You can generally choose the best online chemistry courses based on your purpose for taking the classes, your unique style of learning, and the type of school or other institution offering the courses. Before signing up for online chemistry courses, it is a good idea to check the specifics of the class material formats and the amount of interaction between students and the instructor. Some classes may require an offline laboratory component that will take additional time and planning. The accreditation and overall reputation of the institution offering the courses can also make a significant difference in the quality of the online class.
If you are taking courses as requirements for an online chemistry degree, your classes will likely be offered as an online alternative to classroom study at a traditional two- or four-year college. The material is often the same as that delivered face-to-face in a classroom, and the instructors are generally the same ones who teach the subject in a traditional setting. These types of established colleges and universities usually have some of the best online chemistry courses due to their ability to attract and retain some of the most talented professors who can create high quality class material. Online courses from these schools also usually offer ready access to additional tutoring, if needed.
You may opt to study chemistry online to prepare for standardized subject exams such as A-levels, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), or other types of college placement tests. Many private companies and schools offer test-specific online chemistry courses designed to help raise your exam scores. These courses can sometimes have less flexibility in terms of accommodating various learning styles, and their instructors may not always be available right away to answer questions. Testimonials from past students can be good sources of information as to the quality of test-preparation online science courses.
The best online chemistry courses for you are generally the ones that closely fit your individual learning style. If you are a visual learner, a course with plenty of digital illustrations and video demonstrations would be a better choice than one without these options. If you learn best by hands-on approaches, you may want to consider a course with an on-campus lab component to help you better grasp the various concepts. Video- or audio-recorded lectures also may be ideal if you learn best from hearing the material out loud.
