Today we are in the information age where we are connected 24 x 7. It gives us a tremendous advantage in terms of information and knowledge. Gone are the days when this was the exclusive privilege of a few. In this article we shall explore how to leverage online information to make the right choices.
Understanding information
Online resources in un-arranged form is raw data. Well arranged and presented data becomes information. After sufficient information is collected, it becomes knowledge.
The online scene is divided into two technologies, social media and search engines. Social media as we all know is mostly dominated by Meta with platforms like Facebook and Instagram and messengers like WhatsApp. Search is all about Google Search, android powered smartphones and maps.
Social media is mostly used to push updates while knowledge is available on websites and maps.
Making the right choices
- Google Maps – Any coaching class which is legitimate will be marked on Google Maps. The entry will be complete with relevant information about courses being conducted. Look for classes which have a sufficient number of reviews. 20 to 50 would be a good start point. Do not look at just 5 star review but what has the review been written about and who has written it. Mostly parents give the right review. It also matters how the review has been replied back, especially the negative reviews.
- Website – A professional coaching class will have a website. A detailed website with sufficient information about the courses and teachers is a good start point. Pictures on the website speak a thousand words about the different classes conducted. Future courses and programs should also help parents to plan for their children.
- Social Media Presence – Finally the social media accounts of the coaching class gives a fairly good idea on the classes and activities. All the relevant information should be well presented in the bio and about section. Good quality pictures with captions also can be checked to make the right choice. Lastly remember, social media is all about updates, so regularly updated accounts means that the owner is serious about running the coaching class.
The final word
How fast is the response after your drop a query? Is there a follow up? Do the owners keep you updated with information? What have the other parents to say? Asking these basic questions also help with making the final decision. The spoken reputation of teacher is ultimately the only true test of evaluation for parents. However online search and information does go a long way to help make the right choices.
