Taking online geography classes is a great way to earn college credit or simply learn more about the world. Before enrolling in any online geography classes, however, it is important to determine your educational goals and, if you will be using the classes to work toward a high school diploma or college degree, whether the credits you earn will transfer to your school. It is best to meet with a guidance counselor or academic advisor before choosing classes that will count toward a degree or diploma to ensure you choose the correct course and can effectively transfer credits.
If you intend to earn college credits, it is very important that you take online geography classes offered by an accredited institution. This means that institution has gone through the accreditation process that determines whether the school is offering a high-quality education that is respected and recognized by other schools and by employers. Avoid taking classes at non-accredited institutions, as it may be difficult or impossible to transfer your credits to your normal educational institution. If you will not be attempting to earn credits, you can consider non-accredited institutions, but it is still best to look for an accredited school to ensure a high quality education.
Make sure you research the various instructors of the online geography classes you are considering. Instructors should have extensive qualifications, both in geography and in teaching. Try to find instructors who have done research or writing in the areas of geography that interest you. If you are unsure about what areas of geography interest you, try to find a reputable school that offers a solid geography program. Try to read online reviews, and ask people who have already taken online geography classes, if possible, what they thought of the coursework.
The learning platform through which the online geography classes are offered should feature as much interactivity as possible. Visual displays are helpful when learning geography, so the web platform should feature videos, audio, photos, interactive websites, forums through which you can communicate with classmates and instructors, and more. Make sure the learning platform is conducive to your style of learning, and make sure you can contact the instructor easily to ask questions, clarify topics, or discuss assignments. Some classes are asynchronous, which means you will be able to work on course materials at your own pace. Choose this option if you are comfortable with less direct guidance from instructors and a more flexible schedule.