Back in the day, learning a new skill was a detailed proposition for which you had to carefully prepare and budget. Now, thanks to eLearning, it’s as simple as opening a new browser window.
The main advantage of eLearning is that you can do it on your own time, which is convenient for those who are balancing work and family responsibilities. It’s also less frustrating because advanced learners can whiz past topics they already know, while novices can progress through new content at their own pace. Lower cost is obviously a benefit too.
The best thing about eLearning, in my opinion, is that it allows you to increase your marketability while still generating income, as opposed to traditional learning methods, which may require that you give up your whole life and financial livelihood.
Determine if It’s for You
eLearning comes in all shapes and sizes, but are some methods more effective than others? Some experts think that learning is maximized when digested in 45 minute online sessions as opposed to 8-10 hour blocks. Shorter sessions give people the ability to process the information at hand and apply it to their everyday jobs as they are learning it. I’ve also found that lectures interspersed with interactivity (videos or quizzes, for example) keep things interesting and help you avoid the temptation to surf the web.
However, online learning is not for everyone, at least not over the long-term. People who pursue distance coursework rely on online multimedia tools to simulate in-person lectures and tests, and you have to be completely self-motivated to make it work. Many are spurred to action by the camaraderie of being surrounded by fellow students, and online study groups are not the same.
Research Courses
To find eLearning options, tap professional associations in your target industry, media outlets who cover your area, or government entities that support people in your line of work. If a degree program is what you’re after, you can identify distance learning options by searching Google and the big social networks – just make sure your target institutions are accredited.
If you’ve never tried eLearning before, consider auditioning it in a situation with little to no risk or upfront investment. Popular and inexpensive eLearning sites to check out include prfessor.com, Lynda. com, and learningannex.com.
This post was originally published on Intuit's Quickbase blog.
Elearning is widely beneficial for employee or businessman who have not enough time for campus class.
Posted by: Chris | November 22, 2011 at 12:26 PM
As a dyslexic who has his own learning style - elearning is what I always was looking for.
Posted by: Owen Marcus | November 24, 2011 at 02:46 PM
eLearning is one of the most popular method of education these days. It is not only popular, yet it is also proven effective. With the advancements of technologies right now, we really need to adapt into new technologies. Instead of thinking negative things about their effects, it's better to think about their benefits. It is truly effective to use technologies in eduction. Technologies promote easy, fast, and fun learning to students.
Posted by: Sarah Bernheim | December 20, 2011 at 10:53 PM
@Chris: Yup. I know several people who would not have a Master's Degree right now if it weren't for eLearning. Holding down a day job, they didn't have time to attend physical classes.
@Owen: That's great to hear! What are some of the types of courses that you have found most helpful?
@Sarah: Agreed. There's no use being negative, because it's here to stay. In fact, I'm willing to bet that we can't even imagine the eLearning options that will be available in 10 years.
Posted by: Alexandra Levit | December 22, 2011 at 10:46 PM