With the growth of online learning, Tovuti has compiled a list of five tips for successful study for full-time and casual online students.
5 ways to maintain focus while studying online
Online learning tips to increase your productivity
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Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many K-12 students and college students have been forced to adapt to online learning. However, formal education does not have a monopoly on virtual learning. There are many courses available for adults who want to expand their knowledge on a variety of topics, such as project management, statistics, climate resilience, and psychological first aid.
Some online courses offer professional certifications that can be useful in the job market, especially in technical fields. Others take online classes in creative writing, art, or other subjects for the full enjoyment of the study. Online learning can help people develop new skills, support career development, and introduce students to new areas that they may want to learn professionally from the comfort of their laptops.
While online learning definitely has advantages, such as the ability to take a course from anywhere in the world and learn from teachers in another city or country, distance learning is not without its challenges. Online learning requires self-regulation to avoid countless distractions on the internet and scheduled screen breaks to disconnect.
Tovuti has compiled a list of five tips that both full-time and casual students can apply in their daily routines to focus on while studying online. Some of the tips also apply to personal learning, while others struggle with the characteristics of a virtual learning environment.
Read on for some helpful online learning tips to increase your productivity.
Develop a recording system that is appropriate to your learning style
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Research shows that manuscript notes are actually better for studying and storing data than printing notes. Some students even benefit from using different pencils or colored highlighters to visually break up the material. Another recording method that may be of interest to the doodler or visual learner is to create pictures or diagrams to show the relationship between concepts. If handwritten notes are not in your workflow, note-taking software such as Microsoft OneNote or Notion can help learners create materials and even learn them. Virtual cards like Quizlet and Brainscape can also be useful for reviewing notes and studying along the way.
Take care of your body – meditate, exercise, eat well and sleep well
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This means that a healthy body produces a more alert mind that is ready to learn. Unfortunately, in our fast-paced world, students often forget about healthy eating and sleep hygiene. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults sleep seven or more hours a night. To get the most restful sleep, it is best to remove the electronics at least half an hour before bedtime. Getting regular exercise is also important as it improves memory and thinking ability. Another thing to keep in mind is mindfulness, which improves cognition while reducing stress and even improves self-regulation over time.
Create a special and stress-free learning environment
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While taking classes online, it can be fun to work from the couch with Netflix in the background or even from the bed. However, creating a non-distracting space that is only used for learning will help your mind move into a “learning mode”. By plugging in other devices, turning off the TV, and deleting distracted background music, you can save more data in less time. Other distractions, such as hunger, thirst, or fatigue, can be avoided to meet your body’s needs. Make sure your space has enough light, but avoid glare from the scattering sunlight from a bright window.
Create your own schedule for asynchronous courses
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Some online courses have synchronous sessions where students actually meet at a specific time for a lecture, seminar, or discussion. Most online courses also have an asynchronous component where the student can complete course work, respond to debates, and submit assignments according to their own schedule. This can be tempting to procrastinate, but scheduling can help prevent overwork and overwork. Time management skills are associated with lower levels of anxiety and better grades. Regular scheduling also helps online students stay on schedule and manage all areas of their lives.
Find opportunities to actively participate
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Online classes make it easy to remain anonymous without much involvement. However, students often learn more and the lessons become more interesting when they participate. Connecting with classmates can create further learning and even networking opportunities along the way. Participating in discussions, asking questions, and actively listening to the teacher and other students will help you connect concepts together and gain a deeper understanding of the material. This kind of active participation in your online classes can also pay off when you start applying for referral letters or professional references.
The story first appeared in Tovuti and was developed and distributed in collaboration with Stacker Studio.