learn online while you stay-at-home

For those of us already in school or working, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we learn and work - now we do it from home.

But what if you were planning on making a career change when COVID-19 hit? You wanted to develop your current skillset or take courses to jump fields. 

With the increase in online learning as we continue to stay at home, it's the perfect opportunity for you to conquer some of those tasks you've set out for yourself through online learning. You can engage on your town terms, find low cost alternatives, and learn to manage yourself.

engage on your own terms

Whether you're interested in a whole new field, like getting your masters in product development, or just enhancing your skillset with a programming class, you can find what you're looking for with online classes. 

Technology allows online learning to be flexible and diverse. One-on-one tutoring sessions via video conference provide you with the customized help you need, while group chats provide you with companionship and group work skills. 

Pre-recorded lectures allow you to learn on your own schedule - particularly helpful if you're a caregiver with increased repsonsibilities now that everyone is staying at home. 

low-cost alternatives

While some online degree programs may be costly, not all are. If you're going back to school and you're doing it online, you'll save on expenses that you would've had living on or commuting to campus, so that tuition fees don't seem so high. Not to mention - no commuting means time back in your day to relax, spend time with your family, or do something you enjoy like cooking or gardening.

Furthermore, with the boom in online learning, the marketplace has become competative, which  means lower prices for you! You can find a number of online courses for free, or at discounted prices. Find out if your job will cover the costs, and if so, how much. 

manage yourself

You've likely hit some bumps in the road with working from home - namely, a bump (down) in prodouctivity levels. If you choohse an asynchornous course (which means content is prerecorded and you don't need to login for live sessions) it's on you to stay on schedule and stay focused.

With studying remotely it's not just about your schedule, but it's also about finding the tools that will help your learning. Think about how you've learned best in the past - was it a captivating lecturer that kept your attention? Do you find yourself needing to take notes so you don't daydream? Are practice questions and problems the best way for you to really learn the material?

Just as there are many options for online laerning, there are many apps for self-improvement regarding work. You can find apps to help your writing, apps like Pomodoro for your productivity, and habit trackers to stay on track with your new goals.

With the large increase in volume of online learning, the way we learn has changed. The tools for online learning will only improve as the brightest minds are helping us adapt to the new normal.