Remote learning is a practice that has been around for decades, but it has gained much more traction over the recent years. It allows individuals to access knowledge, get certifications, advance their careers, and improve their lives in many ways. Online learning is a direct consequence of technological advancements that have revolutionized the way people learn and access information.
With the advent of the internet, distance learning has morphed into a much more extensive category of remote learning, which includes all forms of education that do not take place in a traditional classroom setting. Remote learning is typically delivered through digital technologies, such as audio, video, electronic media, and the internet.
Remote learning has become increasingly popular, especially in the wake of global changes that limit the accessibility and availability of traditional classroom-based learning. It has become essential in times when learners need to acquire knowledge and advance their careers without leaving their jobs or uprooting their families.
In this blog post, we will explore what remote learning is and why it is important, benefits learners can enjoy from remote learning, some of the best remote learning platforms available, how to make the most of remote learning experience, and the future of remote learning.
What is Remote Learning, and Why is it Important?
Remote learning is a type of education delivery where learners participate in online classes, virtual reality classrooms, webinars, or video conferences instead of the traditional classroom setting. Remote learning is important because it provides access to education to people living in remote areas or to those who simply have obligations that make it difficult to attend traditional classes.
Remote learning is also important because it allows learners to have greater control and flexibility over their educational experience. Learners can choose the time and place they prefer to watch lectures and complete coursework, making it easy for them to juggle other obligations such as work, family commitments, and social life.
Remote learning has become even more important in recent times due to the global health crises that have moved a lot of human activity online. With the social distancing measures in place because of the pandemic, remote learning has become a necessity, and many companies have developed products, services, and platforms to meet the needs of schools, universities, businesses, and learners.
Benefits of Remote Learning
Remote learning has a multitude of benefits, which include:
Convenience and Flexibility
Remote learning provides learners with the convenience and flexibility to access coursework, content, and other course materials at any time and from anywhere. This makes remote learning an ideal option for learners who are unable to attend traditional classes due to distance, work, or other personal commitments.
Affordability
Remote learning is often more affordable than traditional classroom-based learning. It eliminates commuting expenses, saves on housing and other living costs, and makes education more accessible to those who might not have the financial means to travel to schools or take traditional classes.
Wide Variety of Courses
Remote learning platforms provide learners with a wide variety of courses to choose from in various disciplines, including business, education, health, technology, and research, among others. This ensures that learners have access to the latest knowledge, ideas, and concepts that they can apply in their personal and professional lives.
Customized Learning
Remote learning platforms can tailor learning specifically to suit individual learning needs, making the experience more personalized and engaging. With remote learning platforms, learners can access course materials that are tailored to their learning style, pace, and language to ensure time is optimized and the best results achieved.
Best Remote Learning Platforms
There are many remote learning platforms available today for learners at different levels and fields of study. The following five are some of the best remote learning platforms available today:
Udemy
Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers over 155,000 courses in various disciplines. The courses are available in 65 different languages, making it a convenient option for learners worldwide.
Udemy provides personalized instruction, ensures a lifetime access to course materials, and offers frequent discounts, making it an affordable option for learners.
Coursera
Coursera is an online learning platform that has partnered with top universities worldwide, including Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and Johns Hopkins. It offers over 4,000 courses in different disciplines, including business, computer science, arts, and social sciences.
Coursera provides learners with the flexibility to learn at their pace, offers financial aid to learners who cannot afford courses, and provides learners with professional certifications, making it an ideal option for those seeking career advancement.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is a collection of online courses designed to help learners develop the skills they need for their current and future jobs. It offers over 16,000 courses in different categories, including business, technology, and creative fields.
LinkedIn Learning provides personalized learning based on the user’s LinkedIn profile, offers certificates after completing a course, and ensures courses are updated to align with emerging industry trends.
edX
edX is an online learning platform co-founded by Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). It offers over 3,000 courses in various disciplines, including computer science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.
Learners can enroll in edX courses for free or at low cost, earn academic credits, or tailor their learning experience to meet personal or professional goals. EdX courses are developed by renowned faculty members from top universities worldwide and are rigorous, relevant, and up-to-date.
Skillshare
Skillshare is an online learning platform—designed for creatives seeking to enhance their skills in various creative fields. It offers courses in graphic design, illustration, animation, and photography, among others.
Skillshare provides learners with the flexibility to learn at their pace, offers a 14-day free trial, and is affordable.
Tips for Successful Remote Learning
Remote learning does take some getting used to, especially if you are new to the concept. Here are some tips to make the most of your remote learning experience:
Create a Study Plan and Schedule
Creating a study plan and schedule helps learners to stay organized, motivated, and on track with their coursework. Consider using a planner, an online calendar, or scheduling reminders to keep your learning organized.
Eliminate Distractions
Eliminating distractions such as smartphone notifications, social media, or notifications fends off possible learning interruptions. Designate a specific time of the day to check your phone, check your social media and make sure you fully focus on your studies.
Stay Connected with Other Learners
Joining online communities or study groups related to your coursework can help you to stay motivated and share ideas with other learners. Take advantage of discussion forums, chat features, and other social features to share insights, learn from others, and lend support.
Take Care of Yourself
Remote learning can sometimes be exhausting, and it’s essential to take care of your physical and mental health. Take regular breaks, eat healthy foods and snack healthy, stay hydrated, do physical exercises, and establish a healthy sleep routine.
Ask for Help
Remote learning can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure about a given concept, find some of the coursework too difficult or have a significant project to turn in. Don’t be afraid to reach out to insructors, course administrators, or other learners for help.
The Future of Remote Learning
Remote learning has rapidly gained popularity over the years, and there is no indication that the trend will slow down any soon. With the advent of newer technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, remote learning is likely to become even more interactive, immersive and engaging.
AI technology is also becoming increasingly relevant to remote learning as it is capable of personalizing learning pathways, offering recommendations, detecting learners’ strengths and weaknesses, and providing real-time feedback.
Remote learning is also likely to blur the traditional boundaries between education and work as employers seek to develop their talent pool and acquire new skills in emerging or cutting-edge fields.
Conclusion
Remote learning is an excellent opportunity for learners seeking to enhance their skills, advance their careers, or improve their lives in many ways. By following the tips and recommendations highlighted in this blog post and leveraging the best remote learning platforms, learners can make the most of this increasingly popular mode of education.