Online Poetry Courses: Things You Might Want to Consider

So you are ready to take your poetry to the next level but are pushed for time. In a search for a resolution, you begin to consider online poetry courses as a solution. 

But where do you begin? 

Online poetry courses offer something for everyone with various benefits to the novice, published or internationally recognised poet.

But with so many courses to choose from, knowing where to start can be difficult and confusing.

This article will help address and discuss the benefits, guide where to find an online poetry course and suggest what to look for beyond time and cost when choosing an online poetry class. 

Why Do Online Poetry Courses 

The most frequent answer is to save time and money. Online courses provide flexibility around lifestyles and learning styles, eliminating travel and the potential need to spend time away.

But virtual courses present a different set of challenges around interaction and feedback and some forms of content. For example, learning how to perform and read poetry out loud is better suited to in-person settings.

Despite the challenges, you may still wish to continue with an online course knowing that you can read, watch, pause, and practice or, in keeping with your Visual, Audio, Read/ Write, Kinesthetic (VARK) learning style, find a suitable working mode.

Whatever the reason and challenges, online poetry courses offer a fantastic way of increasing your knowledge and deepening your exposure to the world of poetry.  

Benefits of an online poetry course

• Flexibility — With self-paced courses, you control when and how long you learn. Subject to the course provider and network limitations, you can join from anywhere worldwide. 
• Perspective — People from all walks of life with varying degrees of experience take online courses—one of the benefits of social learning and the chance to be inspired. 
• A space to share — They can be a safe place to have fun, build your confidence and experiment with a small group of people you may or may never meet again, whether exploring poetic forms and techniques or simply sharing your work. Online courses offer an opportunity to get out what you put in and more. 

How Much Do Online Poetry Writing Classes and Courses Cost?

With a wide variety of courses and classes available, the price can vary significantly, depending on several factors discussed below. 

The average cost can range from a few pounds up to a few hundred, maybe thousands, as explained in the examples below. 

• Short single-subject or overview courses that could run over an hour or a couple of days covering specific aspects of poetry such as form, style, editing, or themes may range from £20 to £300.
• Workshops that could be delivered in a group or to an individual running over a day or a few weeks, with the potential opportunity for more interaction and feedback, can range from $50 to £800.
• Classes and courses based around an entire term or semester taught in a synchronous or maybe asynchronous format providing a more comprehensive learning experience can range from £500 to £2,500.
• Certificate or degree programs offering a more extensive study and education in poetry and writing can range from £5,000 to £30,000 or more.

The good news is that financial aid, assistance and scholarships may be available. 

Some courses may offer concessions or discounts for early registrations or students enrolling in multiple classes. 

Additionally, if you are prepared to look, you will find places are offering free courses. 

Factors to consider that affect the cost

• Course duration:  — Longer courses are generally more expensive than shorter ones. 
• Content & Format — Instructor-led courses typically cost more than self-paced, on-demand courses. 
• Course level and outcomes: Courses that offer more advanced instruction and personalised feedback may be more expensive than introductory courses.
• Instructor experience and accreditation: Courses taught by experienced and accredited instructors may come at a higher cost.
• Platform used to deliver the class: Courses delivered on dedicated teaching platforms, offering robust collaboration and feedback, may have higher costs.
• Course availability: Limited availability of courses may increase their cost, as with popular classes in high demand.

Types of Online Writing Courses and Classes

With a wide range of classes and courses, it is no surprise different online formats exist.

Below will guide you on a selection of formats to help you choose. 

• Self-Paced Courses: These are courses where you work at your own pace without needing an instructor. They can be with or without video content. You receive course material and complete assignments on your schedule.
• Online Classes: These are structured courses led by an instructor that meets online at scheduled times. Instructors may provide lectures and feedback on assignments and facilitate class discussion. Often they require regular attendance and can lead to a certification. Classes are often conducted with other class participants on platforms such as Teams or Zoom.
• Workshops: These are short, intensive classes designed to focus on a specific aspect of poetry writing or revision. Experienced poets often lead them and may include group critiques of participants’ work.
• Webinars: These are live, online presentations led by experienced poets, editors, or publishers. They may include lectures, discussions, and question-and-answer sessions.
• MOOCs: Massive Open Online Courses typically offered by universities and educational institutions are available to anyone with an internet connection. They often include video lectures, discussion forums, and graded assignments.
• Writing Communities: These are online groups where writers can share their work, receive feedback, and participate in writing prompts and challenges.
• Online Writing Retreats: These virtual writing retreats led by experienced poets provide a structured writing environment and opportunities for feedback and community building. They may span a few days or weeks.

