Looking to boost your tech skills by taking an online computer class? That’s awesome. But with so many courses and websites out there, it’s important to avoid falling for scams. In this post, we’ll talk about how to spot frauds and pick legit classes like Prioritymanagement.com.au that actually help you learn. No one wants to waste time and money on shady online courses, so let’s dig into ways to identify the real deal.
Watch for These Red Flags
First off, what are some sketchy signs that an online computer class might not be the real thing? Here are big red flags to watch out for:
- Too good to be true promises. Claims like “Become an expert coder in 1 week.” should raise eyebrows. Gaining tech skills takes time.
- Unsubstantiated claims. Beware courses that say they will get you certified but provide no details on the certification process or accrediting institution.
- Anonymous instructors. Check for teacher bios and credentials. Scam classes often lack verified instructors.
- High-pressure sales tactics. Run away from ” LIMITED SPOTS. BUY NOW.” hype. Quality courses don’t need hard sells.
- Poor website quality. Typos, broken links, clunky design indicate the site itself isn’t legit.
- Too-good-to-be-true pricing. Super cheap courses can sometimes be scams and upsells. Make sure pricing aligns with value.
- Bad reviews. Search independent sites checking for complaints about deceptive practices.
Trust your gut if something seems “off.” Scammers try to come across as the real deal but there are ways to discern shady behavior.
Vet the Course Website Thoroughly
When evaluating an unknown course website, do plenty of upfront research. Professional, trustworthy sites will have:
- Working contact info. Call and email to confirm they respond promptly.
- Real students. Look for video testimonials and community forums with engagement.
- Company details. Legal name, address, history should check out.
- Secure payment. Look for HTTPS in the URL and padlock icon. This indicates safe transactions.
- Positive reputation. Search for reviews beyond their own website to get the full picture.
Taking time to thoroughly vet sites protects you from cunning scammers faking credibility. If something doesn’t check out, move along.
Learn About Their Teaching Methods
High quality computer classes will have skilled instructors and interactive teaching methods. Be wary of:
- Canned videos only. Look for engagement with instructors beyond passive video content.
- Outdated material. Technology changes fast. Make sure courses use current tools and coding languages.
- Lack of exercise files. Hands-on practice is crucial for learning technical skills. Courses should provide this.
- No assessments. Quizzes, coding challenges, projects indicate learning check-ins.
- Limited access period. Self-paced access is ideal for actually absorbing the content.
The right course format depends on your learning style but beware cookie-cutter content lacking instructor interaction.
Start with Trusted Providers
Rather than risking sketchy random sites, stick with well-known course providers like Priority management, Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and edX.
While pricing and quality varies, popular platforms have vetted instructors and technology. Learners provide millions of reviews too, giving you candid feedback.
For niche topics, ask tech-savvy friends for course recommendations. Or consult objective course review sites like Class Central and SwitchUp.
Building skills requires investing time and money. Minimize risk by leveraging trusted providers and advice from others.
Consider Free Trials
Many top online course platforms offer free trials so you can safely test content before paying. Take advantage. Audit a full lesson, interact with the instructor, try assignments to ensure the class delivers on promises.
Free previews let you judge quality first hand rather than relying on marketing claims. Don’t enroll until completely convinced it’s worth the investment.
Watch for Unexpected Charges
Unfortunately, some shady sites lure you in with low prices then nickel and dime you with sneaky charges. Be vigilant for:
- Upsells after “free” classes that keep you paying for full content.
- Surprise certification fees not mentioned initially.
- Mandatory additional course bundles to graduate.
- sketchy automatic renewal and recurring billing practices.
Read the fine print and follow-up communication to confirm true costs. And pay safely with credit cards in case you need to dispute.
Trust Your Instincts
Lastly, go with your gut. If something feels sketchy, it probably is. A quality course and ethical company will be transparent every step. Finding affordable, relevant online computer classes from trustworthy providers is absolutely possible. Just stay vigilant for red flags, do your homework, and get references to avoid the scammers.
