* "Beginner" is subjective: What constitutes a beginner class varies widely. Some might cover basic word processing, while others might delve into programming concepts.
* Course catalogs change constantly: Colleges frequently update their online course offerings.
* Accreditation varies: There are regional and national accrediting bodies, and a college's accreditation status can affect its legitimacy and transferability of credits.
To find suitable courses, I recommend the following approach:
1. Identify your specific needs: What do you want to learn? (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, basic coding in Python, internet safety, digital literacy). Be specific.
2. Search college websites directly: Go to the websites of colleges and universities known for online learning (e.g., Arizona State University, University of Florida, Penn State World Campus, etc.). Look for their online course catalogs or continuing education departments. Use keywords related to your specific needs from step 1.
3. Use online course search engines: Websites like Coursera, edX, FutureLearn, and Udacity offer courses from many universities and institutions, some of which are accredited. Filter your search by "beginner" and your specific subject area. Note that while these often offer certificates, the level of accreditation for the certificates may vary. Check the provider's accreditation information.
4. Look at community colleges: Community colleges often have excellent, affordable online courses for beginners. Search for "[your state/region] community colleges online courses" and then browse their catalogs.
Remember to always check the college's accreditation status with a reputable source like the U.S. Department of Education's database (if you're in the US) before enrolling. Look for information on whether the specific course you're considering offers college credit (which may be important for transferability to another institution) or just a certificate of completion.