How to Make the Most of Your In-Home Learning Experience

Sep 28, 2020

Many people today are seeking new careers, and it’s a great time to do so. Never before have there been so many options for learning at home. College courses, certifications, continuing education, and recreational learning have all grown to meet the ever-increasing demand of people who are at home caring for children, working remotely, or just beginning their career.

Today, people are getting jobs in specialities you might not have believed they could learn from home. You could become a massage therapist or even earn a certificate as a mechanic for big rigs using a computer anywhere there is an internet connection.

Organising your environment for learning at home 

Unlike learning in an education setting, many people do not have a dedicated area of their home in which they can learn without interruption. Without a quiet, stress-free place, you may not enjoy the experience as much as you could.

Taking an online course in pursuit of a new career is an exciting time—you are about to learn something that can change your financial picture for the rest of your life. To make sure you get off to a great start, create an exceptional learning space.

Optimise your work area

Find a space and tailor it to fit your learning style. You don’t need a proper desk; some people are comfortable sitting up in bed or on a couch with a laptop; others prefer a porch swing. It doesn’t matter where the space is, as long as you are comfortable there, and it enhances your learning.

It’s okay to be casual, but remember that if you’re taking a live course, others can see you. Put your best foot forward by dressing and acting as though you’ve come to learn. Don’t let others set up your learning area; you need to choose what is most comfortable and conducive to your learning. Just be sure you have a quiet, bright place.

Create a schedule you can keep

Most of us fare better with a bit of structure. Knowing what needs to be done and when helps us to organize our day and stay on track. Some online courses offer live broadcasts, so the schedule is predetermined. If you are using recorded sessions, set aside the same block of time each day.

Minimize distractions

Ensure the learning area is free from distractions such as televisions or other things that might vie for attention during the course. Settle the kids or get them out of the house, quiet the pets, and draw the window shades. Don’t just clear your immediate area, consider the entire surrounding environment and eliminate anything that might interfere with your concentration.

Take occasional breaks

Give your body a break now and then. Sitting in one position for long periods can cramp muscles and watching the computer can cause eye strain. Get up and walk around, make a cup of tea, or take the dog for a brisk walk to loosen up.

Don’t sit at your computer to stretch, leave the room so your eyes have a chance to switch between up-close reading and looking into the distance. This type of activity can help relieve aching eyes and stave off headaches.

Give your tech a quick test

One of the most frustrating experiences with at-home learning is having tech difficulties. Set up and test systems before the course begins to minimize the possibilities of problems.

If attending a live course, download any software needed several days before the class. Install the software and perform a test call to be sure your internet connection is fast enough, there are no issues with the microphone or speakers, and your computer can run the software.

Use online resources

As you embark on this new adventure, keep in mind that you are not alone. Millions of people across the globe are e-learning too, and many of them have shared their experiences online as personal blogs. These stories can help you feel connected to other students sharing your experience much like when you share a classroom.

You can find resources for everything from setting up your computer to the best way to take notes. Make the most of your worldwide classroom and use the web to find resources that will maximize your learning.

The Whole Body Course from Discover Massage Australia

Online learning is a great way to launch a new career. Our online Whole Body Course was created especially for at-home learners. It is hands-on, practical, and comprehensive, with exclusive one-to-one video coaching sessions with the course director, allowing you to come away with all the skills and knowledge you need to start a new career as a massage therapist with confidence.

What’s more, students will also receive direct, to help you keep improving your massage skills.

You will never regret your investment in lifelong learning. With in-home training courses, you can deepen your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and create new opportunities for yourself and your family.

You can learn how to become a Massage Therapist from your home with Discover Massage Australia’s Whole Body Massage Online Course.

Cameron Aubrey

Cameron Aubrey has over 20 years experience in the massage industry, and leads the team as Course Director at Discover Massage Australia. Cameron holds a Diploma in Remedial Massage, and his expertise runs across a large range of massage techniques, particularly sports, Swedish and whole body massage.