How effective is online learning?

The coronavirus pandemic of 202 brought with it a surge in the need for and usage of technology and the internet. It was our window into the outside world while we were all cooped up at home, allowing us to stay informed about the state of the outside world, whilst helping us stay in touch with the loved ones we couldn’t visit. As well as supplying an endless stream of entertainment, with everything from coffee-making tutorials to Netflix binge watches. 

Technology really paid for itself during the times of uncertainty and social distance.

Whilst our time spent indoors during the pandemic has of course taken a toll, there are also some benefits that have come out of this way of working. Many people were able to continue their studies through the use of connective platforms such as Zoom and online learning systems. 

E-learning has become an extremely popular way of structuring and running courses, with everything from online tools that add to and supplement learning on part time courses and lower school learning, to courses that are completely online which can be taken wherever the students are in the world.

The possibilities are pretty endless when it comes to online education, and there are many benefits to adding e-learning elements to lessons and courses.

How online learning affects mental health – the good and the bad

By suddenly having the majority of learning moved to an online system, this extreme and sudden shift may certainly have impacted the mental health of those starting or completing training during the pandemic. 

But how has the sudden rise in online learning affected our mental health?

Like anything, online education comes with positive and negative effects. So we have put together a short list of some of the best and worst things about e-learning, and how this new way of working has affected our mental health.

The good

• The flexibility to work at your own schedule – you choose when and how you work; you’ll get to know what is best for you in terms of learning style and pace.
• Independence and empowerment – your destiny is in your hands! Online learning can make you feel more confident and empowered in taking charge of your own learning and can help you reach for and achieve your goals.
• Low-pressure environment – you can choose where you work and at a pace that suits you – the pressure is off and you make the rules.

The not so good

• Being isolated from the outside world; a lack of daily interaction – learning online can make it harder to get daily interaction with the outside world, and therefore can have an effect on social skills and confidence.
• A disconnection from in-person human interaction and communication – communicating online is very different to communicating in person, and so there can be a disconnect in how we interact with others when we spend too much time online.
• Can exacerbate introverted traits and it can be easier to get distracted – the constant stimulation, instant access and fast paced nature of online learning can make it easier to form introverted habits and get distracted more easily when suddenly you aren’t receiving the same stimulation in the outside world.

How effective is online learning and what can it add to your educational experience?

The world is growing fast in terms of technology, and new ways of working through the use of online learning and work systems is becoming ever more popular. 

But is it effective?

Everyone is different, and therefore will learn in different ways. Here are just a few of the ways that online learning has proven to be effective…so could it be the right choice for you?

1. You have the freedom to explore your learning at a pace that suits you and at times that fit around your schedule. The flexibility of this learning style can keep hold of attention spans for longer and make workloads and deadlines seem more manageable.
2. No more fear of missing out on important lessons or lectures; as long as you are somewhere with a strong internet connection you can access your learning from anywhere in the world. You are also not limited to courses near to where you live – you can take courses online from all over the world!
3. The in-person environment of educational institutions can be overwhelming and overstimulating for some. Having more ways-of-working options for those who may struggle to attend public classes can help to generate a greater sense of inclusivity and ultimately ensures that education can reach more ready minds.
4. You can hone existing skills whilst learning more about technology and the skills required to use it. It can also be an extremely efficient way of completing work, keeping track of your progress and accessing a wider range of tools that you might not otherwise have access to in an in-person environment.
5. Learning online can allow you to connect with a broader network and spectrum of like-minded people and professionals.
6. It can be extremely empowering being in charge of your own schedule, learning important skills such as self-discipline and other vital time management and organisational skills.

Does online learning sound like something you could get on board with?

Want to give yourself the best start in your chosen career? Perhaps you have some prior experience and would like to further your studies? 

Here at My Learning Online we have a broad selection of professionally tailored short courses in various business sectors to choose from. 

Whether you are starting out or returning to training, a certificate is an impressive asset to any resume, showing a commitment to your work as well as an openness and curiosity to keep learning. 

You’ll not only learn new skills on one of our online courses, but you will also have opportunities to connect and network with like-minded people, opening doors for different professional opportunities and business ventures that you perhaps hadn’t encountered before.

We offer a multitude of online short courses in the following industries:

• Photography
• Wildlife and Animal
• Beauty
• Agriculture and Farming
• Lifestyle
• Small Biz, Admin and Reception
• Landscaping and Horticulture

All our certificates follow an entirely online course structure, giving you the flexibility to work your learning around your current responsibilities, schedule and lifestyle. This 24/7 access to learning and total flexibility is what truly sets us apart from other study programs, and is the perfect choice for anyone who may not have the resources or time to commit immediately to a full time degree course.

Not only that, for the courses which require it we will also send you your very own custom-made kit straight to your front door. Including everything you need to get started on your journey.

If you’re interested in learning more, each of our courses comes with a downloadable brochure with further information on course content, accessing your learning online, tutor support and more. 

Need financial support? We also have course fee payment plans available to make the financial side of things that little bit easier.

Finally, we have a friendly team of course consultants on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have, and to help direct you towards the best course for you. Speak to one of our consultants today to find out more about any of the courses which spark your interest.

Get in touch today and start seeking your true potential with online courses at My Learning Online.