In a fast-paced world, it is challenging to find enough time in your day to pursue further education and training. Taking leave from work or quitting altogether is usually not an option since your employer will typically get a replacement for you within the shortest possible time. The best choice for everyone aiming to boost their knowledge, better their career prospects, and move up the ladder in their work-life is pursuing an online course.
Many schools have begun offering online courses, but you should not simply settle for the cheapest or most accessible paralegal online degree. This should only be pursued from an accredited and recognized institution. There are different learning formats the school you decide to attend will offer for your online course delivery. Here are tidbits that will guide you on picking a format that works best for you.
Blended Learning
This is a hybrid learning alternative where traditional classroom sessions are combined with webinars and eLearning modules. In conventional classroom set-ups, your instructor will focus on role-playing, situational exercises, one-to-one explanations and case studies. The online modules are designed to reinforce theoretical topics while evaluating the comprehension levels of pupils. In webinars, students can ask questions and clarify particular topics.
Blended learning varies in intensity and length. It will generally have two eLearning modules weekly, one classroom session and a webinar conducted halfway through a topic or when classroom sessions are canceled.
External MOOCs
External module open online courses, like blended learning, will be comprised of different modules though class attendance is optional. They usually feature a unique set-up that guarantees their effectiveness. External MOOCs will last for an average of four weeks and feature one to two hours of coursework weekly. In paralegal studies, they are centered on core topics and the evaluation of understanding at the end of modules.
Webinars will be used for question-and-answer meetings with your instructor and can be combined with attended classes known as meetups. The meetups are arranged by students or an instructor to discuss specific topics.
Internal MOOCs
While all learners can access external MOOCs, internal MOOCs are designed for targeted, smaller niche learners. They are meant to align your acquired skills with industry standards and the market’s needs. Internal MOOCs will employ the same tactics as the external ones but in a closed environment. They take one to two weeks and last for approximately fifteen minutes.
SPOCs
Small private online courses {SPOCs} have a similar structure to the MOOCs and last for about four weeks with one to three hours of coursework weekly. Each SPOC will feature a specified number of learners, and there might be several sessions on the same topic. You will be grouped into one SPOC with other learners and handle different projects within specified periods.
Online courses might be more convenient for most people nowadays, but they are not any less rigorous than traditional classes. You should have as high a concentration and discipline in attending classes in any of the above formats as you would a traditional classroom set-up. This way, you are assured of exceptional grades and will often be the first choice for the most lucrative of employers.