E-Learning Tips
Table of Contents
What is e-learning?
E-learning refers to all forms of electronically supported learning. Digital learning has many forms such as online courses, webinars, telelearning or online learning. Universities and schools are also turning to online alternatives, especially now in the age of Corona.
E-learning vs. distance learning
As mentioned earlier, e-learning refers to teaching with electronic media. Distance learning, on the other hand, is a form of teaching in which the subject matter and knowledge are conveyed over a spatial distance. The spatial distance between students or pupils and the lecturer or teacher is decisive. Nevertheless, distance learning also makes use of electronic tools (zoom, online exams, online submissions, online exercises, etc.). Strictly speaking, distance learning can also be delivered in the form of e-learning, but e-learning is not distance learning. The difference is that e-learning relies on a virtual classroom in the first place, since the main goal is teaching supported by electronic media and the spatial conditions do not matter. Therefore, differentiation is difficult in practice, which is why it is used as a synonym in the following text.
Examples
Online courses and webinars exist on all topics. Really all of them. Among them, there are some in which you can expand your own skills and learn new things, such as building an online business, writing eBook or book, social media marketing, increasing sales, creating podcasts or homepage and much more.
There are also courses on personal development, hobbies and leisure. Some examples in this category are yoga, cooking, medicinal herbs, fishing or learning a specific instrument. There are also more specialized courses such as dog training or even a watercolor painting course. The options are insanely diverse, so everyone can find the right one for them.
The third category relates to continuing education. These include distance learning courses, diploma courses, courses at adult education centers, or even distance learning from universities and schools. The difference to the first two is that it is concluded with a certificate or diploma. These courses, which are an addition to schools and universities, are a great way to improve your resume and qualifications.
Advantages of e-learning
From a professional and personal point of view, further education is indispensable in the year 2020. The more qualifications you have, the better your position on the job market. You can also benefit from e-learning in your general life, outside of career purposes. They can be course is like mental health courses, yoga classes or drawing courses. In recent years, it has become increasingly easy to carry out one's hobbies, preferences or personal development online.
Thanks to e-learning you have the opportunity to continue your education on the side even if you have a full-time job or you are in school learning something else. The range of online courses and webinars is greater than ever before. You should certainly use this to your advantage, as there are also many free options.
E-learning is location and time-independent, which is why it is especially convenient for adults who want to learn a skill or pursue their hobby on the side. Educational access is not limited, as there are no access restrictions for webinars, online courses or online sports programs (unless the course is already fully booked).
Each variant of e-learning has its advantages and disadvantages. Although e-learning at schools and universities may be more limited in its use than an online course without fixed attendance times, it has countless advantages. For one thing, it stimulates various sensory organs of students, which is very convenient for several types of learners. By eliminating the need to travel to the university or school, the time gained can be used more effectively and creates free space for repetition of teaching material. In addition, e-learning strengthens the digital competence of participants and thus prepares young people in particular for an increasingly digitalized working world. Since classrooms are virtual, learning can take place regardless of location. Thus, online classes promote independent work and build organizational skills.
Tips
For some, e-learning is harder to push through than face-to-face classes due to lack of motivation or pressure. But there are some tips you can adopt to still stay focused and get through.
Workplace
Having a fixed workspace is essential. To ensure that you can attend your class in peace and without disturbance, you should make sure that the atmosphere is quiet. This includes the cleanliness and neatness of the workplace as well as the documents. Distractions should be avoided as much as possible, including the smartphone, which is best switched to airplane mode or taken directly to another room.
Routine
Whether it's studying, private class or a personal development webinar, having the right routine is key. Postponing has never been a good solution and especially when you have to organize yourself, it can end fatally. It is important to visualize and aim for the goal. If you focus on it and don't get distracted by your everyday life, nothing will stand in your way! It is important to include e-learning as a fixed planning point in one's day and not as a side issue. In order to do this, e-learning must be made a permanent part of one's life. Even if it's location and time independent, it's insanely important to make it a priority.
Planning
A weekly planner is the tool for proper time management. Not only should the course dates themselves be entered here, but also learning and revision times. Due to the more flexible provision of learning content by the teacher, it is easier to learn by yourself but you need a higher self-motivation. With a working weekly schedule, you usually have enough time to complete all your tasks and don't overdo it. Most e-learning courses are voluntary (except for schools and some universities).
Therefore, it is important to always keep in mind that you are taking the course voluntarily because it is of personal interest to you.
Timetable
In the timetable all important dates that I related to the course should be marked. This includes deadlines, lecture dates, exam dates, study times and study breaks. A to-do list can also be very helpful, as well as an exam schedule, in which the date of the exam is entered as well as the learning material and other helpful points.
Helpful tools
Notion
Notion is available as an app as well as a software on the computer and can be used in many ways. For example, to create to-do lists, documents and much more. Tasklists, book lists, journalling or the course planning function are particularly practical. It is an absolute all-rounder and can also be helpful not only for students or e-learning. Both software and app versions are free.
Studydrive
Studydrive is also available as a web version and as an app. Here, students can help each other by uploading their university documents (old exams, transcripts, summaries, etc.), which are then downloaded for free by their fellow students. Furthermore, students can exchange ideas and give tips in a number of groups, including a motivation boost group and learning tips group, which is particularly helpful for e-learning or distance learning.
