What should you look for in Udemy course recommendations?

[AuroraS]

Udemy has such a massive catalog that finding the right course can be overwhelming. I see Udemy course recommendations everywhere, but they're not always helpful.

Some recommendations seem based on popularity rather than quality, while others might be biased or outdated. I'm trying to develop a better system for evaluating Udemy courses before purchasing.

What criteria do you use when looking at Udemy course recommendations? Do you trust the instructor's other courses, the preview content, the Q&A section, or something else?

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When evaluating Udemy course recommendations, I look beyond the star rating. Udemy's rating system can be misleading because of sales tactics and review incentives.

What I check first is the instructor's profile - their experience, other courses they've created, and their response rate to questions. An instructor with industry experience and active engagement is more likely to create a quality course.

I also look at the curriculum details, preview videos, and what students are saying in the Q&A section. The Q&A often reveals common points of confusion and how helpful the instructor is in addressing them.

[IsabellaUG]

My criteria for Udemy course recommendations include course updates, project quality, and community size. A course that was updated recently is more likely to be current. Projects that are realistic and comprehensive indicate better course design.

A large student community can be both positive and negative. It means the course is popular, but it can also mean less individual attention. I check if the instructor or teaching assistants are active in answering questions.

I also wait for sales. Udemy courses are almost always on sale, so I never pay full price. At $10-$20, even a mediocre course isn't a huge loss, and a great course is an incredible value.

[LunaL]

As a student on a budget, I'm very careful about Udemy course recommendations. What I look for is courses that are frequently recommended in learning communities I trust.

I also check if the course is part of a learning path or specialization. Courses that are designed to work together are often better than standalone courses.

The preview content is crucial. If the instructor's teaching style doesn't work for me in the free preview, I won't enjoy the full course no matter how highly it's rated. I need to connect with the instructor's approach to learning.