Have you tried online learning?

With more time spent in the home, we’re turning our attention to learning a new skill. Some people are cooking while others are learning languages on their phone. It’s never too late to expand your knowledge, whether it’s an existing passion or something new.

The benefits of learning

We may be indoors for the foreseeable, but that’s no barrier to improving our skills. Organisations such as u3a.org are bringing the learning environment to us by offering online courses.

Research shows us that learning can help our personal development in a number of ways:

• Improved self-esteem from expanding our skill set
• Building a sense of purpose
• Increasing happiness by connecting with others.

We can also use our physical health to complement our mental development. For example, if we’re learning a new sport or otherwise active pursuit, we’re encouraging more blood flow to the brain. This helps keeps our minds sharp and prepares us to take in even more information.

Getting started with online learning

While children may absorb information quicker, age is no barrier to picking up a new skill. In fact, research from the BBC shows amazing progress in septuagenarians learning new languages!

To get started, you’ll need to find an online learning provider. The following may be helpful:

u3a

u3a offers online sessions on creative writing, mindfulness, photography and more. You can visit their website to check out regularly posted online events.

Udemy

Udemy offers more than 100,000 online courses for those looking to improve their skills. With courses ranging from music and make up to meditation and creative writing, there really is something for everyone. Courses are flexible and very reasonably priced.

Skillshare

Skillshare contributors share videos around creative, business and lifestyle pursuits. Watch and learn here for a small fee.

Making content accessible

Don’t forget, you can download a number of browser extensions to make content more accessible, such as Volume Master, Zoom or Read&Write. You may also benefit from your device’s own accessibility settings.

Age and sensory impairments should be no barrier to learning. Get online and start reaping the rewards!