When it comes to studying the craft of writing, I’m a big proponent of online courses. In fact, I just finished teaching one, taking one, and participating in an online critique group. I hadn’t intended to do all three at the same time, but when the opportunity arose, I couldn’t say no. Yes, the last several weeks have been B-U-S-Y, but I don’t regret a minute of the work.
With a day job and two kids at home (both of which leave me with a tight budget on time and money), I can’t always attend the workshops or conferences I want. So, I am always on the lookout for something online that will connect me with other writers, introduce me to new instructors, and guide me through new perspectives on writing and revision.
Here’s the thing: there are a ton of online learning options for writers; it can be overwhelming to figure out which course is worth the money or what instructor might best fit your needs. And with the current trend of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), where enrollment is often free, it’s tempting to sign up for every one. But a free course, or one that connects you with an amazing instructor, doesn’t always translate into a great course…for you. Or I should say, for me. I’m guilty of registering for a MOOC and dropping out after day one–excellent information and top-notch teaching, but not in a format through which this writer could easily learn. Now when I consider an online course, I look for five key elements before I decide to sign up.
1. Affordability.
I admit, this is the first thing I consider. I don’t want to undervalue anyone’s work. I teach online courses, so I know the time and effort that goes into putting one together. Those courses that are hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars are worth every penny, I know. And when I can afford to sign up for one, you bet I will. But at this point in life, I rarely have large sums of money at my disposal, so I drift toward courses that run at a lower cost. This has yet to disappoint me; there are plenty of good-quality low-fee classes to choose from if you keep an eye out.
2. Use of mixed media.
As writers, we are constantly working on screen, and text-heavy online courses can sometimes feel 2-dimensional and flat. I appreciate the classes that tap into my other senses through video or images. I get a bit of a break from reading reading reading and my mind feeds on what I’m learning in a different way. Then, I can turn back to the writing or revision with fresh eyes.
3. A pairing of lesson and exercise.
I’ll sign up for a course based on what I might learn, but I’ll also look for a class that will hit me with a few deadlines. I work best under pressure and am more likely to participate if there’s an official “assignment.” This doesn’t mean I pass on courses centered only on reading about the craft, but I appreciate the course more when encouraged to apply the lesson.
4. Materials and resources I can download for later.
Being able to access the material after a completed course is critical, because I’m a slow study. I need to print things out, highlight, take notes. Get into the action. Put it aside. Return to it again. Add resources for further study to the mix, and I’m sold.
5. An opportunity to engage in community.
This aspect is a tricky one to discuss. Every online course offers a chance to engage with other writers, but the level of engagement differs and every writer’s tolerance of on-screen participation varies. I prefer courses with lower enrollment, because I am easily overwhelmed by mile-long discussion boards. But, it isn’t always possible to know if I’m signing up with 20 writers or 200. So, I weigh the information and instructor with the possibilities that I might run into complex discussion threads and determine if the course still meets my needs.
You might notice I’ve left out one important aspect…Instructors. Of course, I’d love to take classes under the best and most well-known, always, but I’ve learned to be flexible. If a course fits every other quality I’m looking for but the instructor is new to teaching or new to me, I’m still willing to give them a chance. Much of writing is application and practice. The goal for me is to find a place that opens the door for new learning. Sometimes that happens under the wings of well-seasoned faculty; sometimes it’s under the guidance of a writer who’s only a few steps ahead of me but who offers a new way to view the work.
Have you taken classes online? What’s your top reason for signing up? And if you haven’t taken any online, here are a few places and people to check out:
- One Story
- Joan Dempsey
- The Her Stories Project
- Writers Digest
- Lisa Romeo
- Grub Street
- Creative Nonfiction
If you’ve got recommendations, I’d love to hear them!
Great post, Christi! A couple of other sites your readers might want to check out: Gotham (pricey, but two classes there really helped kickstart my poetry practice; https://www.writingclasses.com/) and The Thinking Writer (https://thethinkingwriter.wordpress.com).
It’s been a while since I checked out Gotham’s class list, and I’ve never heard of The Thinking Writer. Thanks, Erika!
I just took Joan Dempsey’s class on revision and it was very good. I was just looking at classes at Creative Nonfiction, but I’m not sure about it in regards to price. It seems like they tend to be pricey, but maybe worth it? Early on in my writing journey, I took an in-person class at CNF and found it just about worthless. But I’m willing to consider giving them another chance.
Beth,
I just finished Joan Dempsey’s course as well. I did a quick study, so I plan to go back in and re-read her materials, etc. (which again is why I love materials I can download for later). I’m considering her next 3-week course on revision but am not sure if I can work it into my schedule this time around (hoping she offers it again). I enjoyed her style and want to give it my full attention.
On CNF, I know they have quality instructors but I agree the fee is a little steep. Erika mentioned Gotham, and there are creative nonfiction courses on their list at a lower cost. I’d check them out as well.
Hey Christi, thanks so much for including a link to my online course offerings here in this post. Glad you’ll be heading back into the course to revisit what’s there – hope what you find will help with both your writing and your teaching. Always fun to see what others are doing when teaching online.
I would add two other important elements to the use of mixed-media:
1. We all learn in different ways, and having written, audio, and video options available taps into people’s different learning styles, which can help with learning retention (and enjoyment). If, for instance, you know you’re an auditory learner, make sure the course has audio options for you.
2. (For online teachers) For those who are visually or hearing impaired, making sure to have options is critical. Transcripts and closed captions on videos are essential for hearing impaired participants, and audio options for written information are essential for visually impaired participants.
To our learning! 🙂
Hey Beth, how nice to see you here! Thanks for the shout out about the class – it was fun to have you in there. I hope your writing is going well these days. 🙂
Hi Christi,
These are great points. I like an online class when I’m trying something brand new. I’m a nonfiction writer, and when I wanted to try fiction, I took an online class; same for poetry. That felt most comfortable.
Thanks for including the link to my *I Should Be Writing!* Boot Camp!
– Lisa
Great point, Lisa. I also like the “safe” environment in learning online, especially when trying new genres.
And I’m happy to spread the word about your boot camp. I also love the one-week classes you offer in summer!
I agree Christie there are so many out there it can be confusing – actually so are in person courses. Which will be the best, and is the famous author a good teacher too?