Being a mom can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences, but it can also be overwhelming at times. Between work, taking care of the kids, and maintaining a home, it can be challenging to find time to learn something new or advance your career. Fortunately, online learning platforms have made it easier than ever for busy moms to continue their education and gain new skills. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of online learning platforms, share five of the best and provide tips for success that are perfect for moms looking to learn something new!
Benefits of Online Learning Platforms
Online learning platforms are becoming increasingly popular among busy moms who want to learn a new skill, educational activity, or hobby. While in-person education can offer a more personalized experience, the benefits of an online learning platform are many. Here are five main benefits of online learning platforms that traditional in-person education simply cannot provide.
Flexible Schedule
Online learning platforms offer moms the ability to learn at their own pace and when it’s most convenient for them. Whether that be early in the morning before the kids wake up or late at night after everyone is asleep, online learning platforms allow moms to learn when it fits in with their daily schedules.
Accessibility
Online learning platforms are what make it possible for busy moms to gain access to knowledge and education materials that would otherwise be unattainable. Most online learning platforms partner with educational institutions, universities, and professionals in various fields, making it possible for moms to take classes and learn from some of the best in the world. This can range from topics such as coding and web development to photography, cooking, and finance.
Additionally, with an online learning platform, moms don’t have to worry about finding childcare while they attend classes. This saves time and money, plus it allows moms to learn on their terms and in the comfort of their own homes.
Convenience
No longer do moms need to worry about travel time or commuting to an in-person class. Online learning platforms are right at their fingertips and accessible anywhere, anytime. These are just some of the benefits of using an online learning platform over an in-person education. Busy moms everywhere are turning to these platforms to learn new skills and hobbies without the added pressure of traditional in-person education.
Technology-Enhanced Learning
Another great benefit of online learning platforms is the use of technology to facilitate the learning process. Technology tools, such as videos, podcasts, virtual whiteboards, and live quizzes, are just a few of the ways that online learning platforms can help moms engage with their courses. The use of technology can also make difficult concepts easier to understand and can help keep students engaged with the material.
Variety of Topics
In-person education can sometimes be limited in terms of what topics they offer. However, online learning platforms have virtually unlimited options when it comes to subject matter. From coding to cooking, there’s something for every mom on the list.
Affordable
In addition to saving time, online learning platforms can also save money. Online learning platforms are often much more affordable than traditional in-person education.
Tuition for online courses is often cheaper than in-person courses since the platform doesn’t have to pay for overhead costs, such as rent and utilities for a physical classroom. Plus, most online learning platforms are subscription-based, meaning moms don’t have to pay for individual courses. The cost of materials is often much lower as well. This makes them especially appealing to busy moms who want to learn but may not be financially able to afford traditional in-person education.
5 Online Learning Platforms for Skill Development and Personal Fulfillment
Coursera
Coursera empowers busy moms to gain the skills they need in order to achieve any goal. Offering a wide range of courses and specializations, Coursera provides a holistic approach to learning, offering everything from coding and technology to business and culinary arts. Moreover, all courses are taught by experts in their respective fields, allowing students to gain real-world knowledge and skills.
Coursera courses can be accessed directly from any electronic device and can be taken at one’s own pace. Topics range from basic introductory courses to more advanced ones in various disciplines, including programming and software engineering, data science, mathematics, business, finance, and digital marketing.
Additionally, Coursera also runs several programs and initiatives to support working moms, such as flexible online learning options, discounts for students, and mentorships with experts in the field. All this makes Coursera one of the ideal online learning platforms for busy moms who want to learn something new or advance in their careers.
READ MORE: 11 Of The Best Kids Learning Apps
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning, one of the go-to online learning platforms for many, helps busy moms stay up-to-date with the latest professional development skills and trends. As one of the world’s largest online learning platforms, LinkedIn Learning offers an extensive library of over 16,000 courses in business, technology, and creative topics, comprised of tutorials taught by experienced practitioners.
