By: Donagh Fitzgerald B.Prod Eng Last Updated: July 2025
If you’ve ever tried to retrain or upskill using online education, you’ve probably come across all sorts of formats: university Zoom classes, fully self-paced courses on platforms like Udemy or LinkedIn, and even intense 2- or 3-day seminars.
But how do these compare to GetReskilled’s approach — a structured, supported, and spaced learning approach?
More importantly, how well does each method support actual learning that lasts, skills you can apply on the job, and the ability to move into new industries like pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing?
Lets take a closer look.
1. GetReskilled vs. Evening Zoom Lessons
| Feature | GetReskilled | University Zoom Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Format | Asynchronous (learn anytime) | Live Zoom lectures at set times |
| Flexibility | High – fits around work/life | Low – rigid schedule |
| Support | Weekly tutor check-ins | Office hours or group help |
| Focus | Career-ready skills for industry | Academic or theoretical learning |
| Tech | Bite-sized, interactive modules | Live video calls, slides |
Learning Factors:
Cognitive Load: GetReskilled reduces overload by breaking lessons into smaller chunks, which makes them easier to process and less mentally draining.
Learning Transfer: Higher — content is designed to match real-world tasks so what you learn is what you’ll use on the job
Forgetting Curve: Spaced learning, weekly tasks, feedback, and revision help you retain what you have learnt better than one-time live lectures.
2. GetReskilled vs. Self-Paced Lessons (e.g., Udemy, etc)
| Feature | GetReskilled | Generic Self-Paced Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Weekly modules with deadlines | Learn anytime, no structure |
| Accountability | Real tutors track your progress | Self-managed |
| Certification | Recognized by industry/universities | Often informal or generic |
| Feedback | Personalized tutor feedback | Mostly automated or none |
| Career Help | Includes job board, CV coaching | Usually not included |
Learning Factors:
Cognitive Load: Managed well — content is paced over weeks, making it easier to digest.
Learning Transfer: Much higher — you work on tasks that mirror real job functions, not just theory
Forgetting Curve: Repetition and review slow the rate of forgetting — unlike courses you binge once and never revisit.
3. GetReskilled vs. 2–3 Day Seminars
| Feature | GetReskilled | Short Seminars |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 10–15 weeks | 2 or 3 days |
| Depth | In-depth, applied learning | High-level overview |
| Retention | Higher – spaced practice improves memory | Lower – info overload with little follow-up |
| Practical Tasks | Real-world applied assignments | Mostly lecture and theory |
| Support | Tutor contact throughout course | Rarely any after the seminar ends |
Learning Factors:
Cognitive Load: Spread out learning reduces mental fatigue and supports deeper understanding.
Learning Transfer: Supports both near transfer (immediate application of specific tasks) and far transfer (applying principles in new, unfamiliar situations).
Forgetting Curve: Weekly reinforcement and feedback slow down the forgetting curve dramatically compared to short-term seminars.
Final Thoughts: Why Instructional Design Matters
What makes GetReskilled stand out is how the content is designed to support learning that you have less chance of forgetting.
GetReskilled’s instructional approach:
- Emphasizes spaced repetition to combat the forgetting curve.
- Reduces cognitive overload with short, focused lessons.
- Offers feedback and career support to drive engagement and accountability.
But perhaps most importantly, the training supports both:
- Near transfer — learning how to follow GMP procedures or run validation protocols that mirror what’s required in an actual job.
- Far transfer — building habits of thinking and problem-solving that apply to broader roles, promotions, or even switching into other regulated industries.
About the Author
Donagh Fitzgerald
Head of Marketing & Product Development
Mechanical/Production Engineer
Donagh looks after the marketing and product development including the training and pedagogical elements of our programs and makes sure that all GetReskilled’s users can have a great online learning experience. Donagh has lived and worked in many countries including Ireland, America, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Donagh has also served as the Program Manager for the Farmleigh Fellowship based out of Singapore.
Donagh holds Degrees in Production Engineering and Mechanical Engineering from South East Technological University, Ireland.
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