Time for a new focus

Time For a New Focus

In May 2017, while working on my 80th online course, I launched Online Learning Success with the aim of helping others succeed at learning online. Along the way, I have included learning strategies and reviewed courses while continuing to learn. I have a job in the field, and while I have completed another 44 courses, I am currently enrolled in many more unfinished ones. An advantage (or is it a disadvantage?) of working in the field, is that I frequently see information about interesting courses. I will be continuing my online learning journey for a while yet.

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Are you climbing the walls?

Are You Climbing the Walls?

The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent social isolation have changed the lives of billions of people around the world. As a work-from-home person with a low-key social life, I thought my situation would scarcely change by orders to stay home. How wrong I was! Firstly, my work answering Help and Support emails with Class Central took a leap into the stratosphere. Millions of people wanting to take up free online courses accessed the site in just a few months. Coupled with being confined to the house and not allowed to take any day trips or weekends away to relieve the monotony, I’ve had trouble managing to focus on writing for Online Learning Success. Despite my optimistic maintaining social interactions and exercising during the lockdown posts, the reality was not as easy as I expected.

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Stairs can be useful to exercise at home

Exercise at Home to Improve Your Learning

In Learning How to Learn, Dr Terry Sejnowski discusses the value of exercise and how it can help our brain retain connections and learn more easily. Understanding Dementia and Preventing Dementia also mention that keeping physically fit can lower the risk of dementia in later life. Some time ago, I discussed how exercise can help you learn.

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Many people are staying isolated at home.

Maintain Social Interactions While Learning Online

With social distancing going on and many people in isolation, lockdown, or working from home, the social aspects of life are taking a big hit. Many people have turned to online resources, particularly free MOOCs, to keep themselves occupied for all those hours that they would normally spend commuting, shopping, working, and socializing.

Humans are a social species, so how can we keep some social connections while staying physically apart from our friends and workmates?

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