7 Tips for Successful Online Learning

Learning online can feel a little daunting to some people because not only are you learning new material, but you may be doing it without a lot of support or encouragement. You need to study independently, and have good self-discipline to get your work done. Fortunately, you get plenty of support when you take an online course. Your online instructor and your online classmates can help you to study successfully. Instructors typically offer online office hours where you can call or email them for help; and most online schools include computer support and tutoring remotely. Take note of the following tips if you want to succeed in your online degree program.

Find a Quiet Study Place

Being free from distractions can make a huge difference when you’re studying online. It’s not always easy to find somewhere quiet to study, but it makes a big difference. Wait until you have time to go to the library or you’ve put the kids to bed to start studying. If you prefer to study at home, you might want to set up a quiet corner where no one else can disturb you. Being free from distractions also means setting your phone to do not disturb or airplane mode so you will not be interrupted by phone calls or text messages. Close your web browsers so you are not tempted to shop the latest deals, update your Facebook status, or read celebrity gossip.

Ensure Reliable Technology

You don’t want slow or inadequate technology interfering with your studies. If you have to struggle with a poor internet connection or a slow computer, it could take you longer than necessary to get everything done and cause a lot of frustration. Try to make sure you have a reliable computer and internet connection before you start studying. If you don’t have what you need at home, try a library; or take a laptop to a cafe or even a friend’s house. If your computer is old or slow, think about financing a new one with your student loan, if that’s an option. Or, invest in a new Chromebook, which is a scaled-down laptop usually good enough to complete your online degree, but much more affordable than a full-fledged computer.

Join (or Form) a Study Group

Studying with other people is an excellent way to stay motivated and get more from your studies. You can learn more from each other, and you can encourage each other to stay on track. When you study online, you can still arrange study sessions with your online classmates through the online courseroom, with your instructor’s help, or even through social media. You can also arrange to study with anyone else you know who might be currently be learning, even if they’re studying something completely different to you. Just carving out some quiet time to complete your work, with the company of others, can motivate you to complete your assignments.

Get Help from Your Online Instructor

When you learn online, you have an instructor to supervise you and support you. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them and ask for help. They can answer any questions that you might have, and give you feedback on your work. All it takes is a phone call or email.

Use Tutoring and Support

If you want further support, you can take advantage of one-to-one tutoring and support that’s available, if your school offers it. This gives you the opportunity to have personalized help and someone to help you understand what you’re studying. Tutoring is very useful if you’re struggling with the material, you want to learn faster or you just want to understand what you’re studying in more depth.

Regularly Log In

Make sure you log into your online portal regularly. This enables you to keep up with the latest news, check for any deadlines, and check over any work that has been graded. Most online schools require regular attendance which is completed by logging in and posting assignments and participating in discussion groups.

Contribute to Discussions and Get to Know Your Classmates

Get involved with your online courses as much as possible. Make sure that you contribute to discussions to get the most out of the material. Your classmates might be online, but you can still talk to them and network with them over email, the phone or social media. This helps you get more from your studies and could help you with finding work later too.

Successful online learning requires dedication. However, remember that there is plenty of support if you need it.