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Best tips for online learning



Here are eight tips for taking online classes that will help you succeed

Online Course Tips

You can benefit from the tips and advice below if you're considering taking online college courses (or you're already enrolled in one).

Treat an online course as if it were a "real" one.

When it comes to online classes, you need the discipline to sit down and say, “I am going to work on this,” as well as the dedication to actually follow through. While you can choose when to complete your work during the week, you cannot put it off indefinitely.

The simplest way to ensure follow-through is to remember that you are paying for this online course, as you would for a traditional, in-person course. If you want to benefit from your online classes, you need to “show up.” Treat them as you would face-to-face classes—or, better yet, as a job—and you’ll be on your way to success.

2. Be accountable for your actions

Set goals at the beginning of the semester, and check in with yourself weekly. You will often receive verbal or visual reminders of an assignment's due date in a traditional classroom setting. As a result, you don't have to start an assignment the day before it's due if a professor doesn't actively remind you. So you don't start it the day before it's due.

Partner up with a fellow classmate or spouse to serve as an accountability partner if you have trouble holding yourself accountable. Even when life outside of school gets chaotic, you can make the most of your online class by being organized, proactive, and self-aware.

Manage your time effectively.

The flexibility to create your own schedule is often one of the biggest appeals of taking online classes. If you don't know how to manage your time well, that freedom can also be detrimental. If you don't have them, you might end up cramming before classes or turning in subpar assignments.

Here are some universally valuable tips to help you practice and improve your time management skills, regardless of your schedule, learning style, or personality:

At the beginning of the semester, review the syllabus and take note of major assignments. Write them down on a calendar you regularly check so you know what you'll be dealing with. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to complete assignments by incorporating any prior commitments that may interfere with your regular study schedule, such as weddings or vacations.

Designate certain hours each week for reading, watching lectures, completing assignments, studying, and participating in forums on your weekly schedule. Set reminders for yourself to complete your online coursework, and make it a part of your weekly routine.

Set a timer to keep yourself accountable when working on your assignments, allotting yourself a certain amount of time for each task before moving on to the next.

Check in periodically throughout the term, and look at how you're spending your time. The question is: How much time am I spending on readings and assignments for my course? Am I regularly underestimating the time I need to get things done, forcing me to cram in the days before exams? A little self-reflection and adjustment can help.

Stay organized and create a regular study space.

One way to establish a routine when it comes to studying is to find a little space that’s all your own. This is a place where you can do your work without being distracted by other tasks or people, such as at the library or at the table in your kitchen. Once you've found that perfect spot for study, make sure there's high-speed internet access so you're not hampered by slow connections.

You can also stay organized by setting up a regular workspace or office. Knowing where important dates, files, forms, syllabi, books, and assignments are will keep you focused and on track.

Connect to the internet at high speed

Ensure that you have the required books, materials, and software

Listen to lectures or discussions with headphones (especially in shared spaces).

Distractions should be eliminated.

Netflix, social media, and dishes piling up in the sink are all distractions that can derail your studies. The best online students know how to minimize these distractions and schedule time to study.

Your own unique personality and situation will determine how difficult these distractions will be. Some may be able to tune out a noisy home by listening to music. Others may choose to work from a local coffee shop or library to eliminate the urge to multitask at home. You will ultimately need to find a strategy that works for you.

Regardless of where you choose to work, consider turning off your cell phone to avoid losing focus every time a text message or notification pops up. Download a website blocker if you still cannot resist checking your email or surfing the web. It is possible to eliminate distractions by blocking apps or websites such as Facebook and Twitter that tend to compete for your attention using programs like Cold Turkey and Freedom.

Find out how you learn best

Once you’ve established where you’ll learn, think about when and how you accomplish your best work. If you're an early riser, set aside time to study first thing in the morning. Want to spend some time with your computer after dinner? If your kids require your attention morning and evening, try scheduling a study session in the middle of the day while they are at school. Put on your favorite playlist, brew a cup of coffee, and do whatever you need to get into the zone.

Considering your learning style and employing appropriate study strategies will help you better grasp new concepts. The transcripts of video lectures can be printed out for you to review if you’re a visual learner. If you prefer listening, build time into your schedule for all audio- and video-based course materials.

Participate actively.

Learn more about course materials and interact with fellow classmates by participating in the course's online forum. For example, you might comment on a classmate's paper on a discussion board or ask a question about a project you're working on. If you have a question, ask your professor or other students for clarification.

You can fit in a discussion response if you have 30 minutes before dinner plans. Set a goal to check in every day on the class discussion thread.

Speak up if you feel yourself falling behind. Don't wait until the last minute to ask questions or report issues. Email your professor and ask for help before it's too late.

Take advantage of your network.

