From small things, big things grow.

The Start of an Adventure

Nearly seven years ago, in November 2012, I started my first online course, An Introduction to Astronomy (no longer available). Although I failed dismally, I enjoyed the lecture videos and took other courses that drew me in, excited my interest, and inspired me. I have learned archaeology, geology, writing, health, astronomy and biology. I’ve learned how to learn. I’ve even taken some history and world affairs courses. With a growing number of courses under my belt, I started to wonder “What now?” How could I put my new-found knowledge to good use?

Setting up a Blog

I began to consider letting others know about the rewards of online learning. Three years ago, on October 30^th, 2016, I purchased the domain name www.onlinelearningsuccess.org

It took more than six months from taking that first step to actually launch the blog. It was a steep learning curve to decide on a theme, master WordPress, set up the site, and write some articles.

The first posts, in May 2017, discussed How to Find Time to Beat That Course Deadline and How to Stick to the Task and Finish.

When I started blogging, my intention was to help others taking online courses to succeed by presenting study ideas, mentioning helpful or enjoyable courses, and perhaps help learners gain employment.

I also had a vague hope that perhaps the blog would earn me some income. I read scores of internet posts extolling the virtues of daily blogging, advertising income, affiliate marketing and creating cross-promotion networks. Eventually, I ignored most of them and went with posts from the heart. Posts that I would want to read, not crammed with sales links.

The upshot was that my blog did earn me some money, in an indirect way. My posts about online learning, along with some in-depth course reviews, led to my current position as a writer and Help and Support Lead at Class Central. With more on my plate, I sometimes find it difficult to regularly find the time to create fresh posts, but I am still keen to continue.

What Next?

I am wondering what you expected when you signed up for Online Learning Success newsletters. Learning strategies? Course suggestions or reviews? Posts relating to getting a job or a promotion? Any other particular type of post?

So now I am asking you, my readers, to tell me what you want from Online Learning Success. Going forward, what would be useful for you? Please comment below, or email me at patbowdenauthor(at)gmail(dot)com (substitute @ and . for the words in parentheses).

A Final Thought

I look forward to hearing what you want from Online Learning Success.

By Pat Bowden, published October 30, 2019.