5+ Tips for Online Learners

With a growing population turning to virtual learning and online classes, it is only fair to say that people are recognizing that learning remotely is very differnt from what happens in a traditional brick and mortar classroom.

With new challenges, come new learninga nd coping strategies. I have been empowering and upskilling myself since 2011, so, with a decade of studying and mentoring these very same classes, I have a few simple but powerful tips to share that can make ensure your learning is not only easier but also more effective.

Here are my top tips to how to study online courses effectively:

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN

Online courses are as rigorous as traditional classes. So, carve out the time necessary based on the hours of study mentioned in the curriculum. Look at your schedule and devise chunks of time to devote to serious studying.

BE REALISTIC

Many students forget that the convenience of flexibility often comes with the drawback of interruptions and distractions. Unlike in a class where you benefit form the serious environment, you cannot blank out the competing duties and distractions of life. So, add buffer time and be strict with yourself. And take an objective look at your life. If you say, are working two jobs and caring for an infant, and are finding it impossible to tackle that twenty hour coding MOOC, just un-enroll for right now and enroll when your life is a bit easier. Or get help.

CALCULATE WISELY

Naive MOOC learners only go by the time constraints and pre-requisites mentioned in the course FAQs. It is equally important to understand the grading criteria. Some courses have long form essays which are hard if you are unaccustomed to the format or language. Many others need peer assessment, which might take up more time than what you envisage. While most MOOCs have soft deadlines, shorter courses don’t allow for too much of backlog. Or if the deadlines are hard, gauge if you can submit on time every week. Do account for time zone differences as well, as your all-nighter project effort might be a waste if your deadline was based on a different time zone and hence, missed. Also, add more time for forum participation, as this is where additional learning and networking comes from. Account for time required for tasks like revising, understanding reviews, test re-takes, project reworks as the feedback and resulting rework is a crucial part of learning.

USE ALL RESOURCES

An easy segue from the previous points, there are plenty of resources that we mostly miss that can be used to make finishing online courses easier.

Use mobile apps to use your spare time slots for studying. Sure, you cannot code along or submit tests, but you can watch lesson videos, read supplemental materials and participate in class discussions.

Install in-browser plugins or apps to prevent social media distractions. Track your time with apps or a notepad to learn where you can gain time.

Leverage time trackers favored by freelancers while studying that take periodic screenshots to stay focusses on your MOOC and not the latest cat videos.

Avail resources from your library to help you study better.

Stay accountable by announcing your goals to trusted well wishers to get their motivation and encouragement.

STAY ON SCHEDULE

Yes, life happens and our MOOCs fall by the wayside in the wake of more pressing concerns and deadlines. That is why you need to carve in buffer time. While a few lapses here and there do not matter, studying for an online course is a serious commitment. Hence, pursue your studies like you would a regular brick and mortar institution.

TAKE NOTES

Just like a regular class, take notes. Keep track of what you are studying and store it for future reference. Review them periodically. Try to implement the concepts if you can. Share your knowledge with a friend or colleague. Make a post and share it with the world. It’s an excellent technique to stay focussed, improve understanding and reinforce concepts learned.

That's my list of trusted techniques to ensure a great learning and upskilling experience. Did any of them surprise you? What are your trusted techniques to study for online courses?

Do share this article if you found it useful and spread the word. Or pass it along to a friend who might be considering dabbling in online classes. After all,

Fortune does favor the prepared minds.