Knowledge is power.
We live in a world which is constantly changing. Things are being discovered every day. We are forced to keep current in order to function. In a decade we've gone from desktops to laptops to smartphones and tablets.
However those very devices and the internet have opened up the world of knowledge on an unprecedented scale. The internet has changed how we live and one of the biggest areas it has changed is how we study. At the touch of a button you can access information about even the most arbitrary of subjects. No more need for volumes of Encyclopedia cluttering up the house with potentially out of date of information. No need to trek down to the library to take out books to do research. Click of a few buttons and there you have it.
And now it has gone even one step further. Online course via a variety of Universities worldwide ranging in topics from History to Science to Literature to Computer Programming.
I think it's a wonderful idea for a variety of reasons.
- For a child choosing subjects with the intention of a career path down the line a short 6 week course in Forensic Science could point the way towards a passion or save years of heartbreak and misery.
- For the gap student not sure of what to study a variety of courses in different fields could open up some career choices.
- For the mature student wanting to change careers but not sure in which direction they want to branch out it is the perfect opportunity to also try their hand at different subjects in order to discover a new interest and potentially a new career.
And then for people like me. The eternal student. The forever why person. It is the solution I've been seeking. I love to study and gain knowledge. It's no secret I read; books, blogs, newspapers, magazines.... even the cereal box if I'm that desperate and can't find anything else. I'm curious. I want to find out more about the world around me.
Although I want to study towards a degree the lack of knowing exactly what it is I want to study for and timing are 2 factors which prevent that for the time being. However I am thrilled that I have discovered another option instead and that I am going to have a chance to explore a variety of subjects, eventually striking the one that ignites my passion and leads me to the correct study path.
I've today signed up for my first online course starting at the beginning of January. An introduction to Forensic Science. It promises to be informative, interactive and interesting... I have a very busy job as a Paralegal doing property transfers so this is something completely out of the ordinary for me. But that's good. My brain needs a bit of a kickstart at this point in time and this is a good way to do it. I want the stimulation of having to think out the box of my every day life.
I've also eyed out some courses on Archaeology, History, and even Computer Programming... so who knows, maybe I'll soon be writing the next award winning online game combining history, archaeology and forensics... you never know what path knowledge will lead you down.
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/categories