With everything going on in the world right now, it’s a great time to pursue further education via an online tech course. Whether you just have some free time to pick up a new skill or want to make a permanent transition to technology as a career, online courses are a great option. Below, we outline the steps you can take to get the most out of classes about design, development, and IT.
1. Make sure you have the tools you need to succeed.
Before beginning a course about tech skills (or maybe even before you enroll), make sure you have what you’ll need to learn. This may look like purchasing and installing software, creating a dedicated folder in your Google Drive, or even buying physical supplies. If you need specialized software or membership to a website, shop around for a course that offers a discount. Often, you can find a bundle that will save you money in the long run.
2. Create a dedicated, distraction-free time and space.
When it comes to making your online tech courses an effective form of learning, a lot comes down to how and when you study. Make sure you set aside a habitual time either before or after work to focus on the course. Tell your family not to disturb you during this time, and don’t try to multitask. A dedicated, clutter-free space is also important. If you have a work-from-home desk, that’s a perfect area. No desk, no problem: consider clearing off the kitchen table. If nothing else is available, try setting up a laptop tray on the couch. Regardless of where you and when you choose to study, make sure it’s a place that allows you to focus and learn.
3. Practice implementation, not just theory.
Web development and design are fields where there’s a notorious gap between theory and application. While you may be absorbing lectures and filling out worksheets with great success, putting it all into practice can be overwhelming. This is especially true if you wait until long after class is over to try to do any of it on your own. Try to put your learning into practice side-by-side with your course schedule. If you’re learning about developing websites, create a sandbox domain for yourself where you can try out tactics from your lessons. If you’re learning new techniques in Photoshop, don’t forget to give yourself homework. Lots of online courses come with excellent supplemental materials and assignments, but if yours doesn’t, you’ll have to design your own projects. This can transform your book (or rather, laptop) learning into “muscle memory.”
Ready to challenge yourself with a new online tech course that will expand your career horizons? Contact us today to learn more about our upcoming website builder course. You can read more about the benefits of website builders here. Are you pursuing an online course as part of a career change? Read our tips on making the transition.
