Top tips to help you succeed
The newest model of combined online and on-site learning is becoming the normal way of ‘attending’ classes. However, not everyone is finding this an easy transition and here are 7 tips to help you excel in your online learning and become an even more independent and confident learner.
Facts and figures about online learning
More than 6 million students are currently in online courses as part of their higher education program*
Almost half of all students enrolled in online courses are educated exclusively through distance education*
85% of students think that online learning is the same or better than the traditional classroom experience*
*Statistics taken from Purdue University & The National Center for Education Statistics
1. Find a friend
Try connecting with the newest members of your class. Having friends to talk to about assignments, projects, coursework will help you work through problems, discuss ideas, and draft your work. You can also create a study circle where you can meet up online via video calls.
How to Network in an Online Class
2. Give yourself deadlines
Online learning is not more difficult, it is just a different way of learning. The first class is always harder to get used to. With that in mind, you need to be more self-disciplined. You will need to stick to your class timings, dedicate extra time to complete work and finish your work before moving onto the next class or assignment.
3. Establish a routine study schedule
Block out certain time slots in the day to complete your assignments and coursework. Whether this is time dedicated to research, re-drafting work, discussing it with your classmates, make sure you keep to these time slots to help you stay on track and keep organised.
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4. Turn off your phone
We are all guilty of getting distracted, and turning off your phone or switching it to silent mode is not easy. Just imagine that you are in class, turn it off as you normally would, to help you focus and concentrate on what you are working on. This is a crucial part of learning effectively and making the most of your study time.
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5. Work in short bursts of time
The Pomodoro technique is a very popular technique to help you manage your time and get through work in short, but effective bursts, giving you plenty of breaks in between. You will commit yourself to focus on a task for 15 or 25 minutes, then take a break. Continue with this method and you will find that you are less distracted and have achieved more study by breaking your learning into smaller chunks.
6. Watch your online videos over again
The huge benefit is that lessons are now recorded so you can rewind, repeat and pause to really learn the topic well. This way you can always go back to a lesson to revise topics in preparation for exams or your next lesson.
8 Reasons Why Online Education is Better than Traditional
7. Buy the book
Sometimes classroom handouts are not as in-depth as you may want or may only cover a topic for a particular lesson. To get to grips with a subject overall it is best to buy the book as you will be able to refer to it for a greater understanding. This is also useful as you may not always have access to teachers since some of your learning will be online.
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Always remember that you will also have the opportunity to speak to your Tutors and subject teachers when you attend your lessons in person. Make the most of your face to face interaction with your subject teachers and tutors and get the help and guidance you need.
Research your next steps
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