Making a few decisions before you sign up for online animation classes an help you get the best class for your particular needs. First of all, you should consider your objective for taking the classes, because the number of credits you need to earn an online degree will likely be higher than the number you will need if you just want to take a few courses for your own amusement. Once you figure out your needs, you should find out what prior education and current computer knowledge you are required to have to qualify for a class. In addition, the experience of the course instructor should be considered before you select your online courses.
One of the first details to think about is your reason for taking such a class. If you are just interested in learning the basics of animation to satisfy your personal curiosity, then you should have your pick of the online courses available. If you plan to get an online degree in animation, then you will typically need to take certain classes before you graduate. You are advised to consider whether you want a bachelor's degree, associate's degree or some kind of certificate in animation, and then look at the list of online animation classes that are required to fulfill your expectations. Similarly, if your goal is to integrate animation into a career in a different industry, then you should consider the courses that would most help you or, perhaps, the ones your boss would recommend.
After you determine which courses you need to take, you should consider the requirements. For example, most online animation classes have some prerequisites before you can sign up, so you should make sure you meet these prior to making your schedule. This means you may need to start at the bottom with classes for beginners, because most advanced courses expect you to have some prior education in this subject. In addition, since animation is so computer-oriented, you should find out the specifications needed for your computer, as well as the programs you need to install before classes begin. In many cases, the software used for online animation classes costs money and takes up a lot of space on your hard drive, which means you may need a more powerful computer than required for the average online class.
If your goal is to get the foundation for a successful career in animation, then you should find out the qualifications of those teaching the classes. If the instructor for your online animation classes has industry experience, then he is more likely to be able to offer advice and inspiration to students than someone who is new to the subject. He also may have contacts in the field and can help you find a job once you've finished the course.
