What if your course participants felt like they were on vacation while learning? Not because your online courses are shallow or irrelevant, but because they feel light, enjoyable, and flexible. Learning in flip-flops instead of traditional classes. Knowledge transfer with the sound of the sea in the background.
Of course, we are not talking about sand in the laptop and ice stains on the workbook. Instead, we mean a certain summer feeling that can characterize modern e-learning: free, self-determined, and easily accessible. You can achieve just that – without your course offerings losing any credibility or depth.
Learning where others go on vacation – sounds great … doesn’t it?
It’s probably the most popular iconic image of modern learning: A person lies relaxed in a hammock, the sun shines, the laptop glistens in the light, and of course, an online course on personal development or Leadership 4.0 is running. But how realistic is that really?
Anyone who has ever tried to work or learn in a vacation setting knows: The external conditions are rarely as cooperative as in marketing photos. The reality often looks different:
The hammock is hanging crooked.
The laptop overheats.
The neighbor suddenly wants to play loud beach volleyball.
And somewhere a mosquito is always buzzing.
Still: The desire for location-independent, flexible learning is justified – and with the right conditions, hammock learning is more than a pretty dream. But it takes planning.
Between thirst for knowledge and watermelon: What the hammock actually symbolizes
Learning in the hammock is not a technical concept. It is a promise of freedom: Self-directed learning, at one's own pace, in one's own setting – without pressure to perform, no rigid deadlines, no sense of obligation.
Your course participants want to develop further – but please not like in school. Rather, in a way that can be connected to their lives: Work, family, leisure, vacation.
And this is where you come into play: As a provider of online courses, you create learning spaces where motivation and everyday life truly fit together.
Wi-Fi, battery, and shady spots – the hard reality of mobile learning dreams
Let’s start with the basics. Because as romantic as the idea is: Technology triumphs over daydreaming. What your course participants need to learn effectively on the go:
Stable internet: Sounds trivial, but it’s often the biggest hurdle. Especially abroad, at campgrounds, or in rural areas, even opening a course platform can turn into a test of patience. Learning time should therefore be planned where Wi-Fi exists not just on paper: Café, vacation rental, or if necessary, the hotel lobby network from the neighboring hotel. As long as there are no dead zones with a view.
Battery + power source: If the laptop gives up after 45 minutes and there’s no outlet in sight, the chapter “Learning by the lake” ends faster than expected. Mobile batteries and solar panels are the best friends of mobile learners here.
Display that doesn’t glare: Anyone who has ever looked at a glossy screen in the sun knows: You can see everything – except the text. Tablets with E-ink displays or good anti-reflective films can help.
A comfortable place with shade: A hammock in direct sunlight is more like an incubator. Those who are serious about mobile learning need at least a place with shade, back support, and as few distractions as possible.
💡 Feel free to pass these tips on to your course participants as "Vacation Tips".
Summer, sun, self-efficacy – how to bring vacation vibes into your courses
Here are some ideas on how you can combine the ease of hammock learning with professional aspirations – and meet your course participants exactly where they (mentally) are.
1. Easy start instead of mental gymnastics
The first course moment counts. Instead of starting with a 20-minute theory video or lengthy PDF document, ask yourself: What would I dare to do at the pool?
A catchy impulse that makes you crave more
A reflective question with a wink
A short self-test that makes personal benefits visible
If you signal from the start: “Hey, you don’t have to function perfectly here – you’re allowed to try things out,” it’s like the first application of sunscreen on the beach: It relaxes.
2. Content that can be understood even with sunglasses on
No one wants to wade through pages of theory when life outside is calling. That doesn’t mean you have to forgo content – but: Structure it in a way that it can be grasped even with half attention.
Videos: short, concrete, with a story or example
Texts: clearly structured, with bullet points or small anecdotes
Exercises: motivating and solvable – even if you only have 10 minutes
Tip for your learners: "Grab your phone, put on your sunglasses, make yourself comfortable on the terrace – and give your brain a ray of sun full of knowledge."
3. Courses that feel like good vacation reads
Vacation reads have something special: They pull us in, but they don’t demand too much. Try to transfer this principle to your courses:
Use personal language and humorous phrasing
Allow smaller jumps and skipping content without guilt
Incorporate charming reminders, e.g.: “Have you done something for your brain today? No panic – it takes only as long as an espresso.”
In this way, your course will not become a compulsory program but a good companion – whether in a garden chair, on a train, or in a vacation rental.
Type question: Couch potato or digital nomad?
Among the followers of mobile learning, different inclinations and habits emerge that can (greatly simplified) be categorized as follows:
🌎 The digital nomads
Favorite place: Bali, Lisbon, or the nearest coworking space
Learning mode: always online, preferably in the evening with a sea view
Trap: too much environment, too little learning rhythm
⛱️ The balcony fans
Favorite place: sofa, garden lounger, balcony with a blanket
Learning mode: 20 minutes after dinner, when the kids are asleep
Trap: fatigue + Netflix competition
🎧 The focus enthusiasts
Favorite place: tidy desk, noise-cancelling headphones
Learning mode: blocked time slots, no distractions
Trap: Everything has to be perfect, otherwise nothing will be learned.
If you prepare your content flexibly enough, all types can benefit from it - without having to twist themselves.
Learning also needs lightness – especially in adult life
Your target group – whether employees, customers, or course participants – has no time to waste. But they also don’t want to be under constant pressure.
So if you create a space where they can further educate themselves without feeling drained, then you have gained a lot. And so have they.
Perhaps your course participants will not actually lie in the hammock. But if your course feels like they can breathe, relax, and become smarter – then you are doing a lot right.
Less drill, more dolce vita
E-learning in the hammock is not a myth – but a symbol of flexible, self-determined learning that fits into life rather than fighting against it.
As a provider of online courses, you can embrace this way of life – not as a substitute for vacation, but as an understanding of the life reality of your target group.
And who knows – perhaps one of your course participants will soon post a selfie of themselves sitting under a sun umbrella with your online course. Then you may comment: "That’s how it should be! 😉”
We hope this article has helped you get into the summer mood and wish you much success with e-learning in the hammock!
