Online courses, also known as e-learning courses, are a great way for people to enhance their training and development in a specific set of skills. As the name suggests, online training courses take place on the web, and as such, no longer require participants to travel out of their homes to participate in training. In elearning, all of the training takes place on the Internet—including everything from quizzes to teamwork and social interactions.
Obviously, convenience and ease are the main benefits of online training courses. These programs allow anyone, anywhere to pick up skills and knowledge without having to leave their homes. All they need is a computer that’s connected to the Internet, and they can commence learning. Depending on what you’re looking for, elearning can support a quick knowledge “nugget” or a complex learning experience. This flexibility is a major benefit that makes online courses a very attractive option for individuals learning in a self-directed context.
As for the number and variety of online training courses on the web, your choices may overwhelm you. Before anything else, focus on choosing the skills you intend to learn first. Once you’ve decided what your ideal learning outcome is, it’s time to select the perfect course. Here you will need to choose an online course that will put you in a better position to function better and become more productive. Always sign up for an online training course that’s offered by a reputable organization.
As a golden rule, if an online course seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Ask questions, such as what to expect from the course, learning objectives and what features the course contains to ensure you have a successful learning experience.
Obviously you will need a few things before you start with the course. First is a computer with speakers, an Internet connection and enough bandwidth to support streaming content.
Image Credit: Saxsbiker on Flickr