Higher education is increasingly moving towards online studies, and there are a host of reasons. Many universities are adopting the flipped classroom model, where students learn through collaboration and discussion, rather than lectures. Other universities have run out of lecture halls, so professors host classes online, even while students are just across campus. Many, if not most, graduate programs cater to full-time employees who could be anywhere in the world, so they have also adopted different types of online education. At the same time, the cost of education is rising, and the virtual classroom has quickly become the go-to solution. But, there are many setbacks for students who are not accustomed to this path of learning — and I want to give you the inside scoop.
Working from home is not too different from taking an online class. When, where, and how you work — or study — is completely self-motivated. You won’t have a specific time and place that you need to be everyday, unlike attending a class on campus. That’s really the biggest challenge that you will have to keep in mind while you are starting an online class or program. Students often put off their lessons until way too late into the semester, and in many cases, their scores become irrecoverable. You need to treat online classes like you would treat any other class — they’re not any easier, and usually, they’re more challenging. Put in the work, and prepare for exams with even more focus.
The challenges with online classes are mostly mental barriers. You need to create a really strict schedule for yourself and stick to it. You probably never learned how to work like this, and just like your first job, you need to put in the work to get the hang of it. This isn’t like every other class. Block out fixed time slots on your schedule and pretend like you are actually going to class during those times. Force yourself to get up on a regular schedule, get out of the house from time to time, go workout, shower, and get dressed before sitting down to study. Doing everything from home can take a toll on you because it’s really easy to sleep in, spend the entire day in your pajamas, or sometimes even forget to shower. Find a co-working spot, or use the nearby library: where you work impacts how you work. Build an awesome routine to be awesome.
Procrastination is the bane of most college students. It’s a rampant plague across every campus. But, whatever you do, don’t procrastinate when taking classes online. Sometimes, you’ll have friends to help you out, but in online classes, you likely won’t have a safety net. Procrastination kills. If an assignment is hard, just do it. It’s better to get it over with, than to be stressed for a week. If a quiz is released every Monday, but due on Wednesday: just do it on Monday. Think about your online classes like a normal classroom and do the work when it is assigned, not when it is due.
If you can get the hang of it, taking online classes can be a great way to exercise your independence while advancing your education. But, you need to work up to it — don’t start with a full online semester, just dabble with one or two classes until you’re ready. You spent your whole life taking classes during their scheduled time, and it’s going to take you some time to learn how to take classes when you’re most comfortable in working. It can be better, but it takes time. Good luck, fam 💪
— Suki
