9 Smart Tips To Adopt For Online Learning
The onset and consequent devastation of the Covid-19 pandemic have caused a major rethink and approach to how we go about doing many things.
Schools have been shut down, and classes have gone online entirely.
Online learning is new to some people, and it may take some time to get used to and effectively take advantage of it
. If online learning is new to you or you want to benefit from the convenience, read more for some tips to help you find your feet and aid in your learning.
1. Time management
One major advantage of online learning is its flexibility. However, if you do not manage your time well, this flexibility will be detrimental to your studies.
Before you begin, find suitable ways to allocate time for learning and structure it so that you do not waste time. Making time to learn online does not mean that you have to have fixed three-hour blocks, four days a week, set aside for learning.
By its flexibility, online learning is intended to be modular. So find periods that are most suitable for you and map your timetable around them. Plan properly and make the most of the time.
2. Set deadlines
Due to its flexibility, online learning may be protracted and often sidelined. Try to avoid this as much as possible by setting deadlines.
These deadlines will help you evaluate your progress and assimilation of the course. Then you can adequately measure your success and make provisions that will improve your learning methods.
3. Limit distractions
Learning online can be very distracting if you allow it. With the temptation to quickly see what’s happening on social media or responding to a text very high, it takes a strong will to stay clear of distractions.
Limit all distractions as much as possible by taking all other devices offline except your primary online learning tools. Even on your primary device that is used for learning, close other tabs or browsers that are not connected to the area of study.
Also, make sure to eliminate external distractions such as noise from family members and the television.
4. Social learning
Learning online brings you into contact with so many people from diverse backgrounds.
This creates a community of like-minded people whose primary aim is to learn from each other and have a fruitful discourse of subjects in the field they are interested in.
Being a part of such a community will improve your view of the world, and you will begin to appreciate the divergent views and approaches to things.
5. Be respectful and accommodating
The first rule about social learning online is to be respectful and accommodating of dissenting views.
Learning is all about understanding others’ viewpoints and using solid rebuttals backed by stats, facts, and figures. All conversations and interactions must be decorous. This makes learning interesting and allows everyone to freely express their opinions.
6. Be active
During active classes, participate by asking or answering questions. Feel free to express opinions and engage in interactions with your colleagues and instructors.
If there are social network groups to continue academic discussions beyond active classes, join and be a part of them. Your learning peers will help you understand the subject matter better, and you will benefit from participating.
7. Develop strategies to learn
Having access to knowledge is one thing; being able to grasp its understanding, real-life applications, its effects, and knowing when and how to apply it is an entirely different ball game.
You must develop strategies to learn and assimilate the knowledge and information that you come across online. These learning strategies must help you retain, constantly apply, and adjust to the knowledge within the right contexts.
8. Cater to logistics
Having the appropriate tools to learn online makes the process easy and the experience worthwhile.
The primary tools needed for online learning are access to fast and reliable internet and a functioning laptop. Others such as a comfortable chair, a firm table, and a space to avoid distractions are also necessary.
In some cases, you may require a webcam to partake in some classes.
9. Take care of yourself
There are some people out there who take online learning to the next level and spend countless hours trying to study or accumulate so much information at once.
This approach can be harmful to your health. Practice good and safe learning habits by creating a study timetable and taking frequent breaks. Remember to eat well, drink lots of water, rest, and exercise to keep both your body and the brain sharp.