Students are taking advantage of digitization in record numbers. In this pandemic, every university and school has moved to online teaching. Also, many prestigious universities are teaching online for a bachelor’s degree. It should come as no surprise that enrollment numbers are growing rapidly with each passing day as online degree programs offer many benefits to learners. Online learning helps both children and adults to learn whatever and wherever according to their own convenience. How to ensure that an online learner is learning effectively? There are a few strategies that the online learner can implement to ensure that they get the maximum out of online classes.
“ You can’t teach people everything they need to know. The best you can do is position them where they can find what they need to know when they need to know it.” - Seymour Papert
It is well said that you can position students to where they can learn more quickly but you can’t tell them everything they need to know to accomplish their dream. The interactive lectures, videos, PDFs are only useful when you have the right teaching and learning strategy to go through them.
It is a misconception that online classes are easier and don’t take much hard work. Online learning requires the same motivation and strategy as we do in traditional classes. Online classes also present many challenges every day to make you a better person. But, if you develop skills for effective online learning, you can get past any challenge coming your way. Here are the 8 strategies to be successful in online learning and to make sure you get the most value from your next class.
8 Online Learning Strategies for Success
1. Get Organized
Treat your online classes like traditional ones. Before any class, ensure you have a working internet connection and your computer/mobile phone. Also, take the time to navigate the system and check if it is working properly before the class. This way the time of struggling while logging in to the online class app will be eliminated and you can focus better on the lecture. Always keep a record of what you learn in a whole day, it will make you a better learner each passing day. It is impossible to talk about strategies for success without talking about organization
2. Figure out your approach
Online learning gives you many ways to know yourself better. It includes videos, PDFs, audio, virtual classroom to make sure you can understand every topic at your own pace. You need to find how you can learn better and faster. Not everyone learns the same way, find a method that helps you in grasping new concepts quicker. This is one of the most important strategies for success.
3. Stick to your schedule
There are many educational online apps that make the whole schedule for you, you just need to stick to it! It takes a lot of time in making any schedule, but in online learning, you just need to be determined to follow it honestly. Break up your workload into chunks by dedicating certain hours to each subject. Also, always pay attention to the scheduled test in the online classes applications, it will take your performance graph higher.
4. Stay connected
Try to know your fellow mates, even if you are not with them physically. In virtual classrooms, you can develop your personality by interacting with students of different cities, states, and countries. You can clear your doubts with the teachers in the online class and even if you have missed it, you can email them too. Build relationships with other students by introducing yourself and engaging in online discussions.
5. Hold yourself accountable
Set your weekly goals and work on them. The online classes app reminds you to submit your assignment and to prepare for your test but you need to follow it yourself only. If you are having any trouble with it then pair up with fellow classmates which will help you in doing better and on time. By being organized, active, and responsible, you can the most from your online classes than the traditional ones.
6. Ask questions
In online learning, students find themselves more comfortable in asking questions virtually. If you hesitate to ask questions in online class then you can also ask in chats or directly email them. But, it will be good if you clear your doubts in face-to-face sessions rather than chats. So, start with chats on the online classes app, and then soon you will pluck up your courage to ask in online classes too.
7. Eliminate distractions
Nowadays, online learning has many activities rather than just academics. There are many tools that allow you to play games that help in brain development. From Netflix to social media, you will face many distractions that come in the way of your studies but you need to be focused on your tasks. If notifications are popping up, you can also try some apps that help in eliminating distractions by blocking notifications from applications and websites that you select.
8. Practice a lot
You will get multiple tests and MCQs for practice in online learning. Digital tools help in making concepts clear by using visuals and creative ideas. All you need to do is to practice everything after you are done with your classes. Try to recall the visuals in your mind and you can practice even without writing it, that is the benefit of learning through interactive videos.
So, these were some techniques to make online learning a success and to get the most value from your online class. The one thing that is constant in each step is determination, if you are determined to learn, then you can follow all these strategies easily. Online learning has changed the facets of education, following the advice above will help you in making the most out of it.
Teachmint is keen on changing the future of education with its advanced LMS and ERP tools. With more than 20+ modules for educational institutions like admission management, attendance management system, performance management, and more; it is changing the teaching-learning experience.