The current lock-down has a positive side too. Its time to take stock of things that one has always wanted to do. Though this blog-post has been written for children, there are practical takeaways for all age groups. Most of the tips are applicable well beyond the lock down period.

I would like to acknowledge the valuable tips given by MAJOR GENERAL SHARABH PACHORY (RETIRED) who was our Instructor at the Indian Military Academy, way back in 1992.

Col AD

ONLINE COURSES

• Depending on age, available time, aptitude and interest, a whole range of online courses is available. Most of these are free. Advanced level and certification may attract fees.

• The range of subjects is unlimited. If undecided, one can search for the most popular free courses.
• The mode is audio/video and written assignments. Some paid ones also have interactive sessions.

• The courses can be classified as
  • Very short (a few hours)
  • Short (5-7 days) and
  • Long (3 months to full year and beyond)

• These have no geographical boundary.

I attended a month long course on Enneagram (Personality Assessment Tool) in 2018. There were two instructors, one from Cyprus and another one from UK. We were 13 students from 7 different countries. Recently, I have taken a paid course on Blogging. ‘This blog’ is a result of ‘that course’ I also am attending regular classes on Digital Marketing, which have helped me enhance my business)

Advantages

• Cheap/ Free
• Well researched
• Own time work. You can choose the pace.
• One doesn’t get bored.
• A number of courses can be done simultaneously
• Best faculty/ content
• Focus is on learning. No performance pressure as you can choose not to appear for exams.
• Come with valid certifications that will enhance your professional profile.

Sites : There are many more. More details can be found out with little research on the net. Some of the popular sites are :-

• eskillindia.org
• futurelearn.com
• coursera.com
• udemy.com
• lynda.com

COMPUTER/ INTERNET BASED LEARNING

• Typing : Maximum time is spent in keying-in the data. Learning to use the computer keyboard systematically will be of great help. There are many applications to help.

• Computer Softwares : Basic ones like Microsoft Office, Coreldraw, Pagemaker, can be mastered. Free online tutorials are available. This is also a part of the school syllabus. This knowledge will come handy in all walks of personal and professional life.

• Video and Picture Editing Software. Windows Moviemaker comes packaged with all PCs and laptops. Else free versions of softwares like Filmora are good for practice.

• E- Commerce : Routine Transactions like online shopping, booking of air/ rail tickets etc can be learnt during this period.
• Cyber Hygiene : Making the children aware about good cyber hygiene and about Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media can also be done during this period. This will protect them from the whole range of cyber crimes. 

BLOGGING 

• This e-book itself is a result of blogging course that I finished a few days back. Blogging is a useful hobby to have. Not only it is a powerful form of expression, it can be taken up as a career too.

• Subscribe for a free or low cost course, create a simple WordPress webpage and carry on blogging.

• If that is difficult, maintain a journal on Google Calendar.

• You can also follow popular bloggers who write on the subjects of your interest. It will give you valuable inputs about blogging.

24 hours can be turned into a great learning experience. The catch lies in starting early, making a plan and sticking to it. It takes 21 days to form a habit and most of the self up-gradation tips come with a lifetime applicability. Option is entirely yours.

Stay indoors, stay safe and stay motivated.

CONTINUED….

(The blog is also available as free e-book as pdf. The author may be contacted at             +91 7999356350 (whatsapp) or amardeep179@gmail.com)

Copyright © 2020 by Colonel Amardeep Singh, SM (Retired)

The use of our information should be based on your own due diligence. The author assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this blog, or for any injury, damage and/or financial loss sustained to persons or property as a direct or indirect result of using this blog/eBook. 

The document can be shared, copied and re-produced with due credit to the author.