There are many benefits of studying online, particularly as access to the Internet is nowadays massive. But there are drawbacks, too. Many learners are quite in a quandary about how to study online at home effectively.
One of the main advantages of studying online at home is that it is comfortable and convenient. It is cheaper as well. You don’t have to attend a (possibly) boring class for hours nor be self-conscious about interacting with your teacher in front of other students. It is undoubtedly cheaper as well because you don’t have to drive to your school and pay for gas.
Then again, one has to be wary about studying at home on the Internet because there are significant distractions. You could be tempted to linger on your social media account or favourite computer game instead of studying your online course. Because you’re most likely to be alone in your desk, you have the tendency to lose your motivation at the same time. It may be difficult to concentrate on your lessons. What are important tips to remember to succeed in studying online at home?
Set up an efficient study space where Internet connection is reliable. Optimizing your learning experience through an online course needs you to have fast and reliable Internet connection. This, you have to ensure as an incorporation to your well-organized personal “classroom”. Your study space should be ergonomically regimented so that you don’t compromise your health and comfort when tackling your online lessons.
Maintain a strict study schedule. Consider that you have to keep up and be particular about deadlines when you’re taking a course online. You thus shouldn’t get complacent or lazy, thinking that you have all the time. Studying online is just like going to school, and you have to be on time for your classes if you want this scheme to work. It is important that you establish a strict schedule for your online classes and stick to it on the designated days.
Keep away from distractions online and in your environment. The Internet is such a wide place of pleasure and entertainment, but you have to avoid indulging your online tendencies when it’s study time. Don’t open your social media or email account and avoid online browsing when your class time is on schedule. It is crucial to inculcate self-discipline if you want to be successful in your online schooling.
Be an active learner. You ought to keep the neurons in your brain active if you want learning to take place. You can do this by performing various techniques such as revising your lessons as you note them down, or recalling information by reciting your ideas without referring to your notes.
Keep yourself motivated. Certain tricks for inducing motivation can be carried out pertaining to this. For instance, you can play your favourite music while studying or visualize yourself to be relaxing at the beach after an hour when you have completed your online task.
Print out your study materials. These may be your syllabus or practice tests that you can bring with you to another location when your laptop is closed. So when you’re having coffee at the shop, or riding the bus, you can take out your study materials and read them. This will give your eyes some time off from long hours of looking at the monitor screen.
Take down notes of online lectures. Think of it in the same way as a physical lecture where you take down notes while listening. Have a pen and paper with you in front of your computer and note down the salient points of the lecture. Studying with handwritten notes enables you to retain information better than typing it on your computer.
Test your knowledge. Other than taking online practice tests, you can do a simple method of testing what you have learned. After reading a chapter of your online reading resource, write down everything that you have learned. Another technique is to take notes of certain questions about the pertinent topics of your syllabus.
Resist the urge to multitask. It’s not at all that seemingly productive to multitask, especially when you’re studying online. It actually reduces your brain’s capacity to retain information. Constantly swopping from one task to another will have information swiftly dissipating from your wits.
Take regular breaks. After an hour of studying, take a quick break by watching tv, munching some snacks or going for a quick walk. With your mind virtually hustling and bustling, you’ll need to refresh and recharge your brain.
Make online connections and friendships. Join online forums, groups or communities so that you can interact with like-minded people- online students and learners like yourself. That’s a starting point from where you can eventually organize meet-ups so you can study together or discuss related ideas and issues. Collaborative learning is more engaging and effective.
Online learning courses abound on the Internet. Utilized and implemented in the most effectual means, it can go a long way in promoting avant-garde and independent learning that presents a revolutionary approach in education. These tips about how to study online efficiently and proficiently are simple and practical, but can truly make a difference.
Winnie Custodio has been a publicist and writer for over 10 years, and she has broad experience in online and personal mentoring. Working with Test Prep Toolkit, an online GED, ACT and SAT study guide has been one of her most fulfilling careers where she and her fellow TPT staff work together as a power team in helping thousands of test takers pass their exams. With such an outstanding achievement, Test Prep Toolkit has become one of the top test prep websites on the Internet today.