Strategies For Successful Online Learning
An online program in OSC demands the same focus and motivation as is required in a traditional classroom setting. Factor in additional distractions at home (e.g., noise) that online students encounter, the workload can easily feel overwhelming. Online courses present challenges if you’re not prepared. But, if you develop skills for effective online learning, they can be good alternatives to the courses in classrooms. Good strategies for online learning can help you get the most value out of your online classes.
Get organized
Before the semester begins, make sure you have the technical capability to access the required course materials. They include textbooks, online tools, and course websites. Spend some time to practice navigating the online system so you’ll be prepared for your first class. This way you can focus on learning instead of struggling to log in five minutes into the lecture. Also, just as you would in a physical classroom, make sure you have materials on hand to take reliable notes. Keeping a record of your work throughout the semester will come in handy during the exams.
Set up a study space
You want your study space to be distraction-free. Ideally, it’s great to have a space dedicated solely to studying. But if you are using a multi-purpose space, identify blocks of time that you need it for studying. Ask other people to respect your time to focus on your courses and coursework. Reducing distractions by having an organized study space is helpful. When you sit down to work have everything that you need, such as a computer, textbook, notebook, pen, etc. This will allow you to sit down and focus on your work, and reduce the number of times you have to get up to gather items.
Approach to online courses
Start the semester by reviewing the course objectives, as it indicates what you are expected to know or be able to do at the end of the course. In order to successfully complete the course, be sure you know all the course requirements, including technology, assessment, and participation. You will need to dedicate a significant amount of time (e.g., 6 hours per week) to each course. You also need to know the course requirements that you are expected to complete.
Be accountable
At the beginning of the semester create a major goal for each course. Write the goal on paper, keep it close to your workspace so that you see it and are reminded of it often, and share it with others. The online learning process requires a great deal of self-discipline, working at your own pace, commitment and creating your own work environment. You are expected to log in to your email regularly, as well as check for information on various websites. Throughout the term, be sure to review your course material, summarize lecture and textbook material, and revise your study plan as needed.
Maximize your productivity
You can find resources on the course website, such as the class schedule, to help you create a study plan. In your study plan, be sure to include time for both academic and non-academic tasks. Schedule academic tasks during the time of day that you feel most productive (morning, afternoon or the early evening), and be sure to include non-academic tasks, such as sleeping, eating, exercise, being outdoors, etc. These are essential for your well-being and are advantageous for your courses. Also, regularly check in with your classmates, tutors, and teachers on your progress. Make an effort to ask them questions to enhance your understanding of the course material, and build a bond with them.
Learn to deal with setbacks
Every person who succeeds has had to struggle to get there. When you get a bad grade, argue with a friend, or experience other frustrations, think of them as learning experience. Talk to someone to get another point of view, so you could stop worrying about those setbacks. To move forward, you must take responsibility for what you’ve done (or not done) and decide to change your behaviours in the future. Furthermore, making a plan for achieving greater success in the future will help you build confidence.
The online learning process is normally accelerated and requires commitment on the student’s part. Staying up with the class and completing all the work on time is crucial. Once a student gets behind, it is really difficult to catch up. Thus, the student should know the strategies to study effectively, and ask for help from the teacher or tutor when needed.
