Buzz
Increasingly, entire courses, corporate training, and personal development programs are being conducted online. If you're new to online education, there are numerous strategies and techniques you can employ to excel in learning almost any subject online. If your primary study resource for a course or new project is the internet, it's crucial to cultivate effective study habits, establish and adhere to a study schedule, and leverage available resources to the fullest.
Key Steps
Cultivating Productive Routines
Establish a daily routine. Consistently studying at the same time each day builds a habit that enhances concentration. Moreover, having designated start and end times can make studying appear less overwhelming. Break down every subject and task into manageable segments and create a timetable to accomplish each of these smaller objectives.
Designate a dedicated study area. Allocate a specific space in your home for coursework. This facilitates easy refocusing on your studies and minimizes distractions. Consistently using the same area informs those you share space with that you're engaged in studying. If home proves too distracting, consider finding a suitable spot at a nearby library. Libraries offer a serene environment, adequate lighting, and freedom from interruptions.
- Select a secluded spot away from distractions and away from foot traffic.
- Ensure your comfort for prolonged stays, but avoid being overly cozy to the point of dozing off.
- Opt for appropriate lighting to ensure clear visibility of books, notes, and other materials.
EXPERT ADVICE
Jennifer Kaifesh
Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
Maintain diligence once the course commences. Don't assume it'll be a breeze just because it's online. Often, these courses demand even greater self-discipline than traditional classroom settings—you must take initiative and seek assistance from your online instructor or a tutor since there are no in-person discussions to engage in.
Ensure a dependable internet connection. One of the most common blunders made by online learners is neglecting to invest in reliable, high-speed internet service. This is crucial for accessing essential documents, course schedules, and other information throughout the course.
- Conduct thorough research. Explore online specifications for various providers in your area, read user reviews, and compare pricing by contacting providers.
- Consult classmates residing nearby to inquire about their internet service provider and recommendations.
- If you encounter connectivity issues (frequent disconnections or slow speeds), promptly contact your service provider. If they fail to offer a satisfactory explanation and resolution, consider switching to an alternative service.
- If you're unable to access adequate internet service at home, consider utilizing school or public library facilities. In many cases, library cardholders enjoy complimentary internet access. Libraries also provide conducive study environments.
Avoid distractions from non-academic websites. Resist the urge to browse social media, check emails, or peruse the latest trending lists while studying. Establish personal boundaries. Employ a timer to monitor time spent on non-course websites, restricting yourself to brief intervals. Taking breaks is beneficial, but ensure you're mindful of their duration.
- Disable wifi, silence your phone, or set a 'distraction' timer. Make procrastination more challenging than completing tasks, fostering productivity!
- Utilize websites and apps designed to aid in minimizing distractions. For instance, Anti-Social is an app that limits social media and other distracting website usage. StayFocused is a Chrome-based internet blocker that restricts web access during designated times.
- Remember to take periodic breaks. Apps like Time Out can be helpful by reminding you to take breaks at predetermined intervals, preventing burnout.
Optimizing Available Resources
Familiarize yourself with the course syllabus, outline, or checklist. Take the time to gain a clear understanding of the course's overarching objectives. By reviewing the course outline, you'll be better equipped to prepare for ongoing studies, comprehending how each element contributes to the course objectives.
- Thoroughly review the complete course outline, take notes, and seek clarification promptly. Ensure you grasp how each section contributes to the overarching objective.
- Regularly reassess how assignments align with the course outline throughout the duration of the course. This practice proves especially beneficial if you encounter frustration or difficulties with specific assignments.
- Monitor course syllabus updates closely. While most instructors provide ample notice of syllabus modifications, check regularly to stay informed of any changes.
Acquaint yourself with online course tools. Most online courses offer diverse communication options with instructors and peers, as well as tools for storing and organizing information. Prior to the course commencement, allocate approximately an hour to familiarize yourself with the entire online course system. This preparation will enhance your ability to complete course-related tasks effectively, such as submitting assignments, interacting with peers, and undertaking assessments.
- Consult help or user manuals provided within the system if you encounter queries. Typically, these resources are indicated by a question mark, light bulb icon, or a designated “help” tab.
- To gain insight into the specific utilization of the system for your course, refer to the syllabus and engage in discussions with the instructor for tailored information.
Utilize reliable online sources. Opt for online resources affiliated with universities, libraries, or government agencies whenever possible. While enrolled in an online course, you'll likely have access to various reference sites. Take a moment to assess the source, authorship, and credibility of online resources.
