4 Tips on Getting the Most Out of Your Online Education

Despite the advantages of distance learning, taking online courses can be overwhelming. You need to be well organized and motivated in order to succeed in this off-campus setting. Here are some strategies for studying and staying on task that will help you make the most of your online courses!

Tip #1: Make a calendar. Being able to take classes at any time from any location is a great perk of online classes. However, this makes students more accountable to do the work on their own. A successful calendar will include all due dates and exams and will be created at the beginning of the semester. This will help hold you responsible for your schoolwork.

Tip #2: Check in on your classes. Since you’re not actually in a classroom being constantly reminded of what is due, assignments can easily slip into the back of your mind. Check in on the class site every day to ensure you’re on top of the latest updates and notices.

Tip #3: Get comfortable. Since you’re not taking classes on campus, it can sometimes be hard to find calm and quiet places to study. Studying at home or in an environment with a lot of people can cause your focus and productivity to slip. You need a quiet place away from your TV, family, and other distractions where you’ll be comfortable sitting for a few hours at a time. Check out your local library or coffee shops and see what works best for you!

Tip #4: Join a study group. Taking an online class doesn’t mean you have to be completely isolated. Email classmates and set up a time to get together to study. You can quiz each other and ask questions about certain topics. If it’s not possible to meet in person, try alternative methods like Skype or Google Hangout!  

What’s your advice to students studying online? We would love to know what works for you!