They say you should never let a good crisis go to waste. If you're locked in during the COVID-19 crisis, take advantage of the time. Use online learning during Coronavirus isolation to master something new.
Why Learn Online
If you are working in your chosen field, additional skills can help you get a promotion. Job hunting? Demonstrating more knowledge in your chosen area makes you a more attractive candidate.
Explore interests outside of work, too. Do you love art, or literature, or making clothes, or history? Delve into it now, from the comfort of your living room. Hobbies add depth and richness to your life. Dig more deeply into an existing one or find a new interest.
What to Learn
What you learn depends on your interests. It could be job or career related, connected to a hobby, or just for fun. Try a course in something you know nothing about.
Many good online learning courses are free, so if they don't keep your interest, you can just stop. Just google whatever topic you're interested in and see what you can find.
Class Central posts a list of the top online learning courses, or MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) every year. Top ranked courses for 2019 include Learning How to Learn, Extinction Past and Present, Understanding Dementia, and Marketing In a Digital World.
Online Learning Platforms
If we must lock down, 2020 is a good time for it. Online learning platforms host courses from some of the world's most reputable universities. Try coursera.org, perhaps the best-known platform, which offers single courses, Professional certificates and Masters Certifications from top universities all over the world. Edx.org included Harvard, The University of Pennsylvania, the Sorbonne and Hong Kong Polytechnic among its founding schools. FutureLearn is a partnership including the UKs Open University, one of the country's largest universities.
For something less structured, check out youtube, Skillshare and Udemy. LinkedIn and other large platforms have their own courses for users. You can even learn on Instagram. You can learn everything from chocolate making to crochet, from storytelling to video editing.
Make the Most of The Course
Whatever the course, whatever the platform, make the most of your online learning opportunity. Take it seriously, even if it's for fun. Set aside a time and place each day to work on your course, minimizing interruptions. Watch the videos and complete the readings. Go into the forums, asking and answering questions. Some courses include projects, like writing your own story or code, or making a video of a presentation. Complete them. If you have a friend interested in the same topic, invite them to participate in course at the same time, then set up a study group. Treat it like any other learning exercise so you get the most out of the experience.
Announce Your Success
Take advantage of online learning now, while you are stuck at home. When the world opens up again, you will have a certificate, a new skill, or new knowledge in your toolkit. Add it to your LinkedIn Profile and your resume. Reflect on your accomplishments with pride and satisfaction.
Dr. Marne Platt is the President of Fundamental Capabilities and the author of 3 books (so far): Living Singlish: Your Life, Your Way; Professional Presence; and PREP For Success. Originally a practicing veterinarian, she built a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry. She founded Fundamental Capabilities to 'pay it forward' by providing career development workshops and coaching for women. 'Living Singlish: Your Life, Your Way' is an 'older sister in your pocket' packed full of advice for young women on building their own independent and exciting life. 'Professional Presence' and PREP For Success' help you strengthen your spoken and unspoken communication and leadership presence.
