Secret to Long-Term Happiness: 8 Online Courses to Learn

The coronavirus was unprecedented, as it compelled everyone to be confined for a month or two, and the lifting of the quarantine doesn't mean that it would be back to what everyone knew before the pandemic. Social distancing will the new normal, and there will be serious consequences. College students won't include the local version of Oktoberfest, as they must not look at the lockdown as imprisonment. Online learning is the only way to make the most of the time at home.

There are several reasons to consider online learning as a good option. Summer is around the corner, but it won't be the right time to enjoy the outdoors. Any vacation plan must be put on hold. College students must also worry about the fall semester. It won't be the same as before, and incoming freshmen would be confused about the changes. The uncertainties could include the lessening of the number of hours in face-to-face lectures. It should have varying effects depending on the field of study. (If you're pursuing a degree in Philosophy, then you could be a sniper of comfort to other students. You have read Seneca's works especially his thoughts on self-isolation. You have taken it to heart.) You're thinking of deferring your entry and finding a job, but the economy doesn't look promising. It won't be right to read John Steinbeck's books, "The Grapes of Wrath" in particular, as your active mind would be put to waste. A proactive stance is a way to go. Last but not the least, you would spend long hours in front of the computer. It should be productive, which is better than planning your visit to those scrappy convenient stores. 

You may think of learning skills that aren't related to the coursework, which is good. It would be better than loafing or meandering the Internet for hours, yet you would wonder if it could benefit you in the long run. On the one hand, learning a new thing would give you some sense of control. It should help you cope with anxiety caused by the lockdown. Furthermore, you won't be too picky in choosing what thing(s) to learn. One hour of the lecture may not be gratifying as several minutes of social media, but the arts are not about a number. Recall the first time that you tried to learn how to ride a bicycle, and how you were eager not to fall off. This is how you look at online learning. It would be free of charge, so there would be a wide range of options. You won't spend long hours in narrowing your choices, though.

Make sure that your choices are a fine balance in what should help you in your coursework, and what would enhance your well-being. The next section is a list of skills that would improve your communication skills, if not your paper writing skills at least. Let's exclude your list of (favorite) video games, which is essential. You're itching to take a walk, but an invisible enemy forbids you to go through that front door. If you read "Ready Player One", then you only need to go through the computer screen.

Expand Your Mind, Stay Motivated

Screenwriting. You're not necessarily fizzing with inspiration for an Oscar-nominated film, if not an Emmy-nominated series, but the basic lessons in scriptwriting would help you learn a few things. It should enable you to compose an outline for a screenplay, without the dialogues, and this would make you come up with an outline for your next essay in a shorter time. The structures between the two aren't far and wide.

Public speaking. Some gifted writers are struggling to be eloquent when they're in front of a crowd. They would cite their introvert nature, but not all writers could get away with that excuse. You need to diversify your skills, if not upgrade yourself. After you learn the basics, you can compose a speech, practice it (in front of the mirror), and then say it in front of your family. They may be a good substitute for your audience, but a job interview would require more than that. You have a head start, though.

Mathematical thinking. Logic and proof are as important as the arts. However, romantic comedies would remind you that you don't have to be too obsessed about it. 

Science and cooking. The transformation of food in the kitchen could be seen on the small screen, so you're wondering about the importance of this course. You may appreciate the number of hours that your mother would spend in the kitchen. You might not look at your dorm mate with pity, as he (or she) prepares another meal. You won't follow in Julia Child's footsteps, but learning how to cook would be valuable. It should save you some money that you would spend on food delivery.

Modern psychology. You have known those personality tests from those long hours of browsing websites. It was fun, and you became hooked to it. It would be better to study the introduction to modern psychology, which should make you more aware of your mindset and behavior. It can help you in dealing with the frustration in self-isolation. You may not want to try it on your parents, though.

Buddhism. "The Razor's Edge", which you read (and studied) last term, should give you an introduction to Buddhism. It shouldn't prompt you to watch Bill Murray's movies, if not plan to be a vagabond in the tourist spots in Europe, but the important lessons should make you appreciate the virtue in simplicity and living in the moment. And there won't be any minor distractions.

The Big Bang. One of the benefits of the lockdown is cleaner air. It should be the perfect time to get out at dusk. Aren't you curious about the distant planets and stars? John Carter's fixation to a certain star turned into a life-altering experience. (Mars may resemble the Arizona desert, but there won't be any long-dried seas in America.) Edward Rice Burroughs may be criticized for over imagination, but you won't be dismissed for doing such a thing during this time. It would be better than counting the days before the government eases the lockdown.

Learning how to learn. It should enable you to be a quick thinker during the next term. 

How Can I Stay Motivated?

You've been taught about the importance of studying in solitude, but this set-up requires motivation. If you can't persuade your course mates, look for like-minded minds on social media. You don't have to form a (Facebook) group, but a Zoom meeting could inspire you. You can plan your meet-up later, as what matters is online learning should transform you during this distressing time. You would look at the lockdown in a positive light.

 

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