With the landscape of education changing in 2020, almost all in-person classes have moved online. While some students are experiencing difficulty in adapting to this new way of teaching, others are thriving. Even before COVID-19, the world of online and distance learning courses had become hugely popular with students obtaining certificate courses, online associate degrees, online bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees.
In this article, we will talk about distance learning courses you can enroll in to learn new skills.
What Is Distance Learning?
In distance learning, students use educational tools provided online to study remotely. Distance learning does not involve an instructor or a class, so students learn at their own pace.
Distance learning includes pre-recorded course materials in the form of videos, presentations, and notes. These are usually accessed through the school’s learning management system.
Distance learning is impervious to bad weather or other disruptions, as students already have access to all of their course material.
This type of study will work best if you have access to a strong Wi-Fi connection and your own laptop or desktop computer. Also, since distance learning offers flexibility in course work completion, you can keep your job as you study without any risk of clashing schedules.
Distance Learning vs Online Learning
Distance learning is slightly different from online learning. In both, students work remotely. However, in distance learning, students utilize the tools of online learning, but with no live teaching experiences. So in a way, distance learning is a subset of online learning.
The biggest difference between the two is that in online education, students attend classes led by an instructor. However, in distance learning, students complete the work assigned by the instructor at their own pace.
Another difference is that online learning involves in-person interactions and a blend of learning techniques. In distance learning, students only receive pre-recorded interactive videos via the school’s learning management system.
The type of remote learning you choose will depend on your daily routine and goals. If you work a part-time job that revolves around a new schedule each week, distance learning would be a great choice for you.
If you prefer having live exchanges with teachers and other students, then online learning is better suited for you.
The Best Distance Learning Courses
The concept of learning has changed since the breakout of COVID-19 earlier this year. As such, now is a great time to learn new concepts and skills. Let’s dive into some distance learning courses that you can enroll in today.
Real-estate diploma
The course uses real-life scenarios and situations to teach students about real estate. The course utilizes a “Virtual Reality Agency” to teach students about interactions in real estate.
The course covers the following topics:
- Property Sales. This section involves property appraisal, establishing and expanding client base, obtaining property listings, and marketing property.
- Property Management. This includes managing properties, performing and recording property management activities and transactions, and negotiating effectively with landlords and tenants.
- Business Practices. This section covers implementing a personal marketing plan and clarifying and confirming property information.
The course is 24 weeks long and costs $39 per week.
Harvard Business Analytics
This course offered by Harvard Business School is designed to demystify data and strengthen your analytical skills. Students will practice regression analysis and other analytical techniques in Excel. They will also develop and test hypotheses and apply quantitative methods to real business problems.
This course is ideal for college students, graduates, or mid-career professionals who want to gain knowledge to help them move to the next level in their schooling or career.
The program is eight weeks long and costs $1,600.
Medical Neuroscience
This course offered by Duke University via Coursera covers the concepts of neuroscience that students would typically learn in a five-year degree program.
Students will discover concepts including organization of the neural systems in the brain and spinal cord, sensorimotor signals with memory, emotion, and related faculties of cognition.
The course covers the following subjects:
- Neuroanatomy
- Neural signaling
- Sensory systems
- Motor systems
- Brain Development
- Cognition
This course is 13 weeks long and costs $39 to $79 per month.
Introduction to Big Data
This self-paced online course is offered by the University of California San Diego. The course is for big data newbies. In this course, you will learn the terminology of core concepts behind big data problems, applications, and systems.
You will also study the most common big data software, Hadoop. Learning this framework, along with other concepts in the course will give you the skills to take the next step in your career.
More Courses
Distance education is offered in many fields by the best universities in the US. You may want to check out the Harvard Business Online degree courses available in business, leadership, entrepreneurship, analytics, and finance.
You can search through short courses, as well as undergraduate, graduate, or phD level courses on other school’s websites.
Short courses portal is one site where you can find courses in disciplines ranging from agriculture to medicine to computer science or journalism.
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International students can also make use of distance learning courses online. Here is a website called Study International that you may want to browse.
Conclusion: Online Programs Are the Future of Learning
Over the years, students have been shifting to online and distance learning in great numbers. This is largely due to the convenience and flexibility that these courses offer. Distance learning is also great for expanding your skills in your field or before you enter higher education.
Unlike traditional degrees, these courses can be completed in as little as a few weeks and are usually affordable.
Use the resources above to make use of the opportunity to work remotely. Gain additional skills and expertise to prepare yourself for the next great opportunity that comes your way.
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