I should begin this post with a disclaimer…. I am not anti-traditional learning, but rather pro web-based learning!! I have had the privilege of being able to spend a number of years at traditional University completing my Bachelor’s Degree as well as doing some Post Graduate studies. My experience at University without a doubt taught me alot and shaped who I am today. However, now looking back, the one thing that I question is the many required courses I took that provided minimal or no skills or knowledge that I was able to practically use in the workforce!
Can you relate? Have you ever taken a course only to find out that you actually didn’t gain any marketable skills that would translate to real work opportunities? I think about the financial investment for my schooling and the reality that only a small percentage of the courses really provided transferable skills to work.
Needless to say, I am rather pumped about the exciting shifts we are seeing in online education.
Let me tell you 5 Reasons I LOVE Online Learning…
1. Online Learning is MORE current! It is a known fact that many post-secondary curriculums do not evolve rapidly from year to year. I recall purchasing my share of $100 “new edition” textbooks that really had the same content as the year before – hmmm. In an online learning model, the content is fluid and easily changeable to keep as current and relevant as possible. Just think of the “Internet Business” many of us are involved in. This industry has evolved at such a rapid pace that traditional education models simply would not work. However, Web-based learning models are more fluid and can be changed on the fly in order to address new demands!
2. Online Learning is MORE flexible! I personally appreciate the self-directed, learn at your pace model that many online learning portals offer.
3. Online learning is MORE cost-effective! I think of the many free and low-cost webinars that have provided me with an abundance of tools and knowledge that I am currently using in my business! I purchased a few higher cost industry specific web courses, but the tuition prices still did not even come close to what you would pay currently at many post-secondary institutes.
4. Online Learning is MORE skills-focused! Years ago, I think credentials were more important to Employers and Businesses then they are now (except of course if you are Google – they like Stanford Grads:) ). Internet Businesses in particular are looking for people that have the skills to do the job! The traditional university model is “Knowledge-based” as opposed to “Skill-based” which has been to the detriment of many graduates who left University with few transferable work skills. The online learning opportunities I have been personally involved with have been much more skill-based and relevant to the industry I currently work in.
5. Online Learning is MORE interactive! You might be thinking… Craig, how can online learning be more interactive then face-to-face classroom interaction. Well, many online learning models currently offer online discussion forums, live chat, ongoing Q&As with instructors. As well, online learning enables you to collaborate with a larger group of people at once. In traditional settings, you really can’t have a group much bigger then 4 or 5 as someone eventually gets lost in the shuffle. With an Online Learning Model, you can be talking with many different people from different parts of the world simulateneously which is cool!
At VAClassroom, we have rigorously studied online learning models over the past year to identify those elements that would make the most effective learning environment. We are excited to “open our virtual doors” to a new online learning environment for Virtual Assistants coming up in the middle of May – more details to follow. But I do have to say, that given my own experiences with traditional education, I am much more militant about offering courses that actually provide tangible skills that you will be able to take and apply to your Virtual Assistant business – this is key!
