An Education With Your Pajamas On
by Angela Lovett
I’ve always loved to learn. And just because I'm a baby boomer, I don't have to stop!
I can still recall receiving my first correspondence course in the mail. I was only eleven years old, and couldn’t wait to tear open the packaging to begin learning everything there was to know about caring for horses. Things haven’t changed much for me since that exciting day. I’m not a little kid anymore, but I still yearn to know more, to explore more. And I can confidently say I’m a lifelong learner.
There are millions of baby boomers out there just like me who have dreams
and aspirations tied closely to learning. Whether it’s to launch
a new career, to finish a college degree or to discover new knowledge
that will exercise the all-important muscle between our ears, the journey
is the
same -- gaining knowledge. The good news is that the education and training
you desire is likely right at your fingertips. In fact, if you know where
to look, it’s as easy to access as BoomerCafé.
But what is "it?" It is e-learning, a web-age word that describes learning that you can do at your computer, usually connected to a network. That’s right -- you never have to get up early to rush to class, find a babysitter for the kids (or grandkids), leave work early for night school, or even get out of your pajamas! You can easily fit e-learning into your active lifestyle, because e-learning is available anytime, anywhere from your computer.
And no, e-learning isn’t limited to a short list of bland courses.
In fact, within just a few moments of firing up your Internet connection,
you can find a vast number of courses that cross a myriad of interesting
and sometimes wacky subject areas.
You can find courses on cooking, wireless technologies, sales training,
dream interpretation, aromatherapy, technical writing, computer science,
herbal medicine, vocational training, and so much more. Also, degree and
certificate programs are offered at associate, bachelor, master and
doctorate levels, and from general studies programs to a Ph.D. in Psychology.
Over the years, experts have perfected and refined instructional design
for e-learning using established teaching principles. The result is a
rich mix of multimedia and online communities that represent learners
from around the world. E-learning is widely accepted among educators and
accreditation committees, and is quickly gaining in popularity among learners,
especially baby boomers who live active lives.
To begin your quest to find courses or education programs, you can type in a variety of search terms at your Internet browser, such as e-learning, online learning, online education, distance education, or distance learning. You can also go directly to one of several e-learning directories, which list thousands of courses that are available online.
Whether you want to finish your degree, update your training to advance your career or learn a new skill or hobby, there’s no reason to wait. It’s highly likely that the courses you want are offered entirely online. So belly up to the "e-learning bar" --- an educator, somewhere on the internet, is ready to teach you.
.