With the advent of digitalisation, online learning has become quite popular. The Covid-19 pandemic further contributed to bringing online learning to the mainstream. Online learning in a virtual classroom just requires a laptop or a smartphone with a stable internet connection. So, students find it more convenient to enrol in their preferred courses. Learning online saves you from the hassle of having to dress up and go physically to attend classes.
Online learning indeed has many benefits, but there are several drawbacks associated with it as well. As the teachers can not focus on each student on a personal level in an online class and the level of interaction is low, students often do not pay attention and do not get their doubts cleared. This article is aimed at guiding you regarding how you can make the best use of online learning, saving time and energy.
How to Make the Best Use of Online Learning?
Use online resources efficiently
The good thing about online learning is that it can happen anytime and from anywhere. If you appreciate the process and convenience and properly use it, online learning will be no less than offline classrooms. You can learn from the comfort of your home at your own pace while saving time and money. This is why online learning is getting more popular by the day.
Also Read: The Chronicles of Online Education
Set Your Goals
Setting your goals while learning online is even more important than it is for offline learning. You must set daily targets and develop proper strategies to achieve your goals. You must give importance to worksheets and online study materials and not waste time unnecessarily. After you set your goals, be consistent, stay focused and be committed until you achieve them. You must remember that technology can bring the best out of you, but if you misuse it, your career might be at stake.
Practise Discipline
While learning online, it is very important to be able to control your instincts and motivate yourself. Create a calm and healthy study environment and attend the lectures actively with utmost discipline and sincerity. If you let your mind wander, you won’t be able to understand the topics on a fundamental level even if the teacher is excellent. Your study table should have your books, laptop, and other study materials at hand. Remove all potential distractions like cell phones, tablets, and other gadgets from your study space. If you want to know about the ways to discipline yourself to study effectively, check out this blog How to Develop Self-discipline for Online Learning.
Please Do Not Take It Easy
Just because you can attend online classes from a warm and comfortable corner of your home doesn’t mean that you can take it easy. It would be best if you did not misuse the convenience that comes with online learning. Instead, you must ensure that you participate in the classes actively and engage in the learning process. If you have doubts, ask your teacher. Get out of your comfort zone and keep pushing yourself to reach the next level.
Also see: Online Leaning for School Students – Pros and Cons
Get Acquainted With the Teacher
Before joining any online class or course, it is your prerogative to research well about the course and the teachers. To complete all the chapters of the course while understanding them on a deeper level, you require real-time professionals to teach you. Therefore, you must research and verify the credentials of the teachers. If possible, get access to some real video classes that are not included in the demo videos. That is where you can judge the teachers’ real technique of teaching. Remember that it is your right to be able to choose the best teacher for yourself.
Also: Online Learning Emerges as the Best Learning Tool Amid COVID-19 Crisis
Stick To One Online Source or Platform
Sticking to one online platform to complete the whole course requires constant effort and dedication. There is no time to consolidate many different courses on the same topic. Before choosing an online platform, research it well by understanding your requirements and what the platform is offering. Once you opt for it, stick to it to the end. Complete the whole course learning from a single reliable mentor and see the results.
Attend Online Classes in a Calm Study Environment
If you want to be productive, you can’t work on assignments in a lazy position and stream Netflix at the same time. Dr Hatten, an online learning and teaching expert, suggests that students must choose their study area in their home very carefully. The study room should be well-lit and ventilated, and away from noise and distractions.
Don’t keep any other gadgets in the room when you are studying except for the one you use for attending online classes. Also, do not download recreational social media applications on the device you use for studying. While you are studying, notifications from these apps might distract you and render your time unproductive. If you want to know how to avoid distractions while studying, check out this blog Self Study Tips for Students: 5 Smart Ways to Overcome Obstacles During Self-Studying.
Be Organised
Offline classes have a set schedule. You are compelled to attend the class at a fixed time every day even if you do not want to. However, some online apps provide recorded classes and cover all of those within a given time; the student must be extremely organized and dedicated. If you are someone who tends to procrastinate a lot and finds it hard to self-study, then such types of platforms may not be for you. You will find that you still have a lot of lectures left to attend when the exam is near, or the subscription is over.
