Why not try an Online Course?

 I recently decided to learn the programming language python, since I had seen it mentioned so often in the context of data analysis.  I found a class on Codecademy.com, and I have been enjoying it and learning a lot.  

Online learning is an easy and affordable way to improve your job skills or to learn something new just for fun.  I’m fortunate that I had been introduced to online learning earlier than most people. About a decade ago, I was in an M.Ed. program that was hybrid: class would meet in person once or twice during the semester and other classes were online.  They were asynchronous classes, meaning everyone didn’t have to be together at the same time.  We used a discussion group in the learning management system (LMS) to write our assignments and respond to other students’ work. 

My M.Ed. is actually in Instructional Technology, so we were learning about technology in education. There are many ways that technology can facilitate teaching and learning: it can help to engage students, can provide immediate feedback, can be personalized for individual student needs.  And enabling remote learning is a tremendous improvement that technology brings: it makes education possible when it otherwise wouldn't be.  Major US Universities have open courses available online, with the intent to share learning resources with everyone.

Several years ago, I taught a high school class in digital literacy.  My "big idea" for the class was that students understand that they can learn anything they want online.

There are many other providers of online classes, and not just classes in technology. You can learn anything you want.  Below is a list of some of the online platforms where you can gain whatever skills and knowledge you need.  Some of these classes are from universities and colleges, others are not.  Some are free and others are paid.  But I'm sure if you look through the lists of classes available, you will find something of interest to you. 

If you feel you need to improve your skills but don’t have the time or money to go back to school, take a look at some of these options. You might be surprised.