The Open College Blog

Louise O’Gorman: A Juggling Act – Navigating Work, Studies & Motherhood

Posted on: February 15th, 2024 by Admin

 

As a woman balancing the roles of a professional, a student and a mother, my journey with online education has been positive but nothing short of a juggling act. From managing deadlines at work to taxying around teenagers and finding time for going to classes does feel like a Herculean task. However, even with all that chaos, online college was a bit of a beacon of hope, offering an accessible path to getting the degree I have always had my sights on.

One of the challenges I faced at that time was in fact time management and not because I am a disorganised person but because I was simply juggling a lot. With work commitments, household responsibilities and endless motherhood demands, carving out dedicated study time was daunting. There were days I felt like I was running on fumes, balancing competing priorities which required planning, adaptability and often times a heavy dose of caffeine.

Another hurdle was the constant juggling act between the different roles I took on. One day I’m immersed in a lecture whilst preparing dinner and the next I’m sending out work emails. The lines between work, study and personal life were a blur with so much on. So, believe me, I understand it is a struggle and a break from it all – a rare luxury.

Despite these challenges, which are so common for those who have a job and family responsibilities, online study was incredibly helpful for me to reach my academic goals and actually took a lot off my plate i.e. a commute to class. The flexibility to study at my own schedule allowed me to be present for those important family moments whilst still advancing my career. I could watch lectures during my lunch break or catch up on some assigned reading. Studying online really empowered me to take control of my education and pursue my passions on my own terms.

And let me tell you – the sense of accomplishment and pride that came with achieving my academic goal and having my kids see that I had made it, was like no other. Everything I did during my time studying was a testament to my resilience and determination. I’m incredibly proud that I was able to set an example for my kids and show them the importance of lifelong learning.

In the end, the path of a working mother and student may be filled with challenges, but online studying does make it that much more accessible. I didn’t have to give anything up, just made my studies suit me and my life.

The Open College not only opened doors to new opportunities but has also empowered me to become the best version of myself.

The rewards far outweighed the struggles, believe me.

Louise O’Gorman.

Community Connections – Thriving when Learning Online

Posted on: January 11th, 2024 by Admin

 

Welcome back to another year with us here on our blog!

 

As we start a new semester, we want to shed some light on a crucial aspect of studying online and that is the power of community connections in the online space. While the virtual landscape may seem vast and sometimes isolating, building meaningful connections within your learning network is key to successful and enriching academic experiences.

In a world of screens and pixels, the importance of community cannot be overstated. Beyond being a place to exchange ideas and coursework discussions, an online community is also a support system, a sounding board and a source of motivation. Connecting with fellow students can transform your solitary learning journey into a collaborative adventure.

Take advantage of forums for your virtual discussions. Be active, ask questions and also contribute your own thoughts. Think of it as the online version of raising your hand up in class. This reinforces your understanding of the material you’ve learned but also gives you an opportunity to hear other perspectives – after all critical thoughts and analyses is very important.

Think about forming a study group – this could be a game changer for some. Collaborate with peers by sharing sources of information, have discussions and encourage each other. This is very similar as having a study buddy in a physical class. You can schedule virtual study sessions, bounce ideas off each other and turn studying into a bit of a social, yet productive event.

Another tip would be to see if you could seek out mentorship from those who have had a similar online learning experience before. Many online colleges offer mentorship programmes where alumni guide new students through the ins and outs of online learning. Having this mentor could provide advice, tips and insights into your navigating this academic journey.

There are of course probably a lot more tips out there when it comes to fostering a sense of community in online education, but these are our top few.

In the world of online learning, community connections foster an environment where everyone can thrive. We encourage those studying online to connect, collaborate and support one another when they can. Remember your online learning network is not just a collection of usernames, it’s a community waiting to help you with your elearning journey.

So, best of luck to you all, who are diving into a fresh, new semester. We hope it is one that is filled with new learnings and personal growth.

 

 

1,250 New SNA Posts

Posted on: December 2nd, 2023 by Admin

 

Budget 2023 announced that there will be an additional 1,250 new SNA posts created in 2024.

This is now a great time to enrol on our online part-time QQI Special Needs Assistant (SNA) programmes.

