Online learning represents an increasingly popular way for students to take courses and work towards a degree. It can deliver curriculum from top-ranked institutions to students wherever they happen to be, and with greater flexibility and affordability than traditional in-person learning. But this increased convenience doesn’t mean online learning is a walk in the park.
To take advantage of the many benefits of online learning, students must find a way to develop their time management and self accountability skills. Whether pursuing a degree, professional development, or a personal interest, the key to success in an online course is staying organized and motivated.
Follow these tips to do just that:
Identify Resources and Get Organized
Before your course starts make sure you have access to, and some familiarity with, all the necessary resources. This might entail downloading the software with which you will participate in synchronous or asynchronous class sessions, accessing the course website, and acquiring course materials (whether physical or electronic).
Spend some time getting comfortable with these tools and resources so that when the semester begins you can hit the ground running. The better prepared you are before a course gets underway, the better your chances of staying on top of your work and adjusting to any unforeseen circumstances.
Set Up a Dedicated Work Space
Your ability to stay organized will significantly increase if you set yourself up with a dedicated work space. A consistent and distraction free work/study environment is also an important part of establishing a routine. It isolates a space for doing your coursework from spaces for doing other things.
The key here is to figure out what works best for you. Maybe you’re most comfortable and can be focused at home, or maybe you work best at your school’s library or a coffee shop. Wherever you are, just be sure that you can minimize distractions and that there is a good internet connection.
Make Yourself a Schedule and Stick to It
As a correlate to setting up a space for studying, you’ll want to specify a time for studying as well. This is especially important if your course meets asynchronously and doesn’t have a designated meeting time.
While the increased flexibility of online learning has its advantages, you may find that the lack of a more regimented campus life requires you to work a bit harder at time management. Set aside ample time every day for reading, watching lectures, or completing assignments. Break larger tasks into more manageable chunks that you can spread over a few days or study sessions. For writing assignments, make sure you give yourself time to read and revise your drafts a few times if possible.
Finally, while you should treat this schedule as seriously as you would in-person class sessions, don’t panic if you get a bit off track. One of the major benefits of having a schedule is that you’ll always know where you are and where you’re supposed to be, so mild deviations can be easily corrected.
Be an Active Participant
Whether you’re learning online or in-person, it’s crucial to actively participate in the learning process rather than passively receiving information. Active participation will help you retain knowledge and improve your motivation.
This might mean joining the discussion in a synchronous class, or posting to the discussion board in an asynchronous course. But it could also involve doing additional research on a course topic, seeking out and acting on instructor feedback, or finding ways to engage classmates outside of designated class time. Bottom line: the more initiative you take, the more invested you’ll be in the course and the more you’ll get out of it.
Communicate with Your Instructor
Whether you have questions or just want to introduce yourself, make a point to reach out to your instructor and you won’t regret it. This is another way to be active in your course, but it will also make contacting your instructor less daunting if you run into problems.
It’s also important to remember: if you’re having issues with an assignment and need help or extra time, don’t wait until the last minute. Be proactive and contact your instructor as soon as possible.
Connect with Classmates
While online learning can sometimes feel isolating, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know fellow students. Take advantage of course communication tools like message boards and email, and if possible try to meet up in person.
Connecting with your classmates can be socially satisfying but has a number of other benefits. Collaborating on assignments and studying helps everyone involved succeed. And when you need help, your classmates can be an excellent resource.
Give Yourself a Break
These tips are as much about carving out dedicated space and time for your studies as they are about creating a school-life balance. Remember to give yourself a break from the screen and the books. When you find your motivation flagging, go for a walk, grab a coffee or a snack, do some light exercise or whatever brings you joy. If you do, you’ll find that you can return to the work with renewed focus.
Using these tips, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the wide array of educational experiences made available with online learning. They’ll help you get organized, stay organized, and respond to bumps in the road should they arise. But remember to bear in mind your own needs, habits, and learning style. Implement these tips in a way that matches your own personality and circumstances and you’ll reap the full rewards of this new educational environment.
