How To Use “Lockdown” To Level Up Your Skills With FREE Online Training
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Due to COVID-19, many people are in “lockdown” due to COVID-19. For most people, this means they have more time at home. Wasted time like commuting to work, school, errands etc have been eliminated from the daily routing. So what can you do during this time?
It’s a great time to “level up” your skills.
Fortunately, there are many training programs you can take online, and many of them are FREE! There are courses in just about anything you are interested in.
But, before you get started here are some tips to stay focused while learning online.
Tips To Actually Finish An Online Class
Have you ever signed up for an online class, but you keep putting it off? Or maybe you actually got logged in but then someone sent you a message, or your phone rang, the kids are calling your name and you totally moved onto something else.
Sound like something you can relate to? I am sure it does.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you out.
Removing distractions
- Log out of social media, and disable the notifications
- Put your phone on “airplane mode”
- Close the other windows on your computer
Time Management
- Mark a specific time on your calendar to take the training, treat it like an appointment
- Set reminders so you don’t forget
Your Surroundings
- Use noise-canceling headphones, especially if you have a lot of sound distractions
- Turn your study space into a motivational and comfortable environment
- Keep moving if you are listening to a lecture so you, maybe walk around your office
Additional Tips
- Use the Pomodoro technique, work for 25 min, take a break, then repeat
- Increase the speed in the videos
- Actively take notes, this will keep you engaged
- Reward yourself for completion accomplishments
- Get dressed as if you are going to work, this puts on your “game face”
Here are some recommended (FREE) online training programs for some highly credible institutions.
Course offered by Coursera for Business Professionals
Coursera is a training platform that has a large selection of online training. There are paid and free courses. Official certification of completion is offered at an additional cost. For the free training, make sure to choose “Full course, no certification” when registering.
Business
Becoming a changemaker: Introduction to Social Innovation
University of Cape Town
This free 6 week course is for anyone who wants to make a difference. Whether you are already familiar with the field of social innovation or social entrepreneurship, working for an organization that wants to increase its social impact, or just starting out, this course will take you on a journey of exploring the complex problems that surround us and how to start thinking about solutions.
New Technologies for Business Leaders
from Rutgers University
This introductory course is developed for high level business people (and those on their way) who want a broad understanding of new Information Technologies and understand their potential for business functions (e.g. marketing, supply change management, finance).
Introduction to Personal Branding
University of Virginia
Though the concept of personal branding isn’t new, questions remain about how to create one and, more importantly, what it means to maintain and inhabit that brand.
IESE Business School
Corporate Finance Essentials will enable you to understand key financial issues related to companies, investors, and the interaction between them in the capital markets. By the end of this course you should be able to understand most of what you read in the financial press and use the essential financial vocabulary of companies and finance professionals.
The Science of Success: What Researchers Know That You Should Know
University of Michigan
This engaging course is designed to help you achieve the success that you desire. Drawing on decades of scientific research, you will learn what the most successful people do differently than others, why IQ is not the most significant predictor of success (and can sometimes backfire), and why many commonly held beliefs hold people back from achieving their goals.
The Managers Toolkit: A Practical Guide to Managing People
The University of London
The aim of this course is to give you a practical guide to managing people at work. It does not matter whether you are a first time manager in a shop or a middle manager in an office environment; the same skills apply to every work place. In the course you will engage with some HR theories and then see how they translate into every day working life.
The Strategy of Content Marketing
University of California
In this course, you will learn the core strategies content marketers use to acquire and retain customers profitably. Specifically, you will learn how to develop, organize and implement a content marketing strategy, analyze and measure the effectiveness of content marketing, write compelling copy, use a strategic framework when writing, and build your professional brand and authority through content marketing.
Personal Development
Mindshift: Breakthrough Obstacles to Learning and Discover Your Hidden Potential
McMaster University
Mindshift is designed to help boost your career and life in today’s fast-paced learning environment. Whatever your age or stage, Mindshift teaches you essentials such as how to get the most out of online learning, how to seek out and work with mentors, the secrets to avoiding career ruts (and catastrophes) and general ruts in life, and insights such as the value of selective ignorance over general competence.
Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success
Imperial College London
In today’s ever-growing and changing world, being able to think creatively and innovatively are essential skills. It can sometimes be challenging to step back and reflect in an environment which is fast paced or when you are required to assimilate large amounts of information. Making sense of or communicating new ideas in an innovative and engaging way, approaching problems from fresh angles, and producing novel solutions are all traits which are highly sought after by employers.
Free LinkedIn Learning Courses
To help navigate these challenging times, LinkedIn Learning is also offering completely free learning paths. Each path includes a series of training videos. Choose the path that best fits you.
- Professionals remain productive and efficient while working remotely
- Professionals manage stress and build mindfulness practices into their work day
- Professionals build resilience during this challenging time
- Educators transition to teaching online
- Talent acquisition professionals adapt to the changing business landscape
- Sales professionals learn the skills to sell during these unusual times
- Small businesses navigate the challenges of today’s economy
- Leaders Clearly Communicate and Influence Positive Change in Times of Crisis
These training sessions are very well done and easy to consume.
Free Online Courses from Shaw Academy
Another great online learning platform is Shaw Academy. These courses are available for FREE for 30 days, then there is a $49 monthly fee. Therefore, when you sign up, make sure you are dedicated in those 30 days to complete your training.
Leadership & Management Course
Join the best leadership and management course taught by renowned experts. Learn effective leadership skills with world-class content & case-based learning.
The best excel course online for beginners, students & professionals.
Learn Project Management Online
The best project management course online for beginners, students & professionals.
Additional Learning Resources
Online Courses. Discover a range of free learning content designed to help grow your business or jumpstart your career. You can learn by selecting individual modules, or dive right in and take an entire course end-to-end.
Grow with Google offers free training and tools to help you grow your skills, career, or business. Explore programs and register for an in-person workshop. Grow with Google offers free training and tools to help you grow your skills, career, or business.
Free online classes from top experts. Technology, Language, Science, Health, Humanities, Business, Math, Marketing, Lifestyle.
Now is a great time to turn to learning as a way to stay productive. Whether it is by learning how to adapt to your current situation like managing remote teams, or learning a brand new skill. Take this time to improve YOU.
Enjoy!
