My first real experience with taking online courses happened about three years ago when I started learning web development on Udemy. At the same time, I was also using YouTube as an additional source of learning. I won’t lie — it was actually a really good experience. What stood out for me the most was the flexibility it offered. I could learn at my own pace, pause and replay lessons, take proper notes, and just absorb the information without feeling like I was being rushed or left behind.
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Network issues came up once in a while, and I sometimes struggled with distractions at home. But the good part was that I could always download the videos and watch them later when things were more convenient. That’s one of the biggest advantages of online learning — the freedom to choose when and how you want to learn.
Compared to physical classes where there’s often a lot going on — people talking, noise from outside, or just that feeling of being under pressure — I found myself assimilating faster during online classes. I could focus better. There were no distractions from classmates or that awkward moment when you’re too shy to ask a question. Everything felt calm and self-paced.
That said, not everything was perfect. There were times I came across topics that I didn’t fully understand just by watching Udemy videos. In those moments, I had to take extra steps — either by doing more research online, reading blog posts, or watching related YouTube videos. Sometimes, I’d even reach out to a friend or someone more experienced to break things down for me. In fact, during that time, there were a bunch of us learning together, and we occasionally met in person to discuss what we’d learned. During those period, i noticed those one-on-one sessions helped strengthen my understanding.
But even with all that, I would still choose online courses over traditional physical classes, any day and any time. I think it just fits better with the way I learn and the kind of freedom I like to have. With online learning, I’m in control of my schedule. I can be anywhere — at home, at work, or even in the hostel— and still continue learning as long as I have my phone or laptop, a stable network, and some power.
Online learning has also helped me become more independent in my learning process. It’s pushed me to find answers on my own, become more curious, and build discipline around how I learn new skills. I’ve realized that I don’t always need someone standing in front of me to teach me something — I just need the right resources, the right mindset, and a quiet space to focus.
So, while I still respect physical classes and the structure they bring, online learning has been a better fit for me. It gives me the space to grow without pressure, and that makes a huge difference.
Thanks for reading.