It is generally accepted that distance learning originated in the era of personal computers and the Internet. However, the first distance students appeared in the 18th century. They studied in a “correspondent” way. They sent scientific work by mail and received it back with the teacher’s comments. For example, this is how the famous Ada Lovelace, the first programmer, studied. Today, traditional mail has been replaced by e-mail, and we look at the comments of the teacher on GitHub. To study now, we only need access to the Internet and some free time.
How to choose courses
The specialization of the educational institution must correspond to the proposed curriculum. Especially carefully study the issue when choosing a fashionable profession. Sometimes the organizers want to quickly make money on the increased demand from listeners. This is how Big Data programs appear in Design Schools or training in SMM management among accounting courses.
Internship and practice
Specify in what form the internship will take place. For many professions, students must train on real projects. Then the effectiveness of training will be much higher. It happens that the curriculum of the courses openly states that students must independently find projects for practice. On paper, this is presented as developing the skill of finding clients. In fact, this is a flaw on the part of the organizers. If courses cannot organize a real internship, they should simulate a project that is as close to real life as possible. Otherwise, it’s bullshit.
What exactly the student receives after graduation
It is best to have a state certificate or certificate of advanced training or retraining. Well-known online schools also issue electronic certificates that are available for verification on the site. Such documents confirm education and are difficult to forge. It’s bad when the document simply states “took a course”. Employers do not trust such “crusts”.
Employment
Rarely do courses help you get a job. If there is such an opportunity, be sure to use it. Education with employment solves the problem of finding a job. Usually the students with the best results get the job, so approach your studies responsibly in order to positively establish yourself and get into a cool company.
The composition of the program
Carefully study what exactly will be taught. Names of objects, decoding and hours. Be aware that the practical time is supposed to be independent work of students. If you see theory – an hour, practice – 5 hours, do not rush to rejoice. Usually this means that the training will take only an hour, the rest of the time is allocated for homework.
Format
Each educational institution independently decides in what format to teach. If only the format of online classes without registration is intended, consider whether you can always attend. Find out how long students have access to completed courses. The ideal option is forever. But many courses limit access to a year or just for the duration of the course.
Feedback from other members will help form an opinion
Skip overtly promotional and aggressively negative reviews. They are often made to order. The first ones buy the courses themselves, the second ones are ordered by their competitors. Pay attention to reasoned reviews where students talk about their experience and express their wishes for work.
How to study and motivate yourself
Cut the elephant into steaks
Move forward in small steps. A large array of new information is intimidating, so deal with small topics gradually and complete tasks. If you just finished your first lesson on layout yesterday, don’t start creating a responsive website right away. Choose tasks according to your possibilities. So you will stay motivated for a long time and will not abandon your studies due to excessive workload.
Find time to study
Online courses are taken by people with work, family and other responsibilities. Find time in your schedule in advance that will be devoted to studying. Schedule at least two hours each day. Set aside more time on weekends. Design an individual study schedule for yourself, depending on the free hours. Study anytime that suits you, early in the morning or late at night, but be sure to stick to your schedule. Do not take up the time you have planned for study.
Find a mentor
He will help you deal with difficult topics and cheer you up in a friendly way. Teachers are not always available, so it will be easier to contact him with questions. By talking to a mentor, you will realize that you are not alone. Everyone was once at the beginning of the path and did not know elementary things. Regular practice and classes helped them master the subject. With a living example in front of you, it will be easier to move forward.
How to take a break from learning
Timer
Break your time into small chunks of 25 to 45 minutes. Set a timer and focus on the task as much as possible. Watch a webinar or complete assignments without distractions. Phone and social media can wait. As soon as the timer rings, take a short break (5-10 minutes). At this time, you can call back or answer a message if you were looking for. Do other things: make tea, walk around the room, stretch. By inserting regular small breaks, you will be able to exercise longer and be less tired.
Physical activity
Unload your head by being active. Don’t sit around all day studying. Schedule a walk, run, or bike ride. We advise you to enroll in a fitness club or studio. Choose a direction that you have long wanted to try: rock climbing, tribal dancing, yoga. Classes 2-3 times a week will help maintain the psychological attitude to study and keep in excellent physical shape.
Online learning opens doors to another life. Now there are no barriers to gaining knowledge and a new profession. All that is required of the student is desire. Be careful when choosing courses. If you do not make a mistake when choosing an educational portal, you will receive a state document on education, a guaranteed internship and a place in a good company. Find people who have completed online courses and found prestigious jobs. Take an example from them!