Moms who want to learn coding can find courses on the basics of programming and the fundamentals of coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as more complex topics such as machine learning and data science. For more career-focused moms, there are dozens of classes on topics such as digital marketing and project management, helping them remain competitive in the ever-changing job market.
For moms who prefer a more creative approach, LinkedIn Learning also features various classes in animation, art, photography, music production, and even cooking. In addition to how-to tutorials, this is one of the online learning platforms that provide pre-recorded classes presented by experts in the field, allowing busy moms to watch whenever their schedule allows.
To take things one step further, LinkedIn Learning offers an “Explore” section where users can quickly find topics that interest them. With its crisp and modern user interface, busy moms can easily browse courses and find courses that fit within their lifestyles.
Overall, LinkedIn Learning is one of the most comprehensive online learning platforms available today, providing busy moms with the perfect platform to hone their coding and creative skills. By mastering these practical knowledge sets, these moms can set a great example for their children and become more successful in their respective fields.
READ MORE: Continuing Education: 5 Ways To Support A Spouse In School
Udacity
Udacity is one of our favorite cutting-edge online learning platforms with an expansive selection of courses tailored to fit the lifestyles of busy moms. With courses covering topics such as coding, software engineering, data science, and cyber security, Udacity helps moms sharpen their IT skills in order to become more marketable in an increasingly digitally-driven world. However, Udacity has also recently expanded its offerings outside of the realm of digital education, with courses designed to help moms learn cooking, photography, and even home décor.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Udacity is its massive selection of “Nanodegree” programs. These short-term courses are designed to teach specific skills in a short amount of time, helping busy moms quickly increase their knowledge and resume-building abilities. Nanodegrees cover a wide variety of topics, from Android development to marketing, and provide a downloadable certificate upon successful completion. Additionally, there is an option to pay for mentor support and exclusive project reviews.
Udacity also offers some of its content for free, allowing any interested adult to get started with certain subjects without facing any monetary barrier. Its selection of free courses is vast and covers topics ranging from basics such as web development to more advanced subjects like programming languages. There are also numerous other offerings available, such as learning talks, bite-sized mini-courses and more.
Udacity has certainly set itself apart as one of the most comprehensive online learning resources out there, and its commitment to helping busy moms cultivate a multitude of skills is commendable. Innovative online learning platforms like Udacity provide all the tools necessary for moms to succeed.
READ MORE: 25 Virtual Learning Products To Help Families Survive The School Year
MasterClass
MasterClass brings together the world’s best minds to make learning accessible, engaging, and inspiring. Founded in 2015, MasterClass is one of most popular online learning platforms and has over 100 online classes led by instructors like Gordon Ramsay, Christina Aguilera, and more. Every class comes with pre-recorded video lessons, customizable projects, resources, a support community, and an interactive Q&A with the instructor.
The courses range from essential topics like cooking and coding to more specialized topics like comedy writing and filmmaking. This allows busy moms to learn whatever skill they need, from the comfort of their home. Some examples of classes are Gordon Ramsay’s cooking class, Malcolm Gladwell’s masterclass on writing, and Christina Aguilera’s singing class.
Each class includes a variety of video lessons, exercises, quizzes, and other interactive activities such as downloadable resources. The video lessons are easy to follow, and learners can adjust their learning pace as needed. The lessons also provide helpful tips and tricks that can be applied in everyday life.
In addition to the video lessons, each class also contains an exclusive Q&A which provides learners with an opportunity to ask questions directly to the instructor. This adds an extra layer of personalization and level of interaction that most online learning platforms don’t offer.
To make learning even more accessible, MasterClass offers a subscription model, which unlocks extra features such as access to all courses and priority support. Taking a course on MasterClass is an extremely convenient and affordable way for busy moms to learn something new and gain skills that will help them in their daily lives.
READ MORE: How To Build An Eager Lifelong Learner
Udemy
Udemy is ideal for busy moms who want to learn something new. With thousands of courses available on topics such as coding, cooking, photography and more, users can find something that piques their interest. Udemy offers classes ranging from beginner to advanced levels, and its courses are very affordable. Additionally, users can access course materials on their mobile devices making it easier to fit learning into their daily schedule. In addition, Udemy’s instructors are experts in their respective fields and are available to answer questions and provide feedback. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills in coding or pick up a new recipe, Udemy helps busy moms with their educational goals.
