10 tips for getting the most out of studying online

A lot of students are now taking online and distance learning courses on sites like edX, Coursera, and Udacity, where 6 million students enrolled in 2017. Despite this, most universities and schools are now offering their courses online. It’s likely this trend will stick around even after the pandemic is over, since technology has given universities and schools flexibility and innovation when it comes to teaching and learning.

The biggest advantage of distance learning is flexibility and convenience. Do you want to learn online and from a distance? This article will give you ten study tips and strategies for online learners that will help you succeed.

Table of Contents

Learn how to do online and distance learning

Firstly, you need to know that studying online isn’t easy, but it’s more convenient. Just like in any regular course, you have to dedicate a lot of your time, attend the program consistently, focus while studying, and fully commit to your learning process to be successful with distance learning.

Identify your educational goals for distance learning

When studying online, always keep your end goal in mind. The learning goals and objectives of a distance learning course can be a great roadmap.

Don’t forget to read the online course requirements carefully, make notes related to your goals, and make sure you review them every time you start a task, so you stay focused. Start with the hardest tasks, because it’ll improve your performance and study effectiveness.

If you want to stay motivated and overcome procrastination, set daily study goals. Ask yourself what you want to accomplish each day in your cycle. Make sure the goal is specific and easy to measure, like “I’m going to watch all the videos in Module 2 and get the first programming task.” And reward yourself for making progress.

Make a study plan when you’re studying online

When you’re studying online or distance learning, you need a study plan. Here are some tips:

Make a plan

It’s better not to start working on your assignment the day before it’s due. This will stress you out and keep you from completing it effectively. Moreover, knowing when all your assignments are due until the end of the distance learning course will facilitate your time management; say, if you’re going on vacation during the middle of an online course, you can study beforehand.

Organize your calendar

Get a study calendar to help you remember when exams are or when you have to turn in your assignments. The deadlines of your distance learning courses can be added to Google Calendar , Apple Calendar , Android Calendar, or even a wall chart, so you can keep track of them all.

Make a to-do list

Whenever you start a new week, make a list of the things you need to get done before the end of it. This will help you stay on track.

Limit your time

Plan your study time before you start, whether it’s reading a chapter or doing a specific task. Stick to your time limits, and you’ll develop self-discipline.

Make sure you keep your schedule

Last but not least, don’t procrastinate. Online learners’ worst enemy is procrastination, so make sure you stay on top of things and don’t be late.

Make a study space that works for you

If you set up a study area at home, you’ll start to develop a routine if you keep doing your work there. It’s easier to remember info if you’re in the same place you learn it, so having a dedicated space for online classes can help you learn better.

If possible, keep your distance learning space separate from your bed or sofa so you don’t get distracted. Having a clear distinction between a study zone and a rest zone can help you stay focused.

To make sure you’re comfortable, adjust your chair, keyboard, and monitor. The forearms and thighs should be level and parallel to the floor. Wrists shouldn’t bend while writing. Make sure you have good lighting and comfortable chairs. The lighting should be at least as bright as the screen to keep your eyes from straining.

10 tips for getting the most out of studying online video

Study online without distractions

Remote studying can be distracting, and our homes are full of distractions. There’s social media, TV, internet, games, YouTube, family, books…

Online study tips and apps can help you stay focused. Keeping your phone out of reach and making procrastination more difficult or turning off your mobile phone is the best way to keep distractions at bay when studying online. The first tip is to leave it on the other side of the room or in another room. Let your friends and family know the hours you’ll be studying.

A great way to increase productivity is to use website blockers. Many of them offer extra features and can cover multiple platforms and devices.

Actively take notes

No matter if you’re learning online or in the classroom, taking notes can boost your thinking, enhance comprehension, and lengthen your attention span. So get a notebook, or use a digital app (eg Google Keep , Sticky Notes ) and start putting everything together.

Recheck and repeat

Keep track of your key notes to improve your memory, and test yourself on key concepts from the online course. Create your own flashcards for your key notes.

If you’ve got a study partner, consider working in a group; working in a group will help you get a different perspective on challenging concepts, motivate you to do better, and help you finish your online studies more quickly. Support one another during the distance learning process by sharing notes and study habits.

Get in on the online study discussion

Getting to know your virtual classmates on social media or online course forums will make your distance learning experience more enjoyable. You can ask questions about assignments, talk about topics, share resources, and make friends on course discussion forums.

Participating in discussion forums makes learners 37% more likely to finish the course.

When you talk online, you just need to pay attention to the tone. Be respectful when you disagree with your online group members, and always write in full and clear sentences to avoid confusion. You can do video calls with your group using the following options:

Zoom

Skype

Don’t be araid to ask for help

Online course questions can be tough to find, so reluctance to ask your instructor when you get stuck can be a problem. You might end up behind your classmates if you don’t seek help, which can hurt your confidence, since you won’t be able to keep up.

Contact your teacher regularly and let them know who you are and how you can use their help to build a relationship with them online. You will also help online teachers evaluate learners’ understanding of distance learning materials if you ask them to clarify problems. If you don’t ask for help, your online teacher may not know you need it.

Take a distance learning class to get comfortable

For high performance after distance learning, it’s crucial to rest your mind. Take a break if you’ve been working on a hard problem for an hour without making much progress. If you walk outside, take a shower, or talk to a friend, you’ll get reenergized and get new ideas.

Remember to put in the effort required to fully commit to your online study role. Here’s what you can do to stay motivated:

Create your own study routine at your own pace.

Put inspirational quotes and pictures in your study space.

Take this online course for a reason.

Don’t be surprised if some days are more productive than others.

Boost your energy with healthy snacks.

When you finish a hard task, reward yourself.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself.

Don’t let your chin drop. Stay positive.

10 tips for getting the most out of studying online frequently asked questions

When should you stop studying?

It depends on when you stop studying. The general rule is to stop 12-24 hours before the test. This will give your brain a nice break and keep you from overstressing yourself. We’re going to tell you what to do to make sure you don’t have to cram for the test if you’ve done these things.

How many hours can a human brain study?

A study from the 90s says we can’t concentrate for more than 90 minutes without taking a break for 15 minutes due to our natural cycle of alertness.

Why can’t I concentrate in online classes?

Rather than focus on online school work, students might think too much about what they don’t get to do, or worry about themselves or loved ones, or feel scared. There’s nothing like a blaring TV to distract you mentally.

Are online students more successful?

Online courses aren’t necessarily worse than in-person courses for students with weaker academic backgrounds, but on average, students do worse in online courses.

Conclusion

You can use these eight tips to make the most of your online learning journey and reap the rewards of your hard work and effort. Think about why you started online learning whenever you feel frustrated or lacking motivation. Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements as you go and to have fun.