How can you use online training platforms to continuously develop your volunteer skills?

1 Benefits of online training

Online training platforms offer many advantages for volunteers seeking to expand their skills and knowledge. These platforms provide flexibility, as you can learn at your own pace, schedule, and location. Plus, they are accessible from any device with an internet connection, and courses are available in multiple languages and formats like videos, podcasts, ebooks, and quizzes. Additionally, you can find many free or low-cost courses on online training platforms to save money on travel, accommodation, and materials costs. Quality is also ensured as you can learn from experts and professionals who have experience and credentials in their fields. You can also get feedback and support from instructors and peers. Finally, you can apply what you learn to your volunteer work and make a difference in your community. You can also use the skills acquired to showcase your achievements on your resume, portfolio, or social media.

2 How to choose online training platforms

When looking for online training platforms suitable for volunteers, it's important to consider your learning objectives and research your options. Ask yourself what skills you want to learn and why, and then find the platforms that offer courses or resources related to them. Evaluate each platform's features, advantages, disadvantages, quality, cost, accessibility, and how well they align with your learning style, level, preferences, volunteer values, mission, and vision. After considering all these factors, select the platform that best meets your needs and expectations. You may even want to try out different platforms or courses before making a final decision.

3 How to use online training platforms

Once you have chosen your online training platform, you can maximize your learning and development by planning your learning, engaging with your learning, applying your learning, and reflecting on your learning. To plan, set realistic and specific goals, create a schedule and budget for learning, and track progress. To engage, follow the course instructions and guidelines, complete assignments and assessments, participate in discussions and activities, and seek feedback from instructors and peers. To apply your learning, use what you learn to improve volunteer work, share insights with the team and organization, and seek opportunities to practice skills. To reflect on your learning, review outcomes and achievements, identify strengths and weaknesses, celebrate successes, learn from mistakes, and find ways to improve skills.

4 Examples of online training platforms

If you're looking for online training platforms to develop your volunteer skills, there are a number of reputable options to choose from. Coursera offers courses from top universities and organizations in various fields and disciplines, such as social work, public health, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Udemy offers courses from instructors and experts in various fields and topics like leadership, communication, and project management. edX provides courses from leading universities and institutions in various fields and subjects like education, development, and diversity. Skillshare offers classes from creators and professionals in various fields and skills like design, photography, writing, and marketing. Lastly, VolunteerMatch provides training and resources for volunteers and volunteer managers on topics like volunteer engagement, recruitment, retention, recognition, and more.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?