Last Updated on September 30, 2021 by melissanreynolds
Do you miss learning? Or want to up-skill but don’t have any spoons leftover after life to go to class? Online learning options might be the way to go.
I have found online learning options to be excellent for filling that gap as a mama with chronic illness. I’m not expected anywhere at any specific time. I can access lectures while wearing the fussy baby in the wrap. And while I am tired from the baby waking regularly in the night, since I have experienced the improvement in my symptoms from low dose naltrexone, I can’t bear not to indulge my love of learning.
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Benefits of online learning for those with chronic illness
- You can lie or sit however you need (in bed with your heat pack?)
- You don’t have to leave the house at a specified time
- You don’t have to do the work at a specified time
- You can do as little or as much as you can fit in (around energy, children, etc)
- You can use your phone, laptop, tablet or computer – whatever works best for you
- Keep your brain active
- Up-skill yourself no matter your current employment status
- You can learn a hobby you have been curious about
Online courses are the most useful when you do the work and can demonstrate what you’ve learned. So if you want to put it on your CV, be prepared to talk about how it helped you and relate it to your work.
How to get the most out of online learning
- Complete all of the work offered, the reading, the quizzes, the videos, the extras
- Ensure you understand it all
- Participate in forums provided
- Practice what you have learnt
- Ensure you understand what you have learnt and how it can help you in your career (if you intend to use it on your CV)
Below I share some online learning platforms I have come used.
Lynda
When I was off work while pregnant due to severe pelvis issues last year I did a course on SEO (search engine optimisation) through Lynda.com. I had free access to this as my public library has a bulk membership which was awesome. The app was easy to use and there is a great selection of both longer and shorter courses. As a bonus it shows the certificate of completion on LinkedIn. There were no assignments but I practiced everything on my blog.
Udemy
Earlier this year I completed a life coach certification through Udemy. I paid just $11.99 USD (down from $200!) for my course in the January sale and it is a fairly comprehensive one. After this one I moved on to mindfulness certification and group coaching. Once I had completed my courses I received my certificate. I also joined the networking group associated with my course provider (The Transformation Academy) to learn even more. I also practiced my new skills as I went. I have loved every minute of the training, the practicing and then using my skills in this blog. It will also be useful when I go back to part time work. The beauty and tricky part of Udemy is that the courses are run by different people and are not necessarily vetted by Udemy. I highly recommend the Transformation Academy though.
Alison
Their About page says, “We believe that free education, more than anything, has the power to break through boundaries and transform lives.” And living with chronic illness is definitely a barrier to further learning.
I have just found Alison and have my eye on a few of their free courses for some future up-skilling. With options for 2-3 hour certificates or pathways for diplomas there is a lot to search through. Subjects range from touch typing to French to graphic design to project management.
FutureLearn
You can choose the premium (paid) option and gain access to all courses for as long as you need, or you can enroll in courses and complete them within a designated time frame without paying (but you won’t receive a completion certificate). You can choose short courses up to online degrees.
Coursera
Coursera is very similar to the above options. You can “audit” courses for free, or pay and receive the tests and certification. This is where Google offers their certifications.
Subject ideas you may like to explore as a start
- Nutrition
- Health
- Literature
- Marketing
- Writing
- Coaching
- pretty much anything you like!
Have you embarked upon any online learning? Do you have one you recommend?
If you are curious about up-skilling yourself for your fight to be well you might like to look into my learning options. To learn from the comfort of your bed, couch, or comfortable chair with your phone, tablet or computer. Take my shortcut – all my years of research, personal learning, trial and error to make your plans.