Online avalanche course, thoughts

Probably don't take it. If you want to take an avalanche course you should probably get some real, simulated experience.

You already answered your own question. You can get the information ANYWHERE. You aren't let in on secret knowledge in an AIARE 1, it's all readily available in books (Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, The Avalanche Handbook, etc.), websites, and you can watch lectures on everything from the life cycle of crystals, to shear and fracture mechanics, to case studies/debriefs on real incidents. You can even watch people conduct tests like the ECT, Reutsch Block, shovel shear, etc.

BUT....it's all abstract and theoretical until it's applied. There is NO substitute for physically traveling in avy terrain with an experienced guide/instructor, and doing the work. So, any online course is by definition not good enough. A good litmus test is this: "Would I ski with a person with X level of training and experience in avalanche terrain?" If someone told me they were trained via an online course, I personally would not.

That said, I'm sure the course has really good and valuable info that will serve anyone, or maybe act as a good intro. I read anything and everything I can relating to snow science and avalanches because I think it's really interesting, and I encourage other people who enjoy touring and bc skiing to do the same because our understanding is constantly evolving and changing. You can never know enough about something where the consequences of getting it wrong could kill you or a friend. So, do the course if it's affordable, but don't look at it as a substitute, but rather a supplement and reinforcer.

Backcountry saftey is not something you want to make sacrifices with to save money. You would be much better off spending some more money on an actual class so you can get out in the field and see how all this stuff works for your self. There's no good substitute for actually digging pits and practicing avy rescues with trained profesionals.

This course would be great in addition to a Level 1 Avy.

You are taking this education for your safety... Best get outside and get in the snow and learn it that way.