Are you a distance student or learns online? Here are 10 study techniques for online learning success, that you shouldn’t ignore.

You may be unfamiliar with online learning, or the intensity of college courses. Perhaps you require assistance with a difficult class or a busy schedule this semester. In any case, you’ll most likely require some assistance on your path to graduation!

Here are ten tips for successful online students. They may not all be relevant to you right now, but you never know when you’ll need these valuable lessons during your studies.

Top 10 Study Techniques For Online Learning Success

1. Be Organized

Some people may find the flexibility of online classes challenging. In some cases, the lack of a physical classroom or a set meeting time may cause concern among students. Just like any other class, it is up to you to stay organized and on track. Organizing your assignments and physical space can significantly impact your success.

Keep your email inbox clean, and create clear, accessible folders on your computer or in the cloud. Set reminders to check message boards, email classmates, and communicate with your professor.

When it comes time to work, create a clear “digital” environment. By keeping only relevant browser windows open, you reduce your chances of becoming distracted.

2. Plan Your Schedule Well

Find a physical or digital planner to help you plan your day as thoroughly as possible, down to the hour. Then stick with the plan!

Without a commitment to sticking to your schedule, it’s easy to stay late at work one day and miss your learning module appointment at the library, or to continue working on classwork when you’re supposed to be at a family game night. A well-planned schedule will help you stay focused and balanced. Remember to re-evaluate each semester. Life happens, and you may have to make adjustments.

3. Check For Available Resources

Exploring your options on your school’s website or seeking advice from a professor, advisor, or fellow student will most likely help you with everything from time management to writing skills.

Read your welcome and orientation materials carefully, as well as the syllabuses for each class.

And if in doubt, simply ask! Never be afraid to ask your advisor, coaches, classmates, or professors for assistance. You’ll be astounded by the resources available to you.

4. Stable Internet Connection and Gadgets

Not all technical requirements will be the same at each college or university, and they may even differ between classes within the same program. Make sure to test drive and double-check everything before logging in for the first time.

5. Be Engaging

As an online student, you may never meet with your advisor or professors in person, but they will be your primary resources and most likely first point of contact. Make sure they understand who you are! Take some time to introduce yourself.

If you are taking live online classes, ask questions in real time. If you aren’t the type to raise your digital hand, write down your questions and ask your instructors later.

Your relationship with your advisor and professors will last long after you complete your program. Someday, you might ask them for career advice or a recommendation for a job or graduate school.

6. Avoid Distractions

Find a space that says, “This means it’s class time.” Although you can technically curl up on the couch to work on your homework, your family or the television will most likely distract you. Instead, seek out a quiet corner of a table, an office, or even a library or coffee shop where you will not be distracted.

7. Avoid ‘Google Search’

As you adjust to working online, keep in mind that the majority of questions can be answered by carefully reading instructions and thoroughly reviewing each module. Though professors are eager to answer your questions, instead of sending multiple emails throughout the day for each problem you encounter, it may be more productive to try to resolve the issue yourself using a Google search.

8. Have Enough Rest

It’s completely understandable if you need to take a break from the computer for a few hours or a day to sleep in. Taking time to recover is important, and you should not feel bad about it.

9. Tolerate Others

Remember that people all over the world are going through similar experiences to yours right now. Be patient with those who don’t know how to set up a video chat or who are taking longer to adjust to this “new normal.”

10. Set Goals

As you progress through your program, consider your immediate and long-term goals and write them down. Revisit these goals on a regular basis to remind yourself why you’re taking classes in the first place.

It might be a good idea to talk about them with your friends and family. This can be an extremely effective tool for encouragement.

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