I want to get a certificate in graphic design, and I’m looking into doing it online. Has anyone done this? I only have one option in local schools, and it’s a 30-minute drive either way, and in downtown Durham, which is not a very safe place, so I’m not too thrilled about spending a couple of evenings a week there. So online seems like the way to go.
I know someone who’s taking courses from sessions.edu, and she seems to be learning a lot. It looks like it’s been around for a while, and I don’t think they’re going to close up and run away after I give them my money. Are there any other good online courses? Any recommendations?
I don’t know - I’ve got a Graphic Design diploma, which I studied for in a class environment. Personally, I think if I had done it online, I wouldn’t have gotten as good a quality of learning experience out of it. When you do it online, you’re not getting the same on-on-one attention with the profs. Also, things like critiques and demonstration of techniques are valuable elements of the classroom environment that make a huge difference in your quality of work, and how much you learn.
If you do decide to go for the online option, I’d not only ask others who took the same course online, but also have a look at their work and compare it to those who took in-class courses, and judge for yourself if it’s worth your time and money.
Yeah, the interaction with other people is one of the big things that missing if you take classes online. I learn a lot from other people. They do critique the work, but I don’t know how extensive or constructive it is.