Set Targets
While attending online classes, especially from platforms that provide recorded video lectures, you must set targets to be completed each day and try your best to accomplish those. For example, you can set a target to attend two video lectures every day and revise those at the end of the day, depending on how much syllabus you have left to be covered. This way, you can ensure that the entire course is completed in due time and you make successful use of the online platform.
Stay Motivated
While attending online classes, every now and then, a sense of lack of motivation may set in, and you might find it challenging to accomplish the set targets. There are various steps that can be taken to maintain productivity and create a routine. One of these steps is to have a set study schedule which will have a schedule not only for your study hours but also for other extra-curricular activities that you enjoy doing.
When you know you have time to spare for the things you like doing, even if you study, you will get the motivation to finish the target as soon as possible. Another way to stay motivated is to keep your eyes on the goal and your ambition. Know that the smart choices you make today might seem insignificant, but those will have a positive impact on your career at the end of the day. If you need a motivation to study, check out this blog 10 Motivational Quotes That Will Help You Study Hard
Imagine That You Are on a Path Toward Mastering the Subject
Many students hate to study because they are scared of the course. For example, during 11th class, many students tend to ignore Physics until the last moment because they find it hard. As they are scared of it, they keep ignoring it until the exams are literally knocking at the door. How can you avoid this? You need to realise that the more you get to know about a topic, the more you practise and the better you will be at the subject. Know that the hard work you are putting in now will help you master the subject in the long run. If you keep attending Physics lectures and understand the concepts on the fundamental level, you will master the subject and no longer feel like avoiding it. This is just an example. The same is true for all other subjects and courses.
Use Google and Other Search Engines to Clear Your Doubts
Online learning is not only restricted to online classes. Even if you are studying for a book, you can always refer to Google or Wikipedia to clear your doubts. If you do not understand something, just search on google. You will be able to find scores of articles on the topic. You can even look for it on youtube for video descriptions. The Internet, if used in the right way, can help you greatly in clearing your doubts and yielding excellent results on the exams.
Take Care of Yourself
Attending online classes or studying from any online resources can put pressure on your eyes and exhaust them. It is ok to take a break or a nap every now and then and let your eyes rest. Taking some time away from self-care and rejuvenation does not equate to wastage of time, and you should not feel bad about it.
Also see: Online Learning Benefits: 14 Reasons Why You Should Consider Studying Online
Conclusion
Shifting to an online mode of learning may leave many students feeling doubtful and overwhelmed about their success in exams. They may feel like learning in an unconventional way might not reap great results, but they are wrong. Learning online from home has its challenges, but if you use the right strategies and the tips and tricks mentioned above, you will be able to successfully navigate the transition to learning online. The end goal is to learn, no matter what the source might be.
FAQs about Online Learning Tips
1. What are the Three Benefits of Online Learning?
You can Relocate:
Because you do not need to go to a class to learn, online learning enables you the freedom to travel and reside anywhere in the world.
Save Time:
Because you do not need to dress up and travel to the venue of the classes, online learning saves your time.
Is less Intimidating:
While in an online class, you do not have to face your classmates or instructor directly, so you feel more comfortable and can, therefore, concentrate more on the topic of discussion.
2. What are the Three Biggest Challenges Faced During Online Learning?
It is easier to get distracted by social media notifications and phone calls when you are studying on an electronic device.
It is hard to stay motivated if you have to watch recorded video lectures. A lot of discipline and organisation skills are required.
If you do not have a stable internet connection, attending online classes will become a nightmare.
3. Is Online Learning Better than Physical Classes?
Online classes help students attend lectures remotely from anywhere in the world. It has given students customisation options and freedom, making it a great learning experience and alternative to traditional learning methods. The number of students taking online classes is increasing day by day, and for most of them, online learning is better than taking physical classes.
4. Why is Communication Important in Online Learning?
Communication is a very important tool in online learning as it enables the teacher to establish and develop relationships with the students. It also helps the students convey their doubts to the teacher and facilitates better education.
5. What are the Important Skills Online Learners Have?
Time management, staying motivated, confidence in technical abilities, and first-rate communication skills are some of the important skills exhibited by online learners.
