Have you ever signed up for an online course, brimming with excitement about acquiring a new skill or mastering a subject, only to find yourself losing motivation and eventually abandoning it altogether? You’re not alone. A study shows that a staggering 90% of learners never actually finish their online courses on MOOC platforms (platforms like Coursera, Udemy, SkillShare, or similar ones). More often than not, lack of motivation, communication, and isolation are some of the biggest reasons why people are not finishing their courses, based on a study from Thinkific, one of the leading companies in the online learning industry.
What’s worse is the money that you’ve wasted on those courses can technically be considered a personal financial loss, since you are paying for something you cannot fully extract the value from. Not only that, on the other hand, online course creators could also slowly lose out on more revenue potential, simply because more and more people give up and stop believing in online courses. It is a bad trend for all stakeholders in this situation.
There’s got to be a better way to go about this issue.
So, how can this phenomenon of online course abandonment be addressed?
This is where community-based online learning steps in as a game-changer. Let's look into why a community can impact your online learning journey.
This is where community-based online learning steps in as a game-changer. Let's look into why a community can impact your online learning journey.
The Power of Community in Overcoming Challenges
Think back to your school or college days. Remember how much easier it was to grasp a difficult concept after a group study session with classmates? Or how much more motivated you felt after discussing a challenging assignment with a friend?
This collaborative learning experience translates beautifully into the online world. A supportive online learning community offers a multitude of benefits that can propel you towards completing your online course:
- Shared Struggles and Solutions: Online courses can get complex, and facing roadblocks is inevitable. In a community setting, you'll encounter fellow learners who share your struggles. Discussing these challenges with others allows you to learn from each other's experiences and discover alternative approaches.
- Motivation and Inspiration: Let's face it, sometimes the biggest hurdle is simply getting started. A vibrant online community can be a source of constant motivation. Seeing your peers actively participate and make progress can reignite your own desire to learn and push forward.
- Peer-to-Peer Support: Whether you have a technical glitch or a question about a specific topic, a supportive community provides a readily available network of peers who can offer assistance. This not only saves you time and frustration but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared success.
Beyond Moral Support: The Advantages of Knowledge Sharing
Community-based learning goes beyond offering a virtual shoulder to lean on. It fosters a dynamic space where knowledge is constantly shared and expanded upon. Here's how this knowledge exchange can benefit your learning journey:
- Diverse Perspectives: In a community setting, you'll gain exposure to a wide range of learning styles and backgrounds. This variety allows you to see your course material from different angles, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
- Collaborative Learning: Community-based platforms often encourage collaborative projects and group discussions. This active participation forces you to engage with the material in a more holistic way, solidifying your grasp of the concepts.
- Enhanced Creativity: When ideas bounce off each other within a community, creativity flourishes. Brainstorming sessions, group projects, and even casual discussions can spark fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to problem-solving.
Where to Find Community-based Online Learning?
Now that you understand the power of community-based online learning, you might be wondering where to find the right platform to experience these benefits firsthand.
Turion (turion.io): A Community-Driven Learning Experience
Turion is an online learning platform that prioritizes building a strong and supportive learning community. Here's a glimpse into what Turion has to offer:
- Community-focused: While offering online courses, Turion fosters interaction through online forums, group projects, and live chat features. There are many ways and tools for you to find or form your own community.
- Teacher’s Participation: What’s more interesting is that Turion actually rewards teachers for participating in online learning communities. All teachers can also create and maintain their own community, making it easier for students to reach out to them.
- Peer Support System: What happens when a teacher is unavailable to help? Other platforms often leave you helpless, but not on Turion’s watch. You can simply connect with another student of the same course, via your communities or private chat. And just like that, you get the support you need from your peers.
Conclusion: Embrace Community-Based Learning and Finish What You Start
Don't let the isolation of traditional online courses hinder your learning journey. Embrace the power of community-based learning and find a platform that fosters interaction, knowledge sharing, and peer support. By surrounding yourself with a network of motivated individuals, you'll transform your online learning experience from a solitary struggle into a rewarding and engaging adventure. So, take the first step towards success, join a community-based learning platform, and finally finish online courses.