There is no doubt that online learning (e-learning) is the greatest revolution in contemporary education.
Compared to the traditional system of education, it has brought huge changes in the education system and opened great opportunities for anyone who wants to learn something. Although some people often think that online students are not smart enough for a traditional college or university, they are lazy, and they don’t get “real” degrees.
These claims discourage many people from taking online courses, so they get stuck in the traditional educational system that consumes a huge deal of money, nerves, and years of their lives.
Those of us who are actively involved in E-learning are well aware of the advantages it provides to an organization and the individual. Over time, these advantages are becoming better recognized by the public. The flexible nature of E-learning means that we are likely to encounter it in everyday life.
Some people seek additional learning opportunities and for others, career advancement. While others may accidentally stumble upon it when watching a short training on their smartphone about their latest application.
The first thing you need to realize is that
online courses are not an easier way to learn
but rather a more convenient one
To successfully learn online, you need to dedicate a significant amount of your time, consistently attend the program, concentrate while studying, and fully commit to your learning process, just as you would do for traditional learning.
Here are some tips to guide you while studying online:
1. Identify your learning objectives and goals:
To stay on track with your online course, make sure that you always keep in mind what you hope to accomplish by the end of it. The learning objectives and goals of the e-learning course can be an excellent road map during online learning; read carefully your online course requirements, create notes that are closely related to your objectives, and make sure that you review them thoroughly every time you start an assignment so that you stay focused on your goals. Finally, consider starting with the most difficult tasks, as this will improve both the effectiveness of your study and your performance.
2. Always plan ahead:
Never wait until the day before an assignment due date to start working on it. It will stress you and stress will prevent you from effectively completing the online task. Furthermore, knowing when all of your assignments are due before the end of the e-learning course will facilitate your time management; for instance, if you are going on vacation in the middle of the e-learning course, you can study ahead.
3. Have an effective calendar system:
Online learning needs structure; create a study calendar that will help you remember all important dates like exams or deadlines for submitting your assignments. You can save your calendar on your computer or your mobile device, or you can even create a wall planner, which you can mark up and check every time you study.
4. Create to-do lists:
At the start of each week, make a to-do list of the tasks you need to complete by the end of the week. This is an excellent way to prioritize your study plan and stay on track with your studying.
5. Set time limits:
Before you start studying, estimate how much time each task will take to complete, whether it is a specific assignment or simply reading a chapter. Try to stick to your time limits, as this will help you develop your self-discipline. Furthermore, when you realize that despite your best efforts you cannot concentrate, consider stopping for an hour or for the night; it is better to wait until you are able to start afresh than to waste your time trying to focus.
6. Stick to your study plan:
Procrastination is the worst enemy of online learners, so make sure that you stay organized and you are not falling behind in your online class. If you are having difficulties submitting your assignments on time, contact your online course instructor and let them know, so that they can help you create a consistent study routine.
7. Ask for help when necessary:
While it may be constructive to look for answers to your online course-related questions independently, hesitating to contact your online instructor when you are stuck may be problematic. If you don’t ask for help when necessary, you may end up falling behind, which may lower your self-esteem, as you may not be able to keep up with the online course. Build a relationship with your online instructor and avoid misunderstandings by contacting them regularly and informing them who you are, and how you could use their help. By asking your online instructors to clarify problems, you will also help them not only to evaluate learners’ level of understanding of the online material, but also get an idea of the overall effectiveness of the online course. Finally, due to the open nature of online courses, by asking a question, you also help your virtual classmates, in case they are having similar difficulties. Keep in mind that if you don’t ask for help when you need it, your online instructor may never know that something is wrong.
8. Review, revise, repeat:
Regular revisions of the things you have already studied will not only improve your memory, but they will also help you better understand what you are learning. Create your own flash cards for your key notes and quiz yourself on the key concepts of the online course. Furthermore, consider having one or more study partners; working in groups will offer you alternative views of difficult concepts, motivation to achieve better results, and help in completing your online assignments more quickly by reviewing what you have learned. Share your study notes and habits with your virtual classmates and support each other throughout the online learning process.
9. Take Breaks:
Your performance will decrease if you are feeling tired or frustrated while studying. Integrate some personal time into your study routine and you will be able to work more effectively on your online course goals. When taking a break, make sure that you get away from your study space; you need to have a change of scenery. A mild physical activity, such as a walk around the block, will help you maintain balance, renew energy, and go back to studying with a clear mind.
10. Participate in online discussions:
Online learning doesn’t necessarily mean learning in isolation. Connecting with your virtual classmates on social media or your online course’s forum will enhance tremendously your e-learning experience, especially if you are an introvert and visual barriers hinder you from expressing yourself. Participate actively in online discussions and group activities, suggest study tricks, offer your input on the e-learning course, and engage in new ideas. Just ensure that you are mindful of your online tone; be respectful when you disagree with other members of your online group, and always write in complete and clear sentences to avoid misunderstandings and tone mishaps.
11. Stay Motivated:
The following are tips to keep you motivated
- Feel free to create your study routine at your own comfortable pace.
- Decorate your study space with inspirational quotes and pictures.
- Never forget the reason why you took this online course.
- Accept that you will have productive and less productive days.
- Have healthy snacks nearby to boost your energy.
- Reward yourself every time you complete a challenging task.
- Make sure that you take some time off for yourself from time to time.
- Stay positive and keep your chin up.
With these, you will have a fun and enjoyable e-learning experience!
Have amazing ideas to share? Please leave your comments below.
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