“I really want to do an online course in Spa Therapy, but I don’t have the time”

Blended Online Course for Busy Adult Learners

I have heard this so many times and for the most part it is probably very true. If you have a busy work schedule and all you want to do when you get home is put your feet up and relax. Hectic social life maybe? Family commitments? The list could go on forever.

We may not have the time to go to night classes but thanks to the ever-growing options of online courses it is now possible for us to further our education, whether it is for fun, to develop new skills or looking at taking a new direction in your working life.

What is blended learning?

Blended learning is a method of learning which combines classroom and online education.

Bali BISA have always been doing blended learning due to the fact that most of our students come from overseas, so time is always a concern with our adult learners.

For example, much of the theory for a course is done online with the guidance from their tutor. Assignments or portfolios can be sent in advance of them coming to Bali BISA. When they come to Bali BISA to complete the practical elements of their chosen Massage Therapy Course, they will have a dedicated tutor looking after them.

With the onset of more online courses becoming available, I still believe even with great videos, great textbooks, when it comes to learning a practical skill, this still requires the expert eyes of a highly qualified tutor.

Bali BISA has adapted its blended learning with the 20 online courses we have developed in this time of lock downs, social distancing and air travel restrictions.

Here are few of the many benefits of taking a blended learning course for busy adult learners who are always on the run:

Enhances personalisation

Personalised learning is a top priority for Bali BISA. All students learn in different ways and at a different pace; our policy has always been no more than 6 students in a practical classroom session. You will now have your very own designated tutor for your online courses.

Blended learning can support teaching methods by giving students the ability to access the learning material at home and move at their own pace through lessons.

Reduces costs

Blended learning is often seen as a solution to reduce the costs involved in education.  Blended learning courses allow students to bring their own digital devices. This can cut costs in many areas, for example, e-textbooks can take the place of course textbooks.

Student Work

Blended learning programmes can automatically collect student data; this provides a more efficient method for the tutor to measure the student’s progress and performance. Your tutor will be able to see the areas where students may need a little more guidance, which ultimately makes the learning journey become more fun and efficient.

Improves digital skills

Educators are expected to integrate technology into a variety of subject areas to help students develop their digital skills and address different learning needs. The aim is to help students be “career ready” and blended learning plays an instrumental role in this process of preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

Learning should be fun

According to a survey conducted by Quizlet, 83% of teachers and 65% of students believe that strategies outside a classroom make learning more fun. Adding an entertaining element to learning is more likely to enhance engagement with the content, which also helps students to enjoy learning.

Improves your knowledge retention.

Every learner, regardless of age or educational background, can benefit from a personalized learning experience. It gives them the ability to learn at their own pace and on their own terms.  They can choose when to move onto the next module, rather than moving along with the pace of their peers. If a busy adult learner feels rushed during a blended learning course, then he/she is less likely to actually acquire the new information offered. On the other hand, if learners are able to learn in the moments when it’s most convenient for them, then they can become truly immersed in the blended learning course experience.

Fits into your schedule.

Busy adult learners can access blended learning during work breaks, while they are waiting in the doctor’s office, or when they have a free moment before going to bed after a long day.

Literally, blended learning fits into any schedule, because learners can access blended learning and learning materials when and where it’s most convenient for them. They don’t have to follow a specific course schedule or attend learning events and can even download e-learning course materials if they won’t be able to access the e-learning due to lack of an internet connection.

You don’t need to make travel arrangements.

Adult learners don’t have to worry about sitting in traffic or in our case flights, to get to a class or taking time out of their busy schedules to arrange for transportation to attend a training event. It’s all done virtually.

You can customize your learning experiences.

No two learners are alike, which means that no two learning experiences should be alike. Online courses give busy adult learners the opportunity to get a customized, online courses experience every time, which means that they have complete control over what and how they learn.

For example, adult learners can further explore a topic that interests them, master a particular skill set, or quickly complete modules that they have prior experience with. They don’t have to be bored by tedious modules or feel frustrated by challenging modules that must be completed quickly, because they have control over every aspect of the blended learning process.

Doesn’t interfere with your work or home life.

The primary reason that many adult learners, and particularly those who seem to always be pressed for time, do not enrol in classes is that they simply don’t want to have to choose between educational and personal or professional obligations.

As such, they miss out on invaluable learning opportunities that, in all actuality, could improve all aspects of their lives. However, e-learning doesn’t conflict with work schedules or personal appointments.

It can be done anywhere and anytime, making it possible for busy adult learners to engage in guilt-free learning. They don’t need to miss out on their child’s performance in the school play or have to decide between an important work meeting and class. Blended Learning courses can be accessed when the time is right for each individual adult learner.

Blended Learning empowers and motivates you!

One of the most significant benefits of e-learning for busy adult learners, is that it empowers them to learn and take control over their own personal and professional goals. They can acquire new skills that will help them to further their careers or improve their personal lives on some level. They are able to take full responsibility over their education and this provides that extra bit of motivation they need to become active participants in their own learning experience.

Removes the risks that limit learning potential.

Online learners don’t have to stress about not passing a test or failing in front of their peers. The e-learning environment takes the risk out of learning, because learners no longer have to worry about the fear of failure in public.

When you remove this fear, the potential to acquire new knowledge and skills becomes virtually limitless. People are more willing to test their boundaries and to think of new ideas, or to learn through their mistakes, because they simply aren’t afraid of being judged.

Mistakes can be a powerful learning tool, because they offer learners the chance to gain experience that they would have not gathered otherwise. Blended Learning offers busy adults the opportunity to explore a topic at length and expand their educational horizons freely, without any real-world risks and consequences.

These are just a handful of the Bali BISA Blended Courses benefits for busy adult learners.

Make long-life learning your way of life!

Penny Ellis
Founder/ director of Bali International Spa Academy
Email: info@balibisa.com
Website: www.balibisa.com