All our SNA Level 5 & 6 courses are delivered with flexibility in mind and can be studied from a location that suits you, with no classes to attend.

Book your place today and gain your new SNA qualification in 8 weeks!

 

»Click here for further details on all our QQI Special Needs Assistant Courses

QQI Special Needs Assistant - Level 5 & 6

 

 

The Power of Online Learning for Career Advancement

Posted on: October 19th, 2023 by Admin

 

In today’s fast paced and ever changing job market, the pursuit of career advancement has become more critical than ever. Professionals are constantly seeking ways to enhance their skill sets, stay competitive and climb the career ladder. One solution that has gained significant momentum in recent years is online learning. Whether you’re looking to gain new skills, switch careers, or move up in your current field, online learning can be a game changer.

 

Accessibility & Flexibility:

To start, we’ve said it before and we’ll continue preaching this because one of the biggest advantages of online learning is its accessibility. It erases geographical boundaries, the need to relocate and find ways to pay for crazy rent prices and makes it possible for individuals to access education and training from their own home. Whether you are a full time professional or a stay at home parent, online courses offer the flexibility to learn at your own pace and on your schedule. The accessibility and flexibility is vital for those who are balancing work, family and other commitments while striving for career advancement.

 

Diverse Skill Enhancement:

Online learning platforms offer a huge range of courses and programmes, covering almost every industry and skill imaginable. From technical skills like coding and data analysis to soft skills such as communication, there’s an online course to match your career goals. Granted, all the options may not be under the same roof but look around and see what suits you best. Acquiring new skills or deepening existing ones, makes you a more versatile and valuable asset in your field.

 

Cost-Effective Career Development:

Traditional forms of education, such as attending in person classes or workshops can be quite costly. Online courses often offer a more affordable alternative without compromising on quality.

Additionally, you can save on expenses like commuting and textbooks. For individuals looking to advance their careers without breaking the bank, online learning is an attractive option.

 

Seamless Career Transitions:

Changing careers or industries can be challenging, but online learning can facilitate a smoother transition. By acquiring a new skill in your desired area, you can bridge the gap between your current role and career aspirations. Many online programmes are designed to cater to individuals from diverse backgrounds, making career transitions more attainable.

 

Professional Networking:

This is a common misconception, but online learning doesn’t mean learning in isolation. Many online courses encourage collaboration, discussion and networking amongst peers. These interactions can lead to valuable connections with professionals in your industry. Building a strong professional network can open doors to guidance, mentorship and even career opportunities.

 

Credentials and Recognition:

It’s not a great feeling to spend time and energy completing a course for it to amount to nothing – unfortunately this is something that is associated with online courses quite often. But this is not the case. Online courses often culminate in certificates, degrees or industry recognised credentials (be sure to confirm this before registering anywhere). These tangible achievements can elevate your CV and marketability in the job market. Employers value candidates who invest in continuous learning, as it demonstrates a commitment to staying current in their field.

Online learning has emerged as a powerful tool for career advancement with many individuals and even companies availing of this opportunity. Additionally, forward thinking companies are increasingly recognising the value of online learning as a means to upskill their workforce, enhance performance and maintain a competitive edge.

So, whether you’re aiming for a promotion or a career change, online learning can help you achieve your goals.

Embrace the possibilities of online education and watch your career reach new heights.

 

Click here to view our full range of accredited Online Programmes.

 

Exploring Alternative Options After the Leaving Cert

Posted on: August 15th, 2023 by Admin

 

For the majority of 6th year students who sat their Leaving Certificate, the best summer of their lives is about to come to an end. Soon they will need to start thinking about what comes next. For some, the path will be clearly written in the points they receive in their Leaving Cert results and they will go on to Higher Education in many corners of the country. Nice and simple and if that will be, we send many well wishes your way! For others, it is not as simple as the pressure to pursue traditional third level education looms large.

Well, we are here to tell you that, in this day and age it is important to recognise that the pursuit of a third level education isn’t the only pathway to career success or personal growth. There are many reasons why higher education may not be for you and that is ok. You have many options out there, which will open up a world of diverse opportunity.

