How to Learn Online-Preparing Yourself for Work in 21st Century

The rate at which technology is expanding is phenomenal. If you wanted to become an expert in any subject twenty years ago, you were faced with years of work, either by following an established course in a university or college or spending endless hours in libraries and bookshops to become self-taught. Correspondence courses were popular, but relied on the postal system, with delays and potential losses. Nowadays you can complete either option from home.

To gain a recognized qualification in many areas, it is no longer necessary to attend classes. The home PC, with internet access, audio and video capabilities, email, instant messaging and free internet telephony and conference calling, creates a virtual classroom in your own living room.

What equipment do you need to gain your degree or acquire knowledge in your field of interest? You’ll need a PC or laptop, preferably with a broadband internet connection, if you want to take advantage of online audio, video and telephony. However, if it’s just written text you’re after, dial up will work well. Headphones with built in microphone will enable you to talk to tutors and other students and also to listen to recorded lessons without disturbing people around you. An email account from your ISP or one of the free providers will enable you to submit assignments. And of course, you’ll need a credit card to pay for some courses.

However, before parting with your cash, it is essential to check the credibility of the course providers. There are many respected organizations offering online tuition, but anyone can create a website and information, both free and paid for, is not automatically correct. Qualifications are not always worth anything, no matter how impressive the website advertising them. You should begin your search by looking for accredited courses in your subject and make sure that the one you opt for is accredited by the official body which represents the career. If you are unsure, work backwards, by starting with the job you want to do. Find out the exact qualifications needed for that career and the name of the accrediting body. Do this by contacting a careers service, looking at a trade publication or a book which explains how to enter the career, or you could consult a government careers website, such as usajobs.gov in the United States. If necessary, ring up the accrediting organization and ask if the course you are thinking of doing is on their list. If not, ask them to send you details of any online courses which are.

Studying at home may be comfortable, but sometimes it’s too comfortable – you’ll just watch that program on TV before you do your assignment, or ring your friend before you read this week’s lesson. Before you know it, it’s bedtime and you haven’t done a thing. Before taking on the commitment of an online degree or diploma, you should sit down and work out exactly how you will study. Make sure you understand what will be required of you and how long you have to complete the course. If you decide it is realistic, you should make a timetable. What are you prepared to give up in order to make time for your studies? How will this affect the people you live with? Will they be unhappy because you have less time for them? Will they give you the peace and quiet you need or will you be competing with loud music, TV or kids as you sit at the computer? You will also need to consider your study skills. Will you need to brush up on these before you begin or are skills such as essay writing included in the course? Think back to when you last studied and look at your strengths and weaknesses. Do you need the stimulation of a real classroom and interaction with other students and teachers, rather than virtual contact only? If you are concerned about your ability to follow an online course, start with something small. There are plenty of short courses available and many of them are free. Make a study schedule for several weeks and see if you are able to stick to it.

In a society where jobs are no longer safe and most of us have to retrain several times during our working lives, technology makes the transition from one career to another much easier and in some cases much faster. Studying online gives quick access to information and provides the possibility of retraining without having to leave your current job. However, studying online requires motivation and self-discipline, but if you have those, you will benefit greatly from the opportunities online.

© Waller Jamison 2007

Article Source: http://www.content.onlypunjab.com

Waller Jamison is a freelance careers advisor and part-time university teacher. For hot tips on finding an accredited course go to Start studying today Get the funds you need with Finance your studies now.

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