When choosing an online writing course, it’s essential to consider your goals, learning style, and budget. Online writing courses can provide valuable instruction, feedback, and community for poets at all levels.

Where To Find Online Poetry Writing Courses and Programs

Here are some options for finding online poetry writing courses and programs.

1. Online Course Providers – such as Coursera, Udemy, MasterClass and Skillshare, offer free and paid online poetry writing courses, which can be searched and filtered based on language, level, price, course ratings and more. Experienced poets, editors, or publishers may teach these courses.
2. Writing Communities – are excellent sources for finding potential mentors, writing partners and information on courses and workshops. Communities exist on Facebook, Redditt and more. Additionally, consider contacting your local library or civic body for information on local groups and workshops.  
3. Independent Instructors – such as experienced poets independently offer online poetry writing courses and workshops. These courses may be advertised on social media or their websites. See Poetry Mentoring — Where Do You Start and How Do You Find Your Trusted Advisor for information on finding a mentor.
4. Writing Organisations – such as the Poetry Society, offer online poetry writing courses and workshops for their members. Their website has an education section showing resources and information on classes and workshops. Additionally, local writing development agencies and associations provide a good source of information and courses. 
5. Universities and Colleges – offer online poetry writing courses as part of their creative writing or English programs. These courses can range from introductory to advanced levels and may provide financial assistance or scholarships.

What To Look For in an Online Poetry Class

There are some questions and points to consider when looking for a course.

Click here to get a free FAQ and online course-choosing checklist.

For a beginner:

1. Instructor Qualifications: Look for classes taught by experienced poets with a track record of success in the field. Look for credentials and reviews from past students.
2. Course Content: Consider the syllabus and course description to ensure the topics and techniques you want to learn are included.
3. Course Level: Choose a class appropriate for your skill level, whether introductory or intermediate.
4. Course Format: Consider whether you prefer a self-paced course or a class with a scheduled meeting time. Look for a format that works with your schedule and learning style.
5. Course Duration: Consider the length of the course and whether it offers a sufficient amount of time to learn and practice.

For an intermediate-level student:

1. Instructor Expertise: Look for classes taught by instructors with a passion, experience and understanding of the craft. 
2. Feedback: Consider whether the class offers personalized feedback on your writing and how frequently you will receive it.
3. Community: Look for classes that offer opportunities for peer feedback and community building. Being part of a supportive community can enhance your learning and motivation.
4. Course Materials: Consider the quality and relevance of the course materials, such as assigned readings, writing prompts, and exercises.

What alternatives are there to online poetry classes? 

Of course, if you prefer, there are in-person classes and workshops and mentoring. If you are a mentor or mentee and would like to know more about mentoring, see: Poetry Mentoring — Where Do You Start and How Do You Find Your Trusted Advisor

When choosing an online poetry class, avoid courses that promise unrealistic results or make grandiose claims. Also, be wary of courses that seem too good to be true or lack reviews and testimonials from past students.

Ultimately, choose a class that aligns with your goals, interests, and budget. Look for a course that provides high-quality instruction, personalized feedback, and opportunities to connect with other writers.

Overall, with the right research and preparation, an online poetry course to meet your needs and help you grow as a poet can be found.

In the near future, I plan to create a poetry writing and performance group. If this sparks your interest and you wish to be part of our poetry family, join us to receive exciting news and updates. You can sign up here.

Additionally, if you are a beginning poet in search of a mentor, then check out my Services For You page or book a discovery call using the button below.

References

Links to websites and organisations are shared in good faith as non-affiliate links, which either I have found of personal use and benefit or see that it would be of advantage to others. I receive no incentive or benefit for promoting their service.