What do you do if you want to develop your Higher Ed teaching skills through online learning platforms?

1 Benefits of online learning

As a Higher Education professional, you can benefit from online learning platforms in a number of ways. These include access to a wide range of topics and experts from different institutions and countries, the ability to learn at your own pace and schedule without incurring travel expenses, interactive features such as forums, chats, quizzes, and projects to engage with other learners and instructors, and the potential for earning credentials and recognition for your learning achievements.

2 Challenges of online learning

Online learning platforms can present some difficulties for Higher Education professionals, such as technical issues such as unreliable internet connection or outdated software; motivational issues like lack of feedback or guidance from instructors; cognitive issues including information overload or confusion from different sources of content; pedagogical issues that may arise from lack of alignment or relevance of course objectives, activities, and assessments; and ethical issues like plagiarism or privacy violations.

3 How to choose online courses

When selecting an online course, it’s important to consider your learning goals and preferences. Ask yourself what you want to learn and why, and how you learn best. Research the reputation and accreditation of the institution, the qualifications and experience of the instructor, and the reviews of previous learners. Review the course syllabus, outline, and description for clear information on objectives, activities, and assessments. Also compare tuition fees, financial aid options, and refund policies to evaluate the potential return on investment. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you choose an online course that meets your needs.

4 How to succeed in online courses

To succeed in online learning platforms, it is important to plan ahead and manage your time by setting a realistic schedule for completing the course requirements. Additionally, create a conducive learning environment by finding a quiet, comfortable, and well-lit place to study, and equip yourself with the necessary tools and materials. Engage actively and interactively by participating in the course activities and asking questions through the course forums, chats, or emails. Seek and use support resources such as tutorials, guides, FAQs, or help desks to troubleshoot technical or academic issues. Moreover, reflect and evaluate your learning by monitoring your progress and performance throughout the course, seeking feedback from the instructor or peers, and celebrating your achievements. Taking these tips into consideration can help you make the most of your online learning experience.

5 Online learning platforms for Higher Education professionals

There are many online learning platforms that offer courses, certificates, and degrees related to Higher Education. For example, Coursera partners with leading universities and organizations to provide courses, specializations, and degrees in various fields. Similarly, edX collaborates with top-ranked institutions and associations to deliver courses, microcredentials, and degrees in diverse disciplines. FutureLearn works with renowned universities and cultural institutions to offer courses, programs, and degrees in a range of subjects. Additionally, Udemy hosts courses created by individual instructors and experts in various domains. These are just some of the online learning platforms that can help you develop your Higher Education teaching skills; you can explore other options and compare them based on your own criteria and preferences.