Distance learning art courses allow a student to improve his or her skills and knowledge as they pertain to art without attending an on-site classroom. Choosing the best distance learning art courses starts with choosing your specific area of focus and finding a program that suits your needs the best. Remember that participating in distance learning art courses will be significantly different than in-classroom art courses, and you should research how the classes are taught before enrolling. Be sure the institution you choose is well-known, reputable, and accredited, and make sure the courses will fit into your budget. The cost of tuition will depend on how many classes you take and what institution you attend.
Choose distance learning art courses that are appropriate for your skill and knowledge level. If you are considering working through a degree program, introductory courses will be appropriate. Be sure to research how art projects are sent to instructors; sending photos of a completed project via e-mail may be convenient, but the instructor may not be able to see the details of a piece. Artwork can be sent physically through the mail, but the costs associated with shipping artwork can add up quickly. Look into the course offerings and choose which ones interest you, which ones are required for the degree toward which you are working, and which ones are taught by instructors you are interested in working with.
It is important to attend an institution that is accredited. This means the institution has gone through the accreditation process conducted by an independent agency and has been found to offer a high quality education that is recognized and respected by employers and other educational institutions. Attending an accredited institution will prevent you from being ineligible for certain types of financial aid, and it will improve your chances of gaining employment after you have completed the distance learning art courses and your degree program.
Other factors that may affect your choice of distance learning art courses include the class meeting times and interaction methods. Asynchronous classes allow you to work at your own pace, and most of the interaction with instructors and other students is done through an online message board. Synchronous classes meet at the same time every day, or every other day, depending on the class scheduling. All students and the instructors are online and in attendance at the same time, leaving less scheduling flexibility but more direct interaction with instructors.
