Online PDC Comparison: Mind Map & Criteria Guide

This resource offers a detailed mind map and criteria for comparing online Permaculture Design Courses (PDCs), aiding informed selection amid diverse offerings. Online PDCs vary in format: audio-visual, textbook-based, residential hybrids, online classrooms, or individually mentored like Permaculture Visions' approach. Features to evaluate include group discussion spaces, flexibility for face-to-face integration, recognition of prior learning (RPL), and hybrid systems. Essential checks cover delivery costs, payment plans, certification inclusion (many free courses lack tutoring, manuals, or certification), and compliance with national/international standards like higher institute or APT requirements. Permaculture Visions provides self-evaluation tests, comprehensive manuals, targeted links, further readings, and evolving course notes to minimize queries. Cooperation with the international permaculture community is highlighted: shared curricula, community project evaluations, open-sourced materials, scholarships, and validation by bodies like National Permaculture Associations. Their free ethics chapter sample and graduate project links exemplify transparency. Unlike video-heavy courses, Permaculture Visions directs to external videos without producing its own, focusing on text-based mentoring, affiliated face-to-face options, and global teacher support. This ensures cost-effective, high-quality learning aligned with permaculture ethics of resource sharing and earth care. The guide promotes courses generating practical designs meeting standards, with RPL for efficiency. It positions Permaculture Visions as comprehensive, emphasizing substance over flashy delivery, ideal for serious students seeking certification and real-world application in sustainable design.