NEXUS NEWS
5 Benefits of Remote-Live Learning
January 13, 2021
by Tom Lemoine
COVID-19 has disrupted nearly every aspect of our society, including the way we work and learn. Organizations and employees around the world have transitioned to remote work, pivoted roles, and adopted new business strategies in response to the pandemic. Those capable of adaptation have been in a better position to succeed.
So how can you, as a leader or an individual contributor, stay up-to-date and responsive to the changing global market? New knowledge and skills go a long way. Nexus offers a range of certificate programs in engineering, process improvement, and leadership that allow for real-time interaction and direct application of course concepts. For those who learn more effectively in a live class setting, here are five key benefits to consider.
1. REAL-TIME ENGAGEMENT WITH LEADING EXPERTS
Remote learning doesn’t have to be less engaging. In fact, the virtual format can often provide more direct access to U-M faculty and industry leaders. Through Zoom breakout rooms, Q&A sessions, and opportunities for engagement outside of lecture hours, remote-live learners are able to get direct facetime with experts who understand specific industry challenges.
“[Dr. John Drogosz] had the strengths of an academic as well as a practitioner,” a recent Lean Product Development remote learner said. “He has lived and breathed Lean PD for multiple decades and…could understand the application of the concepts in different sectors. He answered all of our questions”.
2. FLEXIBLE AND ACCOMMODATING SCHEDULES
With travel no longer required, courses like Lean Product Development and Lean Healthcare have been reformatted to accommodate working professionals. Instead of full days, sessions are now offered in 3.5-hour segments stretched over multiple weeks. Not only does this enable learners to more easily fit the course into their busy schedules, it also provides more time to absorb and reflect on the material. Some courses — like the Lean Leadership Certificate — offer additional flexibility, blending self-paced modules with remote-live discussion sections.
3. APPLIED LEARNING
While self-paced learning has its benefits, one of the advantages of the remote-live format is that it allows for interactive group work. Certificate courses like Lean Manufacturing incorporate “hands-on” simulations, where learners can directly apply the learning material and more readily understand key concepts — despite the physical distance.
“The group sessions were easy to work through [thanks to] the templates and technology,” a remote learner recently said. “This type of learning opens up your course to a much greater student base.”
4. NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
For many of us, the inability to connect with colleagues, meet new people, and engage in casual “shoptalk” has been one of the most challenging aspects of this pandemic. While you are stuck at home, remote-live learning offers an ideal venue to grow your professional network. Through Zoom breakout rooms, class discussions, and optional social hours, our courses offer countless opportunities to meet like-minded industry colleagues in an authentic way.
5. ACCELERATED PATH TO A MICHIGAN ENGINEERING CREDENTIAL
In addition to upskilling for your current role, you may be taking this transitional period to boost your resume and career prospects. By sticking to a predetermined schedule, our remote-live courses enable professionals to earn a University of Michigan College of Engineering credential in just a few short weeks. Our professional certificates are highly regarded and valued throughout industry.