I nearly took an online course..until I found a job. I was in between jobs. Now as a mature adult , I enjoy the buzz of learning in the classroom. I enjoy discussing and hearing discussion amongst other students with the instructor. I'm sure online mimics that but the immediacy is not exactly there, not even when you are participating in a Webex learning session where you are watching a presentation online with instructor driving the screen frames.

Reading lots for me is fine, but it seems now (compared to 25 years ago when I was at university), I am a different learner now. I learn best by seeing, hearing, doing and writing it down, plus talking about it. Just reading and memorizing doesn't do it for me.

If I was considering an online course, it would be credit course with an accredited university and program. My time after work is so limited now.

And there are some courses I do need a real in-person instructor to show/prod me along.