I’ve found a way to increase the reach of my writing practice despite COVID limiting me to solitary endeavors. As we wait to see what this winter brings, I’d like to share what I’ve found to be courses well-worth more time online.
This series of posts covers the 5 best online writing courses – actually where to find them. Each post will examine the range of classes, the experience in the classes, and the adequacy of the communication with the organization. It will also rate the courses on those attributes, with 5 = YES!
If you write for kids, the Highlights Foundation offers classes, workshops, and retreats in Honesdale, PA as well as online classes that are available worldwide. Their online classes come in two formats: There are Online classes that are offered in realtime and usually have a 1:1 communication opportunity with the instructor. Online On Demand classes have “pre-recorded online sessions you can access on-demand for up to 6 months from the date of your registration,” and include a Zoom call with the instructor as described in the course description. Classes are hosted on Canvas and accessessed via a Log in for online courses link on the Highlights Foundation site.
Pick Your Class
The Workshops page has a list of course. You can view these by Online or Online On Demand.
Online Classes: You’ll see the dates, name, description, and Register link on the Online courses page. You can click to Register or, if you want more info, you can click on the course name. This will take you to a page with an Overview, Feedback Expected, Why This Workshop, Great Fit If criteria, Tentative Agenda, How it Impacts Kids, Related Resources, and other useful info that includes a picture and a bio of the instructor/s. If relevant, a comparison with similar classes is also included at the bottom of the page. The large Register Now button at the top right of the detailed class description brings you to the registration page where you’ll see the Name of the Class, Dates, Instructors, and Cost for 1 person. Fill in the required info and take it from there.
Online On Demand Courses: You’ll see On Demane, the course name, description, and a Register link on the Online On Demand courses page. You can click to Register or, if you want more info, you can click on the course name. Clicking the course name will take you to a class description that includes an Overview, Feedback Expected, Why This Workshop, It’s a Great Fit If, Detailed Agenda, Commitment Required, and other useful info that includes a picture and bio of the instructor/s. The large Register Now button at the top right of the class description brings you to the registration page. You’ll see the course name, instructor name, and cost per person. Fill in the required info and take it from there.
Categories
If you’re not sure of the exact type of class you’d like, the Workshops page makes it possible for you to filter by Category. The Highlights Foundation categories include Picture Books, Chapter Books and Early Readers, Novels, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Specialty or Other.
The Experience
I’ve taken classes both in person and online at the Highlights Foundation for many years. The faculty knows the writing-for-kids genre very well. The feedback and advice from faculty is excellent. The online sessions are recorded and available to you during the course. You reach your classes on Canvas through the Log in for online courses link at the Highlights Foundation site.
Communication
You can get any questions answered via email (support@highlightsfoundation.zendesk.com) or phone (570-253-1192). There is a lot ot other info at the Highlights Foundation site. You’ll find info about Free Resources, Scholarships, and Retreats – including how to create your own personal retreat.
Also …
If you write for kids, don’t forget to check out the blog and podcast.
Rating
Don’t miss the others!
3 thoughts on “5 Best Online Writing Courses – Highlights Foundation”