 

Let’s look at some of those opportunities:

 

1. Apprenticeships:

It is essential to understand that academia isn’t for everyone, but it is also equally important to understand that the majority of training will have some sort of theory or traditional book learning involved. If you are the kind of person who has had enough of books and exams, why not consider an apprenticeship. There are MANY out there from plumbing, electrical studies, hairdressing and mechanics to name a few that will keep you out of the office. Having said that, if you do want an office environment, your apprenticeship can be in hospitality, accounting, ICT and even insurance. The beauty of an apprenticeship is that you also earn as you work, making this a great choice for those of us who cannot afford that high cost of a third level education.
More information can be found on becoming an apprentice can be found here.

 

2. Gap Year:

Ah yes, the “Gap Year”, no doubt a thought every Leaving Cert student must have had. A great idea for those looking for some personal growth, take a break from education and even in the process of this gap year, you can discover what you want to do with the rest of your life. This year allows you to do many things, it’s not always about travel. You can take time and volunteer, work, upskill with some short courses or even simply just explore some passions you have which you could turn into a career. The options are endless and the experiences gained during this time can lead to a broader perspective on life.

 

3. Online Education & Progression with QQI courses:

Obviously, we’re going to include this as an option, have you even read our blog, don’t you know how much we love eLearning!?

On a serious note, it is a very viable option for those of you who may not have received the points you needed but also don’t want to repeat 6th year again.

It’s an excellent steppingstone into third level education. With online education, you can do a course that will act as a boost and progression route into the third level course you wanted. It’s very flexible and much more affordable than a degree straight away (although online degrees are also possible). You can also work while you study – best of both worlds really.

For more information on online courses, check out all our courses here.

If we don’t offer what you need, check out the national course database – www.qualifax.ie.

 

4. Work:

Another popular option amongst Leaving Cert students is not going to college straight away. Many people start college, struggle, hate what they are doing and drop out which results in time, energy and money wasted. Some even struggle through for fear of failure and judgement and eventually do a complete U-turn and in many years’ time, re-train.

Some people opt to work straight out of school, gain the experience they need and eventually, when ready to take that next step in their career, they go back to college for that career boost. Be sure to understand, this is not easy. Going back as a mature student can be difficult, you may have a family or other important commitments which you will need to learn to juggle around a college course but there are also positives here. Many people who go back to college as adult learners have an established personality, know their likes and dislikes well and know what they want out of a career so they end up doing something they really love.

 

The above 4 points are only some options. Your journey after secondary school doesn’t have to follow a traditional path of pursuing a University Degree. The world offers diverse paths to success and personal fulfilment. Remember, there is no one size fits all approach.

Embrace your unique talents, passions and goals and explore the myriad of opportunities that are available to you. By making informed decisions and staying true to yourself, you can carve a path that aligns with your vision of a successful and rewarding future.

 

Exploring Alternative Options After the Leaving Cert

 

 

5 Ways to Create Work Life Balance

Posted on: July 12th, 2023 by Admin

 

In today’s fast paced world, achieving a healthy work life balance has become increasingly challenging. As we strive for career success and personal fulfilment, its crucial to develop effective strategies that allow us to thrive in both aspects of our lives.

By finding a harmonious balance between work and personal commitments, we can enhance our wellbeing, productivity and overall satisfaction.

In this blog post, we hope to explore and give you some practical tips and strategies to help you achieve a work life balance and lead a fulfilling life.

 

1. Define Your Priorities:

Begin by identifying your core values and priorities. Think about what is important to you in your career and personal life. This will give you a clear focus and help you in your decision making process. However, don’t forget to be realistic with your goals and that they align with your priorities, allowing you to give time and energy accordingly.

 

2. Establish Boundaries:

Boundaries are important when it comes to maintaining a healthy work life balance. Learn to say no when necessary and avoid overcommitting yourself. Being clear in your communication when it comes to your limits with colleagues, clients and loved ones will ensure that you have time for both work related and personal activities.

 

3. Time Management:

Prioritise tasks, delegate if and when possible and take advantage of productivity tools to optimise your time. Make sure to set aside time for things you enjoy doing too such as hobbies, time with family and friends and even personal time.

