If we embark on online learning without help, we may eventually encounter unexpected obstacles. From a decrease in motivation to complex course material to quickly forgetting it, many problems can arise during learning. However, these problems often stem from a common root: having no one to ask for help during our training. Training360's tutored training offers a solution to this problem: thanks to our mentors, we never leave any of our students alone if they get stuck somewhere.
E-learning training: advantages and disadvantages
Why has e-learning become popular?
With the rise of digitalization, online learning has become increasingly widespread; the coronavirus has only accelerated the process. We can learn e-learning materials from the comfort of our homes, sitting in our favorite hammock. We can choose the most suitable course for us from a considerable number of courses and delve into the depths of the given topic. A serious bonus is that we don't have to travel anywhere, so we can even save money.
What types are there?
There are several types of e-learning.
- Learner-driven: flexibly work through the material when we have time, without assistance.
- Instructor-led: This can be considered an online form of traditional knowledge transfer that takes place in real time, such as via video conferencing or chat.
- Expanded with collaboration opportunities: we work through the curriculum at our own pace, but we have the opportunity to discuss any questions we have with other students, ask for their opinions, or seek the help of a tutor.
- Telementoring: We can use the help of a mentor during our learning, which involves a longer-term collaboration. They usually share their experiences and knowledge with us, rather than a strict curriculum.
Benefits of e-learning
Flexibility
Whether we want to spend our time usefully while traveling on the train or sitting on the subway, we can do so with an online course. This way, an online workshop can be more easily integrated into our daily routine , which we can listen to during a break between classes (if we are still studying) or during our lunch break. Because of this, we never have to worry about missing a class .
(Cost)efficiency
In addition to not having to spend hours traveling to the course location and worrying about accommodation, you can also listen to several lessons at once if you like. Therefore, you can schedule your learning completely according to your own needs.
Mobile accessibility
With a laptop or mobile phone and a stable internet connection, we can take the course material with us anywhere.
Disadvantages of e-learning
However, along with the advantages of e-learning, we must also mention its disadvantages. If we do not have enough self-discipline to stick to our own learning schedule; if our internet is slow or there are frequent connection problems, our online learning may not be problem-free. On top of these, we must also take into account that at home we are more easily distracted by a family member or by social media.
When can an e-learning course be successful?
Tailored to users' needs
It fully meets the expectations of the target audience : it provides tests and feedback, thus helping them to make the knowledge material their own . A related advantage is that the e-learning interface itself is designed to be transparent and aesthetic, but not to distract from the essence.
Well-structured curriculum
It is not cluttered, it is not full of unnecessary, irrelevant information: a logically structured e-learning course is coherent, it presents its subject clearly and purposefully. The goal of the training is always to reach a level of knowledge by the end that we can already apply in the world of work/live situations.
There are many interactive elements
Images, diagrams, and infographics are important not only for the sake of presenting the course material more beautifully; rather, they are important for the deeper integration of the course material . By using these, it will be easier to maintain our attention in the long term. It is also important that we have the opportunity to practice different situations through the course.
The biggest challenges during e-learning training
Motivation decreases
In the background, there is often a feeling of failure, of progressing "not fast enough." Or perhaps the thought that the challenge we took on with the course is too much for us.
No one will hold our hands
The structure of e-learning is completely different from the face-to-face education we are used to in primary and secondary schools. Getting stuck and not being able to ask anyone how to proceed with a lesson can also demotivate us from learning.
We quickly forget what we have already learned.
If we are unable to (quickly) put the knowledge we acquire into practice – no matter what field it is – it often means that we do not memorize it deeply enough . This means that we will not be able to recall it when we need it.
An online tutor provides a solid background
If you experience any of the above, don't despair! These problems only seem insoluble. Keeping your motivation alive with a precise study plan and periodic rewards will be child's play. And we can ensure that the learning material is fixed in our memory by assessing our learning style (auditory, visual, impulsive, etc.). The lack of asking for help is a somewhat more difficult problem to remedy, but we have a good idea for this too: online tutoring .
What needs does tutored e-learning training meet?
Tutored e-learning is a facilitated type of education in which the tutor serves the students' needs for questions and discussions, grades or evaluates papers - that is, he is present but does not lead. This way, students can work independently, but they will always have help if they get stuck. The chance of dropping out of a course is much lower with tutors.
This is how an online tutor "holds students' hands"
We can ask for help from an online tutor – depending on the platform – via chat or email . In fact, upon request, they can even provide us with a live, online “reception hour” at set intervals. The tutor also monitors the topics of the forums and group discussions, moderating them as necessary, and answering student questions.
Tutored e-learning courses from Training360
Wide range of courses
If you want to learn remotely, but more efficiently than ever before, Training360 e-learning courses are now available in LVC (Live Virtual Classroom) format. This means that you will receive all the access and benefits of participating in the training as if you were present at the on-site training . And if you have any technical problems, we also provide email and telephone support.
Currently, training in this format for Microsoft courses is available in the following topics (the offering is constantly being expanded and updated):
- Word
- PowerPoint
- Java SE programming, application development
- Java advanced programming, Java EE development
- C#, .NET, HTML5, Windows App, Visual Studio
- Windows 10, Windows Server 2016
- Exchange Server, Skype for Business
- Web development
- General Python courses
- Android programming
- iOS programming from the ground up
- SQL Server 2016 and SQL Server 2016 Business Intelligence Courses
What benefits do they provide to participants?
Training360's course materials can not only be completed and listened to at your own pace, but can also be accessed free of charge after the training. Tutored courses combine the flexibility and efficiency of classroom training with home, video-based learning. Even before the training begins, the mentor contacts us, we receive the book and video course material in advance. After a short conversation, he puts together a personalized learning path for us, and - thanks to early contact - we can get answers to many of our questions from the tutor even before the course begins.
The mentors are always Training360 senior trainers who already have the appropriate methodological knowledge, extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge in the given subject. Thanks to their preparedness, we can always feel that someone is helping us from the background. The tutor can answer our questions individually, and problems that occur to several people can even be answered in a group consultation. This form of education has proven to be so effective among Training360 students that 90% of them do not want to go back to face-to-face, classroom education.