14 Top Online Learning Tips for Students
In today’s world, online learning has become something that we all have to engage in at one point in our lives. Yet, there are many of us for whom the online platform is something that becomes a bit difficult and different to connect with; at times, it becomes uncomfortable somehow. This is why we need to explore the best online learning tips for students.
Best Online Learning Tips for 2022
Go through the following online learning tips & tactics to familiarize yourself with all the important aspects of virtual classes:
Know the Online Practices and Expectations
Whenever we start something new, we need to get to know the most minute details of that subject. Getting familiarized with this organizes and orients our mind towards performing our best. It is imperative that we take online (virtual) classes very seriously.
Having said that, let’s explore what the online practices are and what it expects from us:
- Attend the online classes as if they were the real classroom, with a real teacher standing before us.
- Make sure that you know how to manage the online platform on which the classes are being conducted
- Be willing to cooperate with your peers and teachers for the best learning experience.
- Adhere to the deadlines for submissions of assignments very strictly.
- Discipline your mind so that you don’t miss out on anything and complete your tasks without fail.
Explore the Technical Necessities of the Course
Students must possess the most basic things to attend an online class: a laptop/desktop, headphones/earphones, and an Internet connection. But, sometimes, we need to have specific software to go through certain online courses.
For example, if a person wants to learn graphic design, then they must have Photoshop (or similar software) installed on their computers. Additionally, some software needs licenses. Therefore, it becomes crucial to see that we have all the necessary equipment (hardware and software) for the course we are opting for.
Procure a Stable and High-Speed Internet Connection
Now, high-speed, stable, and secure internet connectivity is a must. There can not be any online learning without the internet!
Students must ensure that they have sufficient data before they sit for the virtual classes and webinars.
Moreover, it is a well-known fact that our Internet connections can trip at any given time; it also gives us the most frustrating headaches. Nonetheless, it is always better to take whatever precautions we can.
Some of them include saving the data on cloud services like OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and such, so that students can resume their work from the point where they left it. Furthermore, Google Docs provide a safe platform for working on assignments because everything gets synced in real-time.
Make Sure That You Have a Dedicated Study-Space
When we are learning in the traditional classroom setup, it is rather easy to focus on the lecture because students are rather used to it. But, when they are trying to learn remotely through an online platform, many issues present themselves as impediments, such as distractions (e.g., snacks, TV shows, etc.), doing domestic chores, and so on.
Therefore, we need a space especially dedicated to studying. Now, this space could be any place that suits your mood and lets you study without any distractions. It could be your living room, dining room, study room, etc.
The following things can also help in creating a suitable space:
- Ask your family members or roommates to give you space during the time your classes take place.
- Keep everything that you might require handy, for example, water bottles, snacks, etc.
- Make sure that the room is sufficiently lighted because a dimly-lit place can strain your eyes and cause fatigue, thereby reducing productivity.
- Adjust the space in a way that works the best for you. For instance, some people prefer to listen to music while working, but some like it quiet. Therefore, it is important to know how you can use the study space to its fullest.
Familiarize Yourself with Your Learning Objectives and Goals
To achieve the desired results, we need to know what the online course specifically offers and what our aims are. Both of these things must align with each other.
For example, suppose you want to learn to edit a given text, and the course offers instructions on how to make the language of your text appealing. In such cases, where the goals of the learner and instructor vary, the results desired are never achieved. This is one of the most basic tips for online courses: enroll in a course only after understanding what it offers.
DAN Institute lists the best online courses for marketers & web designers and developers. So, you can understand what to expect from the course within a paragraph. Then you can check the details on the course provider’s website. For example, you can check the best content marketing courses here.
Create a study plan
After choosing the required course, the next step is to make a study plan. What’s important here is that we make a plan that suits our requirements. It should not be very harsh on us because failing to concur with the plan often demotivates us.
Follow these online learning tips to curate an effective study plan:
- Plan your goals into two categories: daily goals and end goals (the final results).
- Plan a start and finish date for assignments.
- Stick to the schedule.
Take regular notes
To stay in touch with what’s going on in the courses, take notes regularly. Also, refer to them for further clarification. You can either use notebooks or mobile applications for the same.
Keep a monochronic approach.
This means that we should focus on doing one task at a time. If we try to engage in multiple things at the same time, it reduces our efficiency and performance. It, thus, leads to counter-productivity instead of productivity.
If needed, ask for help.
We often face difficulties in understanding certain things – during both the online and the traditional classes. It is, therefore, important to ask and clarify any doubt. Students should not feel shy or hesitant because that would only result in furthering them from achieving their goals.
Online Learning Tips for Live Classes & Courses
Also, online classes often progress speedily. In case students lag, it is up to them to ask the instructor to go a bit slow.
Give yourself regular study breaks.
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” This is true in this case, as well. If we study continuously without taking a break, it will lessen our productivity.
So, it is highly recommended that students take regular in-between breaks to freshen up their minds. It also helps our body relax because sitting at a place for long stretches can affect our health; it can lead to problems in the back, legs, and neck.
Engage in Online discussions
While doing any online course, it is crucial to engage thoroughly in discussions (even more so than in the traditional classroom setup) because teachers and professors are there to provide profound insight, but in online learning, an instructor has limited means of addressing the students.
It is only through online discussions that we strengthen and internalize our concepts. It is the best way for both the instructor and the students to follow up on what has been done to that point.
Treat yourself for that hard work.
Now, don’t hesitate to pat yourself on the shoulder for all your hard work. Also, give yourself a treat: it can be your favorite snack, your favorite movie, a date with a loved one, etc.
Rewarding yourself not just gives you pleasure but also boosts your psychological consciousness.
Keep up that motivation
I know that I have to do it and I will do it! It is this motivation that is the driving force that helps us achieve our goals. No matter what happens, we should never lose hold of this determination.
There are many ways in which students can boost their motivation.
- Always keep in mind that it was you who decided to go for the given online course. This will help you see it through till the end.
- Know that life has both good and bad days. So, there will be days when you achieve your goals, and there will be times when you don’t. Just don’t let it get to you. Move on!
- Give yourself sufficient breaks. Doing the same thing over and over again will make it monotonous.
Stick to the 3 R(s): Review, Revise, Repeat.
Lastly, whenever you complete a task, don’t forget to review and revise it. Do the same repeatedly because there is always a scope for improvement.
These were some tips for online courses that will help you get the maximum benefit from them. Just focus on these points and remember to put in your best and take it easy! Keep in mind that nothing can stop you from acquiring your objective if you are well-determined.
