What do you think about online classes?

[bethard728]

Just curious what your thoughts are on online classes. I was looking around at local college websites to see what kind of photography classes they offer. I know the local community college here used to offer a "workshop" in photography. I went in search of a workshop because they are cheaper than college courses and usually don't require a prerequisite in Art. I already have a Bachelor's degree (in special education) so I'm not looking to get a degree. Just wanting to learn. Anyway, I found an online class offered. Didn't find the workshop I was looking for. The online class is twice a week for 6 weeks. It's $99 which seems reasonable. It looks like it covers the basics. Which is really what I'm looking for. I just wonder how beneficial it will be. I'm wondering if I can learn anything in the class that I can't just learn here at DPS. But the class might be a good stepping stone to give me a better idea of what questions to ask here at DPS since I'm really pretty clueless all in all. So what do you think? Is it worth $99 to take an online course or would I be better off searching the net and reading books on my own? Here's a link to the class description if you're interested. http://www.ed2go.com/cgi-bin/oic3/ne...tnum=DP&path=1
Thanks for your input.

[castman]

I would think you could get all the info here. I know that I would want a hands on class for $99. But that is just me I am a hands on guy.

[melissa315]

I too am looking into taking that same online class. My community college (CLC - I see you are from Illinois too) offers several classes. I have almost completed my Associates degree completely on line - I prefer it that way. I can work at my own pace - from anywhere.

Looks like a good way to give people your money.

~Eric

[Saralonde]

I think an online class is okay if you can get direct and personal feedback. A class can also give you structure, especially if you are a beginner and not sure where to start. Otherwise I'm sure you can learn a lot online.

[Free]

I would think you could learn just as much or more reading through the forums here and the beginners tips section of the blog. Not to mention all the other photography sites online.

While I am a fan of online classes, I feel photography is more hands on so would rather have someone right there with me.

In saying that, if you don't have the direction to hunt down info online at your own pace, a class would give you more direction and make sure you don't miss anything.

[Geodar]

As with all types of classes you can take away from them what you want or don't want.
At $99 (around £65GB) approx £6.50 a lesson, if you can learn something and advance with the knowledge then it is good value, however if the course covers somethings that you already know and are at the stage where the information given is at the basic stage then your money will be wasted.
You may get the information you are after by selecting certain magazines to gain the information, or the purchase of a couple of good photography books for general and advanced guidence for a lot less than the $99.
With 3 children it may be difficult, but a good way of learning and gathering information, getting questions answered is to organise a meeting with like minded photographers in you area, or going along to a camera/photography club. In the UK these clubs are popular, they offer advice, organise competitions and trips out to locations, some have guest speakers who talk about their preferd field, and is a good way of meeting people, I'm sure there will be something similar in your area.
As with all types of creative art, practice, practice and a bit more practice, noting the settings, trying differnt things, views etc to see what works best. You learn very quickly to produce the best results for different subjects.
I had a look at your flicker site and found some very good shots, your portraits of the kids are interesting and well posed, nice compition entry with good use of light, the flowers are bog standard, but ok for what they are.
At the end of the day it is up to you if you feel you can learn and progress to a standard that you will be happy with then it will be worth ever penny, however if you are only going to gain from one or two course sections then it may be wasted money.
Whatever you decide I hope you have fun and benifit from it.
Geoff

[jwampole]

Hello all,

I'm also going to take at least two CC classes here in Sacramento. However, consider the many online tutorials available at places like Youtube and others. Also some manufactures, Canon for one, offer on line tuts for their brand cameras. There are additional online resources including tuts for nearly every PP software. Feedback however, is minimal at best. I have opened an Elements tutorial for example, and had Elements also open at the same time. Start the tut, pause the tut, do the task in PSE, continue the tut, etc. I've found this procedure to work very well for me. Thank you for reading my mail.

[akwellman]

Personally I've taken online classes and gone to workshops in my area. I've learned a lot from both forms, but i felt I got more from going to the workshops and having that extra interaction for questions and comments helped.

[oblivi]

I personally am not a fan of online courses. With photography it is best to get immediate feedback on your work so you can process it faster. the basics of photography can be covered here but the more advanced techniques come from experience and learning. just my 0.02 cents