If you’re looking to take the next step in your energy assessment or retrofit career and want to do it from the comfort of your own home, an online course could be the perfect fit for you. However, there may be some trepidation at the thought of a new learning environment. It’s natural to have questions about how online learning works and what you can expect from a virtual classroom environment.
To help you decide whether an online course is right for you, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our students.
Can You Ask the Tutor Questions in Real Time?
Live Online Courses
Yes, absolutely.
When you join one of our live online courses, you’ll take part in a live Zoom classroom where you can interact with the tutor in real time, just like you would in a traditional classroom environment.
At any point during the course, you can unmute yourself and ask questions directly to the tutor. There is also a chat function available, allowing you to type questions as the course progresses. Our tutors actively monitor the chat and respond throughout the session, ensuring every learner gets the support they need.
One of the key benefits of our live online courses is that you still receive personalised guidance and real-time support while learning remotely.
Self-Paced Online Courses
Our self-paced online courses are slightly different. These courses are designed so that you are able to complete each module completely at your own pace, at any time, from anywhere. This means that you aren’t tethered to a specific time slot with a live tutor.
However, you are not by any means without support. Our Helpline email inbox is constantly monitored by multiple experts ready to answer any queries you have promptly and thoroughly. Also, you have our support site at your disposal. This site contains a wealth of carefully curated resources and help articles, as well as our AI help bot, ET.
How Big Are Your Classes? Will I Get Lost in the Crowd?
Some learners worry that an online course may include too many students, making it difficult to get individual attention from the tutor.
At Energy Trust, we understand this concern and have taken steps to ensure that never happens. We keep our online course class sizes small and manageable so that tutors can provide every student with the support and attention they need.
Smaller class sizes create a more interactive learning environment, encourage participation, and ensure that no one gets lost in the crowd.
Do I Need to Be Comfortable With Technology?
To successfully complete an online course, you will need a basic level of IT literacy and confidence using technology.
As part of your training, you may be required to:
- Log in to an online classroom
- Access and use multiple websites
- Save and upload files
- Navigate our online learning platform
Importantly, if you experience any technical issues during your online course, our support team is here to help. We have dedicated technical support staff available to assist with software glitches, login issues, or any other technical challenges you may encounter.
Once the Course Is Done, Am I on My Own?
No, not at all.
For some courses, all required work is completed during the live online course sessions. In these cases, once the course concludes, you will receive your certificate and be ready to move forward in your new profession.
For other courses, there may be a portfolio of work to complete after the live training has finished. In these situations, you are never left to manage things alone.
We provide ongoing learner support through:
- A dedicated helpline email monitored by multiple experts
- A specialist support website available 24/7
- An AI chatbot designed to answer specific questions instantly at any time of day or night
Our goal is to ensure every online course student feels supported throughout their learning journey and beyond.
How Interactive Is the Course?
We have worked hard to make our online course experience engaging, interactive, and enjoyable.
We wanted to avoid the dreaded “death by PowerPoint” experience that can sometimes be associated with online training. While our written course content provides the foundation for learning, we incorporate a range of interactive elements to keep students engaged throughout the course.
Our tutors bring lessons to life using:
- Real-life examples from industry experience
- Videos demonstrating real situations and properties
- Interactive 3D Matterport tours
- Virtual walkthroughs of real buildings and environments
These features allow learners to experience practical, real-world scenarios from the comfort of their own home, helping to make our online course training both effective and engaging.
Also, our self-paced courses are no different. They are packed full with engaging tasks and interactive tours to bring the information to life.
Have More Questions About Our Online Courses?
If you have any further questions about online learning or how our online courses work, please feel free to get in touch with our team.
Call us on 0333 012 0002 or email info@energy-trust.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help. Or, look into our online learning options.
