Online learning makes it possible to pursue professional education while maintaining a balanced work/life lifestyle, but students must effectively manage their time so that assignments do not fall through the cracks.
At times, online learners face a unique challenge: eliminating distractions like Netflix or an overflowing sink. Successful online learners understand how to avoid these interruptions so they can concentrate and be productive with their studies.
1. Stay on top of your assignments.
Students juggling school and life are increasingly turning to online learning for support, yet students must stay on top of their assignments to ensure success.
One key strategy for keeping up with virtual classroom assignments is prioritizing work and creating a study schedule, as this reduces procrastination and missed deadlines.
Setting goals and communicating regularly with professors can also be extremely helpful; this can be accomplished via email, forums or even texting.
2. Be proactive.
Students enrolled in traditional classrooms typically receive verbal and visual reminders about assignments; when taking online courses, however, it's up to the student themselves to set reminders for themselves and plan study time each week.
Make the most of online learning by arranging information into charts, outlines, flashcards and practice exams to stay abreast of material. Communicating with classmates through emails, class forums or texting will increase support as an online learner.
3. Ask for help.
Preparing for online learning involves many considerations. Students need to adjust to this new environment.
Students must recognize when they require assistance and be able to articulate why they are having difficulties; this requires honesty and self-awareness on both parts.
Students should know how to seek assistance in an online classroom setting, using the chat feature for communication of questions and making sure to use proper grammar.
4. Be a good listener.
Online learning offers students convenience and flexibility, yet some students can feel isolated. Communicating with your classmates is key for maintaining healthy relationships; email them or post in their forums - whatever it takes! - to stay on track.
Understanding your listening style in virtual classrooms is also vitally important. Many students have been led to believe that full body listening entails remaining motionless with eyes closed while gazing directly ahead; but there are ways they can learn their own unique way of listening.
5. Be a leader.
Virtual learning can be difficult for students accustomed to engaging with instructors face-to-face every day, and frequent communication between student and teacher can help ease any anxiety associated with transitioning to this form of education.
Maintaining self-motivation is often challenging for online learners, particularly if they spend hours staring at a screen. Reminding themselves why they're doing the work and setting daily, weekly, and monthly goals may help. Study groups provide another great way to keep learners on track.
6. Be flexible.
As is true in a physical classroom, students in virtual classes may encounter distractions that interfere with learning; however, there are ways to overcome them.
One way of creating an atmosphere of community in the classroom is to assign one student as chat box monitor, plant waterer or pencil sharpener. Doing this creates a strong feeling of teamwork throughout your class.
Regular study times are another helpful strategy. If you prefer early starts, consider beginning each morning by reviewing class discussions and replying to classmates; otherwise, do it after dinner plans have concluded.
7. Be honest.
Online learning can be challenging for students with family and work obligations, as teachers must clearly outline how it differs from traditional classrooms and set clear expectations for all their classes.
As such, they should encourage students to enter class from a quiet space and provide all of the required materials such as pens, paper, syllabi and other resources. It's also crucial that they refrain from disrupting learning environments by talking over each other - this can have detrimental effects on learning environments.
8. Be creative.
Students in virtual classrooms can express themselves creatively by participating in team-building exercises designed to foster peer interaction. This type of collaborative activity fosters trust among participants while allowing students to express unconventional ideas freely without fear of judgment from teachers or classmates.
Teachers should utilize audiovisual lessons to pique students' curiosity and maximize engagement with lessons, rather than solely providing vocal instructions. Students should create their own study spaces without distractions to maximize concentration on lessons at hand.
