With tight budgets, busy lifestyles and constantly changing life demands, having a solid education is more important now than ever. As learning has become more important than ever, the last few years have seen an explosion in the increasing cost of a college education. But don’t fear! There has also been an explosion of alternative opportunities for quality learning, especially in video form from sites like TED and University Webinars.
But where do you start?
The key to success with online learning is knowing that you drive the vehicle of your own development. You are in control now, so take advantage of every tool available. Watching educational videos online is great, but it’s not enough. You need to apply this new knowledge to enhance your learning and development. Don’t just watch, do! Here are some tips to “innovate yourself” by learning online.
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Create something useful. Watch a video, and actually create something from it! When you know you are working to create something, you will listen much more attentively.
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Keep a journal. Reflection is a powerful technique for learning. Describe what you are learning, and apply that knowledge.
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Work on a project. Pick a relevant project to apply your knowledge. Maybe you already have a big project, and what you learn online can help.
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Build your own program. Don’t just watch one video or read one how-to guide. Do a series, and integrate them together to build your own custom course.
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Have a partner. Don’t do it alone! Find someone (or a community) to learn with. Share your insights with each other.
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Teach someone something. As you learn online, think about who you could share your new-found knowledge with. Who else could benefit from what you are learning? Accepting the challenge of teaching will help you internalize information on a deeper level.
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Learn from those who have come before you. Research already exists on how to design your experience to achieve greater results. My book Root Down & Branch Out: Best Practices for Leadership Development Programs details the best practices for designing higher education programs for learning, for example.
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Go mobile! Short on free time? Want to learn on the go? Use your phone, tablet or other mobile device to learn on your time. Time is your most valuable resource.
Ready to take your online learning one step further?
Create Your Path is a series of video workshops designed to help you create your own path to a successful life and career, integrating the academic, professional, and personal together.
Originally created as a blended, hybrid, or “Flip The Classroom” style program for Dartmouth College, Create Your Path will guide you through step-by-step activities designed to give you insight into your future.
Click the button below to find out more.
