Create a Learning Plan, the Key to Structuring Learning and Keeping Skills Sharp

Introduction: Create a Learning Plan, the Key to Structuring Learning and Keeping Skills Sharp

In the last blog post, Free Online University Courses we presented a list of places where you will find online courses for free. The intent was for professionals to keep their skills sharp without having to break the bank. Training budgets are the first to be eliminated when the economy slows down, therefore it’s important to take charge of your professional development, and access to free online courses can assist you in keeping your skills current.

It’s is easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of courses that you now have access to, but it doesn’t have to be that way if you are focused. Have you ever conducted a personal SWOT Analysis (Read When Was the Last Time you Conducted a Personal SWOT Analysis to learn how)? Taking the time to conduct a personal SWOT analysis enables you to discover your weaknesses, which you can work to develop. And you will also become aware of the opportunities around you that you can capitalize on.

You may be at the point in your career where you are feeling that it’s time to go in a new direction, what skills do you need to get to that point? Who has that information? And would they be willing to speak to you? Perhaps you would like to develop expertise in your field, therefore you have to update your skills. One of the best ways to structure the process of determining which free online course you should invest in is to create a learning plan

Components of a Learning Plan

1. Learning Objectives: Where do you want to go? What skills would you like to sharpen or acquire?
2. Strategies and Resources:  What is the best way for you to learn the skills? Where can you find the resources that you need?
3. Criteria for Evaluation: How will you know that you have met your learning objectives?

Final Thoughts: Create a Learning Plan, the Key to Structuring Learning and Keeping Skills Sharp

Taking the time to go through this process will enable you keep your skills current as well as acquire new skills. Set aside three hours, conduct your Personal SWOT Analysis and create your learning plan.