- Ensure accuracy by cross-referencing information across multiple websites. Consistent statistics or data on different sites indicate reliability.
- Investigate the site's administrators. While blogs are often unreliable, those affiliated with professional organizations or written by subject experts may be trustworthy.
- Avoid websites focused on selling products. Even if they seem authoritative, their content is likely biased to support sales.
- Check the publication date of all resources. Outdated content may no longer be reliable, even if it was accurate in the past.
Engage with your instructors. Benefit from the rapid access to teachers and peers provided by online learning. Most online courses offer chat features, discussion forums, and email communication with professors and classmates. Seize this opportunity for seamless communication and don't hesitate to ask questions.
- Before consulting your professor, check if the information is readily available in the syllabus or course materials. Confirm with the instructor only if necessary.
- If you're struggling to grasp the materials, notify your professor or course leader promptly. They can offer guidance and direct you to helpful resources.
- In case of personal or professional issues affecting your course progress, communicate with the professor immediately. Adjustments to your schedule or assignments may be possible.
Take advantage of digital library resources. If enrolled in an online course through a local secondary school or university, you likely have access to library resources online. Otherwise, inquire at your local public library about online reference materials. Public libraries provide free access to professional journals, periodicals, and search tools, saving students significant costs.
- Visit the library's website for login instructions. Existing library cardholders may access information immediately. Contact the school library for access procedures.
- Inquire about librarians specializing in your area of study. They can assist in maximizing library resources and provide subject-specific guidance.
- If taking a course for personal or professional development outside of a school setting, reach out to public library librarians for assistance.
Participate actively in online discussions. Many online courses incorporate group discussions or forums. Even if not mandatory, engaging in discussions provides another opportunity to reinforce learning. Listening to and engaging with diverse perspectives fosters individual knowledge growth.
- Read blogs written by your peers or professors. Consider starting your own blog if you feel confident about the material.
- Actively participate in webinars. Pose questions, take notes, and ensure productive use of your time.
Utilize printed materials. If concerned about losing information or prefer studying with physical documents, don't hesitate to print online resources. Some students learn better when they can hold, mark, and interact with documents. Printing physical copies may benefit these learners.
Mastering Effective Study Techniques
Develop a customized study plan. While your instructor may furnish a course outline, crafting your own version can enhance comprehension and integrate coursework into your personal and professional agendas.
- Adapt the outline to your schedule demands. Begin with provided syllabi, checklists, or concept summaries, then incorporate personal notes like, 'I must complete week 5 assignments early due to travel.'
Take effective notes. Whether using digital or traditional methods, maintaining comprehensive notes on readings, references, and lectures aids understanding and retention. Digital notes offer easy searchability, while paper notes benefit from meticulous organization for swift retrieval.
Enhance reading comprehension. Whether tackling assigned readings or independent study materials, dedicate time to thorough reading, analysis, and understanding. Strive to grasp key concepts in one reading session.
- Utilize highlighting, underlining, or marginal notes for key information retrieval. Many eBook apps facilitate this digitally if physical copies aren't available.
- Paraphrase main ideas in your own words, ensuring clarity and understanding. Imagine explaining concepts to someone unfamiliar with the subject for concise summaries.
EXPERT RECOMMENDATION
Jennifer Kaifesh
Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
Founder, Great Expectations College Prep
Establish a manageable learning pace. Rushing through material may lead to poor comprehension, while progressing too slowly risks forgetting information as you move forward.
Assess your understanding. After each chapter or section, take time to evaluate your grasp of the content. Utilize provided quizzes or seek practice tests online to gauge your knowledge. Additionally, mentally summarize each section's main concepts to reinforce learning.
Anticipate upcoming tasks. If you anticipate being busy or away during assignment deadlines, proactively complete coursework in advance. Set personal deadlines and strive to finish tasks ahead of schedule to facilitate easier assignment management.
Unlock Your Study Potential with this Expert Series
1
Master Exam Preparation
2
Enhance Your Memory Retention Techniques
3
Create Your Ultimate Study Sanctuary
4
Develop Effective Exam Study Routines
5
Mastering Information Retention
6
Effective Study Techniques for Long-Term Memory
Useful Tips
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Maintain concentration, but incorporate breaks as needed.
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Ensure to cross-reference your notes, online resources, course materials, and textbooks, consolidating them into a single document containing the most pertinent information.