Although it is possible to feel as though you are learning on your own in online classes, this couldn't be further from the truth. Professors and instructors actively encourage students to collaborate on assignments and discuss lessons in most online courses.

Engage in online discussion boards and introduce yourself to other students to build relationships. Your peers can be a valuable resource when preparing for exams or asking for feedback on assignments. If you want to create a virtual study group with them, don't be afraid to do so. It's likely they'll appreciate it just as much as you do.

Manage your time wisely by creating a schedule.

On the first day of class, read the course syllabus and enter all due dates in your calendar, along with reminders.

For every one credit hour the course is worth, you should study or participate in your online class at least three hours per week. Deliberate time management is one of the most helpful tips for online learning.

Develop strategies for success in both asynchronous and synchronous online courses.

Make a smart decision about how to best spend your time by deciding which due dates are coming up first, what information is most important to learn, and which assignments are worth the most points.

Organize yourself and be thorough.

Focus on your work by having a designated study space free of distractions.

Here's one of our best tips for online learning: Prepare as if you are teaching what you are studying. You can organize information by creating charts, outlines, study guides, flashcards, concept maps, and chapter maps. You can also create practice exams to evaluate your knowledge.

Prepare for a quiz or exam by writing down formulas or other information you may need. Plan your time and survey the test before starting. Start with easy test questions and work your way up to the harder ones. You will often remember the information if you move on to another question.

Engage throughout the entire course.

Attend in-person/virtual class sessions and take active notes (link is external) for every lesson.

Plan for improvement based on the results of all returned quizzes and tests, as well as any instructor feedback.

Your fellow online students are a great resource for further tips on online learning success. Attend office hours regularly and ask questions if needed.

Make sure you take care of yourself.

Remember your goal as you work through the challenges of being a student.

Stay healthy by getting adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise. Use positive self-talk to reduce anxiety. Schedule time to spend with family and friends.

Stay positive and keep a growth mindset. Success is as much about your effort as it is about your ability.

Know where to turn for help if you need it.

Many academic services are available to online students at Ohio State, including math tutoring (link is external).

There are also online guides from the Dennis Learning Center (link is external) and the Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing (link is external), as well as Ohio State's Keep Learning (link is external).

Student Life Disability Services (link is external) can help you with accommodations if you have a disability.

We also offer tech support (link is external).

Establish clear expectations from the beginning

Ensure that you have enough time to devote to your course and that you can consistently attend all aspects of the program, including live teaching sessions. Your commitment and attitude should be the same as if you were taking a regular, in-person course.

2. Verify that all technical requirements have been met

Make sure that you are aware of all the technical requirements before starting an online course, including any software or hardware equipment you may need. You might want to consider investing in a back-up system if you have assignments to turn in. To avoid any mishaps, be sure to back up your work regularly and to save study materials so you can access them offline if necessary.

Make sure your internet connection is stable and reliable

When teaching live, such as during webinars or workshops, a reliable internet connection is essential.

In order to improve your home internet connection, you can purchase additional modems or signal boosters. As a blogger at Write My X and Next Coursework, Jerry Wright recommends connecting your computer directly to the modem rather than using Wi-Fi, which can be unstable.

Establish a study area

In order to learn effectively, your study area should be conducive to your needs. Make sure there is adequate lighting and a comfortable chair and desk to avoid discomfort. Pick a quiet place where there are few distractions and chances of being interrupted.

Organize yourself

The key to successful online learning is organization. Establishing a study plan will help you meet deadlines and work around existing commitments.

According to Catherine Olsen, a psychologist at BritStudent and Australia2Write, make a calendar for all your deadlines and important course dates. Make sure you plan ahead for any unexpected delays. Make sure you add some extra time for them. Setting yourself time limits can make study sessions less daunting and more manageable. You can also use to-do lists to stay on top of your tasks and be more efficient.”

Make sure you take regular breaks while studying

Engaging in some gentle physical activity, such as going for a walk outdoors, can help you feel reenergized and return to your studies with more energy and focus after taking study breaks. Take a break from your study space during these breaks and do not look at screens, if possible.

7. Give yourself a reward

You can keep yourself motivated by rewarding yourself with something you enjoy doing. Every time you accomplish a milestone or accomplish what you had planned for a particular study session, reward yourself with something positive. When you train your brain to recognize that learning will lead to positive rewards, you will be more motivated to keep studying and you will enjoy your studying and the successes you achieve along the way much more.

8. Take part in online discussions

Online learning should be a rewarding experience, so take the time to participate in discussions and group activities. Remember that communicating online has unique challenges. Avoid sarcasm and use clear sentences with proper grammar to reduce misunderstandings. These interactions can give you the most out of your course. Building a personal learning network is an excellent way to continue your education well beyond this course. Swap contact information with other participants, so you'll have people to lean on and work with in the future.


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