30 Days of Thanks - Day 18

Today I am thankful for:

Online learning, teleclasses, teleseminars, webcasts and webinars.

This year my brain has been in learning mode, soaking up new things like a sponge.  Prior to this year, I believe it had been years since I've been to a class or had the opportunity to refresh my skills and learn something new. 

I was hungry for knowledge, new skills, refresher courses to keep current skills sharp, or even some fun creative course like those found in the community leisure magazines (pottery, wine tasting, etc.). With wisdom comes options, and an inner attractiveness and assuredness.  I was ready to stretch myself and act on that thirst for information that had grown too strong to ignore.

With a full time job and the general craziness of life, I didn't think I'd have the time or energy to go to a university or classroom setting to make learning a reality.  That's when I stumbled on a link through my local library to a huge online catalog of classes offered online. I jumped at the opportunity to take a beginning HTML class in February-March, and immediately after, began my journey with Assist University's Virtual Training Program (20 weeks of intensive, comprehensive training for those serious about owning their own Virtual Assistance business).  With the HTML course, all materials were online, there were weekly self tests, and a class forum where students could bring their questions.  With AssistU, we had a weekly call, checkpoints when major assignments were due (business plan, welcome kit, etc.), a weekly 'call prep' which captured that week's fieldwork, an online community and a hefty final exam.  Everything, with the exception of the initial welcome/orientation package and the final certificate upon graduation was handled virtually, with a phone and a computer. 

Upon graduating from the VTP in September, I've since jumped in on several teleclasses about blogging, attracting ideal clients, authentic marketing, and I'm currently enrolled in a 5 week teleclass called "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life."  Since I'm going through an extremely difficult season in my personal life, I figured the power of positive thinking certainly wouldn't hurt. 

I love that I don't have to drive downtown in traffic, drive in a snowstorm, or add commute time to the class so by the time I would get home I'd be exhausted.  I love that I can pick up dinner on the way home and eat while attending class from the comfort of my own home, take notes on my laptop while sitting at my kitchen island or on the sofa, and can simply turn off the lights and go to bed as soon as class is over.  My dog isn't waiting for me to get home to let him out, and I can feed the pets, get my coffee ready for the next morning and clean up around the kitchen when I'm not taking notes. 

Yesterday, my full time job ended at 5pm and I had a class that I was interested in from 5:00-6:00 and another starting at 6:30pm.  Since these were teleclasses, I called in from work for the first one, hung up around ten 'til six, drove home (getting dinner on the way), and then called into my 6:30 once I arrived home.  Sometimes the free teleclasses are giving you a preview of someone's service that he's promoting and to make you aware of a more robust program that's available for a fee.  Overall, I've found value in even the complimentary telecourses, and have always gotten my money's worth out of the paid lessons.  Just because these trainings are done virtually, doesn't mean they're wimpy or offer less educational value than the same class being taught in a bricks and mortar setting.   In fact, you often need to be more focused and disciplined in the online setting. 

As learning has become so much more convenient, I will be keeping my sponge-like brain happy for a long time to come!  Happy e-Learning!