 

4. Self-Care:

Speaking of personal time, include self-care practices into your routine such as exercise, yoga, meditation – just do what brings you joy and helps you relax. This will help you enhance your ability to handle work and personal challenges effectively.

 

5. Supportive Relationships:

Surround yourself with supportive relationships both in your professional and personal life with people who understand the importance of work-life balance and can offer guidance and encouragement on your journey.

 

Don’t forget that work-life balance is a continuous ever changing journey that requires commitment and some effort. Remember that achieving work-life balance is not about perfect harmony but about a rhythm that allows you to thrive in both areas of your life.

Achieve this and you could lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.

 

 

Embracing Inclusion in Education

Posted on: June 21st, 2023 by Admin

 

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping society’s values and beliefs. So, to build a more inclusive and accepting world, it is essential that educational institutions prioritise LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Inclusive education provides a platform for fostering acceptance and empathy among students. By integrating LGTBQ+ topics into curricula, schools can challenge stereotypes, debunk myths and promote understanding. Teaching students about diverse sexual orientations and gender identities cultivates a culture of respect, tolerance and compassion. When students learn about LGBTQ+ issues, they are more likely to become allies and advocates, dismantling discrimination and fostering a supportive environment.

Educational institutions should be safe havens for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and programmes help create safer spaces where students can express themselves authentically without fear of bullying or exclusion. Implementing anti-discrimination policies, establishing gender neutral facilities and providing LGBTQ+ affirming resources and services, sends a powerful message of acceptance.

These measures, not only protect LGBTQ+ students but also educate peers in an environment that celebrates diversity.

Inclusive education empowers LGBTQ+ students by providing them with role models, resources and support.  By integrating LGBTQ+ history, literature and contributions into the curriculum, students gain a deeper understanding of the community’s resilience and achievements.

When LGBTQ+ students see their identities represented and respected within the educational system, they are more likely to succeed academically and develop a positive self-image.

Training teachers on LGBTQ+ issues equips them with the knowledge and tools to create an inclusive learning environment.

It also encourages educators to examine their own biases (see our previous blog on Unconscious Bias in Education), challenge assumptions and address unconscious discrimination. By nurturing cultural competence, schools and higher education institutions prepare students for diverse society and empower them to become future leaders who champion equality and social justice.

LGBTQ+ inclusion in education goes beyond curriculum content, it includes creating safe spaces, empowering students and fostering cultural competence. By ensuring inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, educational institutions take a vital step towards nurturing a generation of empathetic and accepting individuals who embrace and celebrate diversity.

 

Embracing Inclusion in Education - The Open College

 

 

Tackling Unconscious Bias in Further Education with Online Learning

Posted on: May 31st, 2023 by Admin

 

As the CEO of an online college, I have seen firsthand (and I’m sure my colleagues would agree) how online learning can help combat unconscious bias in further education.

Unconscious bias is a pervasive problem in our society and it can have a significant impact on how people are treated in many areas of society. It can also lead to missed opportunities and lack of diversity in further education.

Unconscious bias is defined as a type of bias that we are not consciously aware of. It is an automatic and often subtle response to a situation, based on preconceived notions and stereotypes that we have developed over time and never challenged ourselves on. It impacts how we perceive and interact with others and can lead to unequal treatment of individuals based on things such as gender, race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status and/or other personal traits.

In the context of further and even let’s also say higher education, unconscious bias can lead to missed opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

For example, a teacher might unconsciously assume that a student from a particular racial or ethnic background is less capable of academic achievement and give that student less attention or support – sometimes the opposite is also true. Similarly, a teacher might unconsciously favour students who share their background and certain characteristics to unequal treatment of students based on their identity.

Online learning can help tackle unconscious bias in further & higher education in several ways.

 

Firstly, online learning is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their backgrounds and characteristics. This means students from all walks of life have equal opportunities to participate in online courses and programmes without being subject to unconscious bias from teachers or administration.

 

Secondly, online courses can be used to provide training supports to teaching personnel to recognise unconscious bias in their teaching environment. Educators can learn strategies to promote a more inclusive learning environment and also connect with other educators and share best practices for promoting inclusivity and addressing bias in education.

