Thanks to advances in remote technology, online learning programs now offer the flexibility to learn wherever, whenever, and however works best for you.
If you’re new to online or distance learning, you might be simultaneously excited by the flexibility of working at your own pace, and also apprehensive about the various challenges that come with learning on your own time, outside of the classroom.
Here are eleven tips to help set you up for success when you register for an online program! (Read part one here)
REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW
Just like you study for a test by review a textbook for traditional learning, online learning also requires you to review and look over course material that you have previously covered.
HEAR, WATCH, READ, SAY, WRITE
We all learn in different ways and most of us comprehend better if we process new information in a variety of ways. So if you read something important in a course, write it down, then when studying say it aloud.
PACE YOURSELF
Don’t take on too much at once. Like anything else, you can get burnt out from online learning. Work with your instructor to set the appropriate pace for your course.
JOIN GROUPS OF PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR INTERESTS
Social media can help you find groups of people with similar interests or professionals already in the field. Not only can they help answer questions, but they can act as encouragement to help you finish your course.
REMEMBER WHY YOU ARE DOING THIS
It is always good to remember why you are taking the class. Do you want a better job, did your employer send you, are you expanding your knowledge base? Use these reasons to help motivate you.
TAKE NOTES
Just because it is online and accessible anytime does not mean you should not take notes. Taking notes helps you summarize what you are learning and redundancy helps with retention.
SELF-CARE
Eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising helps your brain be more active and ultimately makes learning easier.
COMMUNICATE WITH INSTRUCTORS
Instructors are your resource. If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or feedback, your instructors want to know. At BlueLedge, our instructors are available both via phone and email during normal business hours.
IDEAL ENVIRONMENT
Finding your ideal working environment may be a challenge when working from home or taking online classes. For some, it may be at a desk, while others work better on the couch. Finding your ideal environment will make you a better learner.
ASK QUESTIONS
Have you ever heard the saying there is no such thing as a dumb question? Well, that is wrong. The dumb question is the one you keep to yourself and never ask. A good way to manage questions in an online course is to write them down and then send a list of your questions to your instructor at the end of the day or the end of a learning module.
TREAT YOURSELF
Reward yourself for your hard work. When you get a good grade or finish a difficult assignment do something special for yourself. Maybe it is ice cream or a drive out to the beach!