and trustworthy.
It can be challenging to pursue further education while managing work and family commitments through on-campus study, but online courses can alleviate this strain. It is crucial to select the most suitable institution that meets your needs before enrolling.
Check the provider accreditation: If you enroll in a course offered by an accredited institution, you can be assured that the course meets certain quality standards. However, if the course is not accredited, there is a chance that the credits earned may not be accepted by other schools or employers. Moreover, it will be beneficial to determine which countries accept that particular accreditation.
EIT is registered as an education provider by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) as an Institute of Higher Education (PRV14008), and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) for delivery of vocational education and training (VET) (RTO 51971).
Many EIT courses are accredited or endorsed by independent engineering bodies that are signatories of the Dublin, Sydney and Washington Accord, which is additional recognition to put students’ minds at ease.
Evaluate course content: To ensure that you have a good learning experience and perform well in a course, it is advisable to review the syllabus or course outline before enrolling. By doing so, you can ensure that the course is comprehensive and well-organized, which will help you in following lectures, discussions, completing assignments, and performing well in exams.
At EIT, we make the course content readily available to all students on our website under the program details section of the course, which includes information such as learning outcomes, program structure, leader, accreditation, important dates, job outcomes, and more.
Check if additional materials are provided: One of the advantages of online courses is that they often come with additional study materials that can supplement the course content. By offering these resources, online courses provide students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the subject matter and reinforce their learning.
At EIT, students have access to all study materials required for their courses, plus extra resources to enhance their learning. The institution goes the extra mile by providing remote laboratories, giving engineering students a complete experience in studying their discipline. Through these remote labs, students can work on real-world engineering problems and gain practical experience in a safe and controlled environment.
Instructor qualifications are important: Instructors who are qualified are knowledgeable about current trends and developments in their subject area and can provide students with up-to-date and relevant information. Check the credentials of the lecturer or instructors to ensure that they have the appropriate education and experience to teach the course material effectively.
EIT has qualified lecturers who are experts in their respective fields. The faculty members of EIT are highly experienced professionals who have practical industry experience, as well as academic qualifications. This information is also available under program details.
EIT’s instructors and lecturers are easily accessible to students. This accessibility allows students to clarify any doubts they may have about the subject matter and seek validation for their understanding.
Interaction and feedback: Online courses can be isolating and lack the personal connections that students may experience in a traditional classroom setting. Look for courses that provide opportunities for interaction with instructors and other students, such as discussion forums, live chats, or video conferences.
This will help you stay engaged and motivated and will also give you opportunities to ask questions and get feedback on your progress. It will also help if you need any assistance with particular course content. By providing feedback on assignments or exams, instructors can identify areas where students are struggling and adjust their teaching methods or course content as needed, but the student can also use the feedback to their benefit.
At EIT, all our courses are delivered live and online meaning students have access to their instructor and can get help and feedback along the way. Our degrees also feature supervised exams to maintain academic integrity, and all students are expected to complete assessments, assignments, or exams to complete/graduate a course.
Check technical requirements: Make sure that you have the necessary technology and equipment to take the course, such as a reliable internet connection, a computer or mobile device, and any software or applications required for the course. Check on the times of live sessions, so you are able to make them, and don’t forget to convert to your time zone!
At EIT, we ensure that students have easy access to digital and remote labs. IT support is available for students with issues accessing their student learning platform, and remote labs.
Assess reviews and testimonials: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous students to get a sense of their experience with the course and the instructor. This can give you valuable insights into the course’s strengths and weaknesses. Reviews and testimonials provide social proof and help to establish the credibility of the course and the instructor.
EIT continuously highlights student success stories on its website to ensure that not only are we recognizing the students, but that they are also allowing other potential students the opportunity to know what their experience was. These are delivered in written and video formats.
What is the cost: The cost of an online course should reflect the value of the course. Students should consider whether the course offers a good return on investment, such as increased career opportunities or skills development that can enhance their personal or professional life. Students should be aware of any hidden costs associated with the course, such as additional fees for course materials, exams, or certification.
EIT employs the best lecturers/instructors to deliver our courses and the fees we charge reflect this investment. Our courses are designed by academics and include access to materials and virtual labs. All these inclusions impact the cost but they ensure our students have great learning outcomes and career prospects after completing the course.
Does the course offer clear job opportunities: Although some students may take online courses to improve their existing skills if you are seeking employment in a particular field, it is crucial to ensure that the course can help advance your career prospects. Therefore, it is essential to check whether the course provides industry-specific skills, an opportunity to register with a local industry body (such as Engineers Australia or ECSA), meets employer requirements, offers networking opportunities, and provides a good return on investment.
In conclusion, taking an online course can be a great way to enhance your skills and knowledge, but it’s important to know what to look for before you enroll. Doing so can help you ensure that you’re getting the most out of your online learning experience and that you’re on the right track to achieving your educational and professional goals. By keeping these key considerations in mind, you can be confident in your ability to choose the right online course for you.
