Hi there. In this post, I want to talk about that there are too many options when it comes to learning. Technology has been a great catalyst in the abundance of online education businesses in the form of website services and mobile applications. With this abundance of businesses, this creates competition which is great for the consumer. Competition amongst businesses compete in order to win over and retain customers in terms of price, service and value. For the consumer, the abundance of businesses is a downside in the sense of which education provider to choose from given a limited amount of budget funds and time.
Some contents of this post is based on what I have been seeing and some of my own experiences in learning in data science and languages.
In this post, I go over major factors when it comes to choosing an education provider.
In a future post, I will talk about the abundance of language learning apps as more of a blog style post.
Online Learning Or In-Person
Online learning is great as you can learn at the comfort at your own home. There is no need to spend time commuting and spending gas money to get to class. A good amount of online learning platforms these days in computer programming, computing and languages contain courses where you can learn at your pace. Learning at your pace works into many schedules. In general, online learning prices tend to cheaper than in-person learning.
As much as online learning is popular, in-person learning can be worth the commuting costs. The interactivity with the instructor(s), asking questions on the fly without waiting for e-mails, collaboration with classmates and possibly meeting new friends is more probable versus online learning. In-person learning for computer programming schools and language schools are more expensive versus online counterparts.
Website Or Mobile Application
A large amount of education providers offer their services on their website and mobile application. Some education services are website only or mobile application only.
Website based educational services can provide more than mobile based applications as websites can take advantage of the computer's superior technical specifications and screen size. Mobile based educational applications take advantage of the touch screens on phones and tablets. Some mobile applications have the advantage of offline learning for those on the go without wi-fi access.
Free Learning Or Pay For Learning
One of the biggest factors when it comes to choosing a learning platform service is cost. The challenge is finding the balance of not overspending and finding something that is effective. Free or low-cost services won't hurt the wallet so much but they may not be effective. The ineffectiveness of the educational services wastes precious time. In a lot of cases you get what you pay for. Spending more on a better product may hurt the wallet but can help you learn faster.
The Private Tutors Option
Independent learning and self-studying is not for everyone. It can be hard to know where to start or what to learn when it comes to learning something. Hiring a private tutor is an option for those who have someone who can guide them in learning, correct mistakes, develop lesson plans and assign homework (if needed).
Way More Online Tutors Versus Local Tutors
Technology has helped increased the number of tutors available for hire in more subjects than ever. Online tutoring is also more convenient as commuting costs and times are eliminated. Students who use online tutoring services have more options when it comes to choosing a tutor in terms of subjects, expertise, price and availability.
Some tutoring platforms allow for students to pay by the minute versus paying for each hour. This flexibility is nice for those who are managing their tutoring budgets.
You Still Need Self-Discipline To Learn
Abundance of choice in education options is nice for the students. It seems as if we are now spoiled with so many options to choose from! Good information and resources is no longer scarce. The toughest part still is finding the will to learn. Those who are on a self-study plan must have self-discipline to stick with a consistent learning schedule in order to reach their goals of obtaining a degree, certificate, credentials or even being bilingual/multi-lingual in languages.
Choosing an education provider is one thing but to follow through with discipline and learn is the ultimate challenge. To purchase something and not to use it is a waste of money. You get nothing if you do nothing.