 

Thirdly, online courses are designed to be self-paced which allows students to progress through the course at their own speed. This is particularly helpful to students who may need additional support or who may not have access to traditional classroom settings. eLearning allows students to connect with one another, fostering a sense of community and promoting a more inclusive learning experience.

 

Finally, e-learning can help promote a more diverse faculty with online courses which can be designed by educators from diverse backgrounds, including those who may not have had access to traditional academic pathways.

 

By promoting a more inclusive learning environment, providing training and support to educators and, providing a more equitable learning experience for learners, online learning can help tackle unconscious bias and promote a more diverse and inclusive learning experience.

As the CEO of an online college, I am committed to promoting inclusivity and addressing bias in education and I believe that online learning does play a critical role in achieving this goal.

 

Joe Walsh

Director

The Open College

 

 

Transparency in eLearning

Posted on: April 25th, 2023 by Admin

 

Online education has become increasingly popular over the past few years and it’s not hard to see why. Amongst many things, it offers flexibility and convenience, allowing students to learn at their own pace and within their own schedule. However, with the good, unfortunately, there also comes the bad because to this day online education is still viewed in some circles as subpar to attendance learning.

In order to combat this negative view, The Open College believes that transparency is key to breaking the negative narrative of online education.

 

Here are 4 simple ways this can be achieved:

 

  1. Communication: We must always ensure that the college’s practices and lines of communication are clear and transparent. This is key to ensure that all learners are equipped to make informed decisions about their education. This information should be easy to understand, be readily available and up to date. Information needs to be in relation to everything from costs, start dates, accreditation (QQI) to syllabus and materials needed.

 

  1. Technology: College’s should use reliable, secure and stable learning management systems (LMS), by doing this, learners will have a consistent learning experience without disruptions.

 

  1. Support: A human touch is key. At the end of the day, we are all human and no matter how great the technology is that we use, it still can’t account for confusion and the need for clarity. By providing support services, college’s ensure that learners have the resources they need to succeed in their online course.

 

  1. Inclusion: Where possible, allow learners to have a say. Make changes based on analytics, feedback and surveys.

 

Through streamlined communication, an easy to use LMS, inclusion and support, transparency in an online learning environment can help students achieve their academic goals and ultimately help break the negative stereotype around online education, one learner at a time.

Compared to traditional attendance based learning, there are many advantages in online education that can make transparency easy to achieve and all that eLearning providers have to do is use these advantages and not cut corners.

 

 

Online Learning Helping You Succeed

Posted on: March 22nd, 2023 by Admin

 

One thing we love is to see at The Open College is our student population grow and every year we go from strength to strength.

The online learning route could be for many reasons of course, which expands far beyond practicality because online learning can also have a positive impact on personal lives so we wanted to look into why online learning is becoming more and more popular.

 

Firstly, online learning allows us to learn at our pace and in our own time. You can revise the content as often, as quickly and as slowly as you want.

This is something traditional classroom based learning cannot provide. This flexibility can be quite beneficial to people with busy schedules who would find it difficult to attend schedules classes regularly. By allowing learners to fit learning around their responsibilities and personal commitments, online learning can help reduce stress and improve work-life balance.

 

Secondly, online learning allows you to study from anywhere. With online courses you can access quality education from lead institutions and it won’t matter where you are based. However, saying this comes with a bit of a caveat because some QQI courses do have a work experience element to them which dictates that you should complete your placement in Ireland.

 

Thirdly, online learning does not always mean that you should complete courses with a career in mind but it could open the doorway to new career opportunities too. Online courses can be used to develop hobbies or learn new skills. This could be anything from, cooking and photography to coding and art. By doing this, you can boost your confidence and develop a greater sense of self.

 

Finally, online learning can be a fantastic way to improve your mental health and wellbeing. By learning new things, challenging yourself and achieving a personal goal, you can boost your self esteem and sense of accomplishment. You can even make new connections with people virtually if you live in a remote part of the world.

 

Education has many benefits, especially online learning. It doesn’t always mean learning for a job, it could be for learning out of curiosity or to satisfy a personal goal.

Whatever way you look at it, online learning is an investment into yourself.