Saturday, 28 May 2011

Old Dogs Can Find New Tricks with Online Education

Old dog, new tricks--there is some truth behind the cliché. People are often uncomfortable with change, and the brain actually resists stimuli it perceives as meaningless. The result can be frustrating, and many folks buy into the notion that learning is best left to youth. But modernity offers a solution: online education has gone to the dogs--in a good way.

Unleashing Your Learning Potential

The world is changing, and jobs are definitely changing, which can be unnerving (especially if you're settled in your job). Understanding your own resistance to change can help you to pursue the training and education you'll need to negotiate the changing job market. Consider starting with a small change, such as an online class to learn a new hobby. Online classes are a convenient and affordable way to ease back into formal learning. Once you're comfortable, consider an online degree or online certification program to help you succeed in the changing job market.

Biology Beats the Old Dog

Learning is a lifelong process because we constantly interpret out experiences and search for meaning in them. No matter our age, we learn from anything we can perceive, regardless of the subject or context. Online learning offers unlimited educational potential--just like us.
When the brain filters out useless information, it's searching for and responding to novelty. One benefit of online education, besides the novel approach, is the variety of available online classes. Learning about jewelry design, financial planning, or motorcycle repair can be exciting, which fuels further learning.

You Lucky Dog

Find solace in the fact that the brain has a natural capacity to process unlimited amounts of information. You are an amazing machine. Your attitude about change can determine your success in developing job skills, experiencing new opportunities through online learning, and enjoying those novel surprises of life.
Sources:
Ageless Learner, "How Adults Learn"
About.com, "Why are 'Boomers' in College?"

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