5 Helpful Tips for Successful Online Learning
It’s the 21st century, and education has evolved beyond the four walls of classrooms. Today, you can get a degree, learn a skill, or enrich your mind from the comfort of your home. A few years ago, people didn’t think this would be possible, but the internet solved that problem.
At first, learning online was not a generally accepted idea, but when COVID-19 struck in 2020, it became necessary to adjust to the new way of living. Many institutions started virtual classes, and online learning platforms thrived all over the world. Even workplaces went virtual!
The experience came with an important lesson: nothing is permanent.
Today, online learning has become the norm. However, because of the flexibility that comes with this new learning method, most people find it difficult to keep up with their learning schedule since there are no standardized structures to keep them in check. This is a problem I faced too. I found myself starting a lot of courses but never finishing them. It takes a lot of self-discipline and intentionality to scale through this problem.
Another important reason you should take breaks is that our brain stores memories in episodes. The process is called episodic memory formation.
Here are some helpful tips that worked for me;
Treat like physical classes
This is the first hurdle you may have to cross in your journey to self-discipline. Physical classes have a fixed time and a designated location. Do the same for your virtual classes too. Fix a particular time of the day and stick to it. You can also choose a location where you want to take this course. You could go to a library, a workspace, or even your room (make sure it is not on your bed). This will help you develop a habit over time.
Use digital calendars to keep track of your time
Most digital calendars can send you reminders and notifications when it is time for you to learn. I found Google Calendar and Calendly particularly helpful. Create a to-do list for each learning day with time periods, and add it to your calendar. You will find this quite beneficial.
Take breaks
Breaks help you form a consistent learning pattern, and they are healthy for you. Taking breaks between learning periods helps your mind process what it has already learned. It also keeps you from getting dizzy and bored, as this may discourage subsequent learning. Intervals between classes are common in non-virtual classes, even if it is just a short period between moving from one class to another. Why should it be any different in a virtual class?
Another important reason you should take breaks is that our brain stores memories in episodes. The process is called episodic memory formation. Episodic memory is the collection of past personal experiences that occurred at a particular time and place. The intervals between learning periods can help to store events in the episodic memory, which can trigger episodic learning and the recollection of things learned. Read more on episodic memory formation here.
Get a learning group/partner
The furthest I had ever gone in my online learning journey was when I had a partner. I was learning how to code at the time, then I stumbled on this community called Codum. Codum helps newbies in the tech space find learning partners. My partner did not just push me to learn; he increased my pace and also shared helpful resources. He’s not a Nigerian; I’ve never met him and probably will not. The point is that you can find a partner online. If you can’t find a learning partner, get an accountability partner to whom you can report your daily progress. You can also join groups and communities that help people grow in the field you have chosen to learn about.
Take one course at a time
Unless you are doing an online degree or a program that requires taking several courses at once, avoid taking more than one course at a time. While you may be eager and energetic to learn many things as they come your way, if you take them all in at once, you will never finish any of them. Online learning requires a lot of focus and consistency, spreading yourself too thin will prevent you from achieving your ultimate goal of finishing that course.
I hope you found this helpful. See you in the next one!
