Online learning is an excellent method to expand your knowledge and abilities in a unique, flexible setting with its own individual strengths and opportunities.

Whether you're taking online classes for the first time or searching for methods to improve your present habits and approaches, there are a few crucial areas to consider in order to set yourself up for success and fully use everything that online learning has to offer.

We provide ideas to help you succeed in your learning journey in this collection of online learning tips and best practices from our team of learning designers, industry experts, and other learners, including ways to:

  • Make the most of your learning.
  • Maintain your mental and physical well-being.
  • Manage your time wisely and avoid distractions.
  • Make contact with your virtual learning community.
  • Take control of logistics.

Online Learning Suggestions

Learning Strategies

There are tremendous quantities of knowledge on practically any topic to watch, read, and listen to in our modern learning landscape, but knowing is not the same as doing. To get the most of online learning, ensure that you gain new information and abilities in a way that you can remember, use frequently, and adapt to different settings.

Make your knowledge stick

Use the tried-and-true learning science concepts of practice, application, and reflection. To guarantee that your newly acquired information and abilities remain with you, it is critical to practice skills regularly, apply knowledge in diverse situations, and reflect on what you have learned, particularly as you practice and apply it in new settings. A well-designed learning experience will allow you to practice, apply, and reflect, but you can reinforce your learning outside of class by relating it to your daily life and job.

Video techniques

Pause the recorded video every few minutes and jot down a quick description of what you've heard in notes. Avoid taking notes during a live video, especially if the footage will be accessible to watch afterward. Pay attention to what you're hearing and engage in the conversation to help you stay focused. Raise your virtual hand in the discussion or offer a question.

Take use of video break-out groups

If available, these live, small group conversations will allow you to hear other people's opinions or go through the difficult subjects as a group.

Self Care

Self-care is essential for a great learning experience. A healthy mind (and body) is a mind that is eager to learn.

Advocate for your learning needs

Request flexible ways to participate in a class that suits you. This is critical for students who require special accommodations, such as a note-taker or additional exam time, but it is also critical for all students.

Schedule breaks

Get up and walk about, go outside, plan your diversions, and remember to move. There are several applications available to help you stay on focus, cut off distractions, and remind you to get up and take breaks.

Maintain good habits

The brain, like the body, needs rest and activity. Get some rest, remain hydrated, get some fresh air, and eat well.

Time Management

One of the most significant advantages of online learning is flexibility, yet too much freedom can present new issues. Find strategies to arrange and maximize your time for when and where you study best and stay on track with your learning.

Keep track of deadlines:

Add crucial deadlines to a calendar to avoid missing important deadlines.

Reduce distractions

To the greatest extent possible, reduce distractions in both your physical and digital environments. Close online browser windows that aren't related to your studies, turn off the TV, and so on.

Set aside time for learning

This does not imply that you must schedule four-hour blocks three days a week. Online learning is intended to be modular and adaptable. You may devote 15 minutes to watching a brief video course and writing a three-sentence reflection piece. Other learning activities, on the other hand, will demand more time. Make a strategy and set aside time to study, just as you would for exercise or socializing.

Social and Community Learning

Online learning provides access to both world-class academics and a worldwide community of enthusiastic classmates. Find methods to engage with these rich learning groups, such as through forum participation and peer networking.

Keep your instructor up to date

When you want assistance, notify your instructor—let them know if you are unwell, unable to log on, and so on.

Meet and communicate with your learning classmates virtually

You are not by yourself! Introduce yourself, react to questions posed by the teacher in the discussion boards, and comment on the postings of your classmates.

Make a social networking group

In addition to forums, build a distinct location for you and your other students to network, exchange interests, and support one another, such as a Facebook group or a Whatsapp conversation.

Form virtual study groups

Maintain contact and look for methods to engage with your learning peers in small study groups. Video chat applications are an excellent method to accomplish this.

Respect should be given and expected

It is easy to misinterpret someone's meaning, especially in asynchronous communication such as discussion boards and email. Your peers, like you, are real people. Contribute to the development of a courteous, supportive community.

Logistics

Last but not least, there is logistics. Getting the elements of your learning experience right might pay you big time.

Make relevant information readily available

Collect your institution's phone numbers, email addresses, and help links in one place so you don't have to go looking for them if and when you need them. For example, who is the course's TAs and how can you contact them? Which department should you contact if you have a technical problem?

Gather your technology

If the course requires video conferencing software, download and test it before the first life lesson. If assignments are uploaded to a cloud service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox), ensure sure you have the necessary account information or access information before a deadline.

Reduce your dependency on WiFi

Reduce your dependency on WiFi by using an ethernet wire and downloading course materials to work offline. Many online courses are mobile-friendly, while some are not. Plan your Internet access.\

Always backup your work

Save your work locally on your computer or on the cloud where it is easily accessible.

Start Learning

Looking for additional online learning success strategies? So, learn about online learning by doing it.