A central problem with learning is that no one instructional approach is successful for all learners. A one-size-fits-all classroom environment can usually not meet all of the diverse learning needs and interests of everyone.
While classroom learning will always be the most utilized form of instruction, learners who have additional learning methods can become more motivated and inspired to become life-long learners.
As an alternative to traditional classroom learning, many people choose to learn through classes on-line. While these classes tend to be convenient for learning on your own schedule, they are not without issues.
On-line courses tend to require a great deal of motivation, study skills, and prior academic knowledge. This is because there is no teacher there to assist you. On-line courses are a good fit for accomplished learners who have good background knowledge in the content area. For others, not so much.
Another popular way to learn outside of the classroom is through step-by-step tutorials. Tutorials are a great way to learn completely new content – they do not permit failure, as they present information repeatedly until a correct answer is given. However, tutorials are not without their issues because they can be very expansive explaining everything about a technology skill, leading to boredom and information overload.
However, step-by-step tutorials, as emphasized on this site, encourage learning that is “just-in-time”. Who doesn’t go to sites like YouTube to find instructions for a project they want to complete now? Thus, we can utilize the benefits of “just-in-time” learning by having learners focus only on the tutorial menu options that instruct on what is required for their project, leading to enhanced motivation and retention of learning. That is the goal for Learn Through Life!