Online Learning Choices for Adults
Online learning for adults offers users a wide range of choices and options. From academic degree programs to enrichment, the choices are so broad that I'll try to help you narrow your focus to find something you want. For this article, I'll focus on not-for-credit adult education offerings rather than academic credit programs or K through 12th-grade programs.
What type of learner are you?
What type of learner are you is one of the most important questions to ask yourself so you can search for and find the online learning programs that you will find useful and enjoyable. Some people learn by reading, others by watching a video and listening, while others find hands-on activities most useful. Think about how you learned to do everyday tasks and remember what type of content helped you learn the most. Once you have a good idea of what helped you, you'll understand your learning style.
The other choice you'll have to consider is your budget. Fortunately, there are many free, high-quality programs available. But some types of online learning may require a fee, so decide on a budget. Good quality instructors are in demand, and you'll pay more for more personal and small group instruction than articulating in a large group.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous
Another aspect is the way the material is delivered. Online training falls into two types, asynchronous and synchronous. These terms may seem complicated, but they're not.
Synchronous online learning means two-way communications. An example is a live video training meeting, where you see the presenter deliver the material live, and have the opportunity to ask questions. Live presentation times and dates are planned in advance and usually have some format to pose questions to the presenter. You could have scheduled quizzes or tests with synchronous online learning, scheduled instructor time, or scheduled live group meetings. Depending on the program, you could have all or some of these. Typically, a live learning experience will cost more since an instructor is available at scheduled ties. Some examples of synchronous learning are live instructor-led online meetings and online tutoring with a real person.
Asynchronous means "one-way." As a participant, you could have access to recorded presentations, an email to ask questions, website resources, a student chat group, social media groups, and collaborative documents available through the cloud. Again, depending on the program, you could have access to some or all of these. The critical thing to remember about asynchronous learning is that you don't do it live. Even though you may communicate with a real person, it's not a live phone call, chat, or video meeting. With asynchronous learning, nothing is live, so it's sometimes referred to as self-paced learning. Asynchronous learning is generally available for free or a lower cost since it doesn't require an instructor to be available at any specific time. Watching pre-recorded videos or listening to a podcast are examples of asynchronous learning methods.
Websites and Apps for Learning
There are many choices available, and to help you find something that might be useful, I've listed resources I've found available through websites and smartphone apps. Check out some of them and see what you like. Some of these are web-based, some are apps, and some offer both.
Public Libraries
Your local public library has been digital for a while. Check with your local library to see what they require for an online login, which is free to all residents. Most libraries use the Libby app for ebooks and audio recordings, and Hoopla for video, but your local library may have something else. As long as they aren't really busy your library is a good resource and your local librarian is a helpful real-person resource.
Books and Audio Recordings - Libby
Videos - Hoopla
Kanopy - another library site
Websites and Apps
YouTube - lots of stuff but its up to you to find quality material
Alison - free to use, pay for certificate or diplomas
TED - ideas worth spreading
Coursera (free and paid) academic and skills training from accredited organizations
WikiHow - how-to information from experts edited and checked by their staff
EdX - an academic program started my MIT and Harvard, with free and paid options
Eventbrite (free and paid) - event and tickets to a wide variety of programs, often by local businesses and organizations
OnZoom (free and paid) - new offering from Zoom to find events and activities on almost anything
Senior Planet - non-profit that offers technology information for older adults
GetSetUp - free online classes for older adults
Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/genre/podcasts/id26
Museums
Chicago Museum of Science and Industry
Retailers and Products
Nikon Online - free and paid photography courses
Paid
OLLI - Osher Institute of Lifelong Learning programs, offered through partner running OLLI courses
MasterClass - lectures from leaders in their fields
The Great Courses - lectures from the best instructors
Ed2Go - wide range of skills, offered through community colleges and other community-bases sites
Pasadena City College - community college not-for-credit programs with live instructors
West Los Angeles College - community college not-for-credit programs with live instructors
Los Angeles Valley College - community college not-for-credit programs with live instructors
Atlas Obscura - odd and off-the-beaten path live events
Road Scholar - long-established training focused on over 50's for adventure and travel, now virtual
Udemy - wide range of skills and other training
SkillShare - wide range of enrichment programs
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda) - workplace and technology skills
Some other resources:
Goodwill Global Technology Training
Your state or government employment development department
Local Park and Recreation Departments
University Extension Programs
Non-profit organizations
Bobology
And of course, my website, podcast, Zoom programs and through community education venues. Signup to get invitations to events and the weekly newsletter: