Essential Tips for Online Learning You Can’t Do Without!
Updated: June 19, 2024
Published: January 28, 2022
Chances are high that you spend a lot of time in front of screens. With the world’s digitization, it’s no wonder why online classes have grown in their popularity. So, if you’re new to learning online or interested in doing so, we’ve compiled a list of tips for online learning.
After reading them and trying them out for yourself, you’ll have a better grasp of how to succeed in online classes.
Tips for Online Classes Success
Let’s jump right into the reason you’re here — these are the best and most useful tips for online classes:
1. Set a Schedule for Consistency
One of the biggest benefits of learning online (especially when it’s pre-recorded lectures) is flexibility. With online classes, students can choose when (and where, but more on that soon) they wish to learn.
However, with this freedom comes the responsibility of setting a schedule that you can actually stick to. For consistency’s sake and to get into the habit of learning, you should create dedicated time blocks for when you will attend lectures, study, and fulfill homework and tasks.
In a way, you’re basically mimicking what you would have to do if you were attending a traditional school with set class times. The upside here is that you get to make the schedule yourself.
2. Choose a Prime Location
As promised, we just mentioned that you get to learn from wherever you choose. Whether you take a wifi hotspot to the beach (careful of the sand) or choose to watch lectures from your home office, it is still valuable to choose a location that is suitable for learning. We’re joking about the beach because let’s be honest, that would probably be distracting (and you might run out of power).
Instead, decide what kind of learning environment is optimal for you. Some people prefer quiet study locations, like libraries, whereas others prefer a cafe with a little hustle and bustle. Regardless of where you choose to learn, be sure that you have what you need to do so. This could include: a desk, a computer, a power source, headphones, snacks, and water, to name a few.
3. Prioritize Organization
From your online documents to your schedule to your paperwork, the organization will be crucial when it comes to online learning. In any educational and work environment, being organized proves to be a major upside to reducing stress.
Make a list of your goals, upcoming deadlines, test dates, etc. so that you can continue forward on your path to success. This is one of the biggest tips for online classes because the responsibility of managing your education does fall onto your lap. While it’s true of any student at any type of institution, the organization for online learners is even more critical, since you have that extra degree of freedom and choice involved.
4. Interact with Peers
When it comes to the college experience in particular, there are a lot of movies, shows, and real-life stories that make it seem like it must take place in person. But, the truth of the matter is, that you can still interact with peers and create unforgettable memories even when you’re learning online. And, your willingness to make friends online can make all the difference in your overall educational experience.
For example, you can communicate via video chat and partake in virtual study sessions. Or, you can join online communities and forums with students who share like-minded interests to build and deepen relationships with peers.
5. Focus on Time Management
It almost goes without saying that time management will be a critical element in your success in learning online. From devising your own schedule to making time for your other responsibilities — be it work, extracurriculars, or family — time management can make or break you.
To help you manage your time, here are a few things you can do when you are starting your online courses:
- Make note of all big assignments and test dates (then be sure to plan your other events around those milestones)
- Set up a weekly schedule and consider breaking down your days into chunks (be it hours, or even minutes)
- Check-in with yourself to see how much time you are spending on various tasks
- Plan your schedule based on your own productivity levels
- Be sure to include breaks in your schedule
- Reward yourself for finishing tasks or big assignments
6. Learn How You Learn
You’ve heard the terms “night owl” and “early bird” before. So, other than having to do with birds, why does this matter when it comes to tips for online classes? Well, depending on the type of person you are, you can base your schedule and tasks around knowing when you are most alert.
If you’re an early bird, then it will be worth your time to wake up early to attend lectures and study. If you are more engaged at night, then maybe you set it up so you work during the day, have a break for “you” time and then get back into the groove of schoolwork.
Additionally, besides the optimal time of day for academics, you can also make note of your learning style. If you’re an auditory learner, you can record yourself studying aloud and replay the information to absorb it. If you’re more of a visual learner, consider making flashcards and writing down the information you need to know.
7. Practice Self-Care
Above all, you will need to practice self-care. This is true of anything you do or wherever you may be in your life’s path. When it comes to online learning, you may feel like you can’t take a step away from the computer screen or that you always have to be doing something. But, it’s also very useful to take breaks to recharge.
Similarly, if you need extra help or support in adjusting to or continuing with online learning, then leverage your network. You can look to friends, academic advisors, and mentors to discuss what’s on your mind.
What Sets Online Learning at University of the People Apart?
You can likely already see how great it could be to opt for online learning. At the University of the People, you have the opportunity to earn a degree or non-degree certificate entirely online. Plus, all programs at our institution are tuition-free, providing a way for students to gain access to affordable, quality, and accredited education.
Furthermore, our professors hail from top-tier institutions and volunteer their time, which is yet another reason why our university can remain tuition-free.
The Bottom Line
Online learning is a wonderful way to obtain your education, advance in your current career, or change careers. By taking these tips for online learning into consideration, you can truly set yourself up to conquer online learning in the best way possible.