Tips for Setting Up an Online Learning Workspace
Learning to juggle motherhood and personal development can be a tricky business, but online learning can make it easier. If you’re setting up an online learning workspace, here are some tips to help you get started.
First and foremost, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You’ll need a device with a stable internet connection, a reliable texting/messaging platform to contact your instructors and mentors, and any special software or technology needed to access and use the course materials. Additionally, if you’re taking classes that involve creating content, consider investing in a good microphone and webcam, as well as digital editing software if appropriate.
READ MORE: Momtreprenuer 101: Creating A Home Office That Inspires Hustle
When it comes to location, finding a quiet spot in your home is key. Getting away from distractions is essential to developing a productive learning habit and will help you stay focused and on-task. If you have a private office or room to work in, that’s ideal. However, if not, try to find a space that’s relatively secluded, or set up a temporary workspace in a corner of your house or apartment.
READ MORE: 5 Tips To Create The Perfect Home Office Space
Creating positive associations with learning can also be a great way to motivate yourself. Having a dedicated space — like a home office or cozy corner of the living room — can help provide structure and help you stay organized. Adding personal touches like plants, pictures, or posters about your favorite topics or goals can also make the learning experience more enjoyable and inspiring.
Finally, strive to minimize distractions before and during your online learning sessions. Let family members know when you need to focus, and turn off any notifications on your device to avoid unnecessary interruptions. This might mean stepping away from your device, too — don’t be afraid to take a break if needed!
Setting up an online learning workspace can seem intimidating at first, but don’t be discouraged. With the right tools and environment, you’ll be able to make the most out of your learning experiences and reach your goals in no time.
READ MORE: 15 Of The Best Home Office Supplies To Create The Perfect Workspace
Making the Most of Online Learning Platforms
Online learning platforms offer busy moms a unique opportunity to unlock personal growth and knowledge. Whether you want to learn a new language, brush up on coding skills, or take a cooking class, there are a variety of online learning platforms that can help you reach your learning goals. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of your online learning experience:
Set a Goal
Before you begin an online course, it’s important to think about the end goal. Are you looking to master a particular skill, improve your knowledge in a particular area, or just have fun with something new? Knowing what you want to achieve will make it easier to stay motivated throughout the course and help you take the right steps to reach your goal.
READ MORE: Half Year Resolutions: There’s Still Time To Achieve Your Goals
Start Small
Many online courses provide an overwhelming amount of material. To get the most out of the course, it’s a good idea to break it down into small, manageable chunks. Start with a few basics and work your way up from there. This will ensure that you stay focused and engaged with the material.
Make Use of Resources
The best thing about online learning is that you have access to tons of resources such as videos, texts, podcasts, and even discussion boards. Take advantage of everything the platform has to offer to give your learning experience an extra boost.
Stay Consistent
Creating a consistent learning schedule is essential for getting the most out of an online learning platform. Set aside a few hours each week and make sure to stick with it. This not only allows you to make progress but also helps you keep track of your progress.
Have Fun
Most importantly, don’t forget to make your online learning experience enjoyable. Learning something new should be an enjoyable and enriching experience, so make sure to relax, take your time, and have fun. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to make the most out of any online learning platform, whether you’re learning to code, cook, or something else.
Making time for self-improvement and education is hard when you’re a busy mom. Fortunately, there are several easy-to-use and accessible online learning platforms that can help you brush up on coding, learn to speak a new language, and even explore cooking classes. Online learning platforms are incredibly valuable in helping busy moms master it all. From anywhere, at any time, you can sign up for courses and courses that allow you to learn new skills or hone a craft. Whether you’re looking to master coding, cooking, or speaking a new language, there are a variety of online learning platforms ready to help you reach your goals.
WANT TO READ MORE?
Interested in ditching the online learning platforms and taking your education on the road this summer? Read How To Make Every Family Road Trip An Educational Adventure.
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