I want to share something that’s been on my mind during my recent marine conservation studies (a side passion project of mine). What began as a passion project has opened my eyes to some uncomfortable truths about modern learning methods.
Why I Chose On-Demand Learning
Sure, the format seemed perfect on paper:
- Study at my own pace? Check. No more rushing to evening classes after a full day’s work, or feeling guilty about running late. I could tackle complex marine biology concepts when my brain was fresh, not when a timetable dictated.
- Rewind and replay? You bet. Those detailed explanations about ocean ecosystems and conservation methods? I could watch them three times if needed. No embarrassment about asking the lecturer to repeat something, no furious note-taking while missing the next key point.
- Quick knowledge checks? All there. Mini-quizzes and assessments ready whenever I felt prepared, not on some arbitrary test date. Perfect for making sure I really understood each concept before moving on.
Plus, let’s be realistic – as someone juggling a demanding career, traditional classroom learning just wasn’t going to work. The thought of committing to fixed class times every week felt impossible. On-demand learning promised to turn my lunch breaks, early mornings, and quiet weekend moments into productive study time.
The cost made sense too. Think about it – traditional face-to-face courses mean paying for the actual in life trainer(s), travel expenses, maybe even overnight stays. Here, I got all that learning for a fraction of the cost, delivered straight to my laptop. No trains to catch, no hotels to book, no expenses to claim.
As someone wanting to upskill themselves while keeping their foot on full speed, the flexibility seemed like a no-brainer. I could learn from world-class experts without traveling, study in my PJs if I wanted to, and theoretically, progress as quickly or slowly as my schedule allowed.
The Reality Check
But theory and practice tell very different stories.
A course I planned to finish before Christmas is still dragging on. Not because it’s too hard, or because I’m not committed, but because watching videos and ticking boxes just isn’t how real learning happens.
The Hidden Costs of Flexibility
The worst part? This drawn-out timeline is killing my retention. I’m constantly backtracking through old notes, trying to jog my memory before new modules. End-of-module tests have become a nightmare. Ideas that should flow together are now scattered across months of interrupted learning.
I’ve noticed I learn better when I can dedicate shorter, intense periods to studying. It keeps ideas fresh and connected. But let’s be real – fitting focused study time around a full-time job is tough (even when the studying is booked in most cases by your L & D team and part of your career upskilling). This is just my side project, and I’m already struggling. I can’t imagine doing mandatory work training this way.
Making It Work (Sort Of)
My desk looks like a mad scientist’s laboratory – diagrams everywhere, notes scattered about, makeshift study aids propped up against my screen. I’ve had to create my own interactive study system because passive watching just isn’t cutting it.
The longer this goes on, the less I feel I’m actually learning. Each session starts with a lengthy review of past material, turning learning into an endless cycle of refresher courses.
What’s Missing
If this was a live course? I’d be onto the next level by now, thanks to:
- Real discussions that push my thinking
- Learning from others’ questions and insights
- Hands-on practice that makes things stick
- Focused learning that builds momentum
The L&D Dilemma
This gets to the heart of what our research showed last year. L&D teams are stuck. They need to accommodate packed schedules while delivering training that actually works. No wonder some companies are going back to face-to-face training, even if it means doing less overall.
Time vs Impact
Here’s the thing about learning around a busy schedule – what we gain in flexibility, we lose in effectiveness. The more we stretch out the learning, the more time we waste reviewing instead of moving forward.
It makes you wonder:
- Are flexible learning schedules actually saving time?
- How do we balance accessibility with effectiveness?
- What’s the real cost of stop-start learning?
A Better Way Forward
Online learning definitely has its uses. It’s great for the basics. But for real understanding? For learning that lasts? Nothing beats actual interaction and practical experience.
The path ahead probably lies somewhere in the middle – mixing the convenience of online tools with the power of human connection. Maybe that means:
- Using online resources for groundwork
- Regular group discussions
- Focused learning blocks
- Check-ins to stay on track
Looking Ahead
Sometimes what’s convenient isn’t what works best. My marine conservation journey proves it. The future of learning needs to bridge the gap between accessibility and impact.
What’s your take? Have you created your own workarounds for online courses? How do you balance flexibility and actual learning? Drop your thoughts below.
Cognitive Union is a progressive, boutique learning and performance consultancy. We work with forward-thinking businesses. Transforming their people. Shaping their culture. Helping them embrace change and take on the world. Find this blog useful? Sign up to our email newsletter (bottom of this page) where you can receive articles like this and other insights (not publically published), and you can also follow us on LinkedIn.