Tips for online learning
Online learning has the same basic elements as face-to-face leaning. The major difference is that instruction is delivered online. Many of the strategies for effective face-to-face learning also apply to online learning. Here are some strategies we recommend.
Create space to learn. Invest sometime to understand your needs and preferences as a leaner, and what an effective study environment looks like for you. For example, you might need a quiet place to study or you might need to listen to classical music. Consider what equipment you might need. Wherever you study, try to minimize distractions.
Manage your time effectively. Spend some time getting familiar with your online courses, understanding what is expected of you, mapping out key due dates, and planning study time. Research shows that learners gain more information if they spread their study over multiple days or sessions. Make sure your routine works with your other commitments so you're more likely to stick to it.
Just as with face-to-face learning, mental energy counts: take time to reflect on whether you have understood the materials, try to remember and sort the information you have learned to aid memory test your understanding, mix different concepts and skills into the same study session to build connections and fluencies, ask questions, participate in class discussions, and try teaching concepts to others.
Ask for assistance! In an online leaning environment, you may need to ask lots of questions and take ownership over shaping the leaning experience so that it meets your needs.
Finally, if you're facing specific challenges such as illness, mental health, accessibility, balancing childcare responsibilities, etc., it's important for you to reach out to your instructors or the relevant student support services for discussion and creative problem-solving.
A. Regularly reflect on the course materials.
B. Actively engage with what you have learnt.
C. A consistent routine will help you stay on track.
D. However, online learning may require some additional skills to be successful.
E. At the end of the week, reflect on how you did, and adjust your routine as required.
F. This might mean asking your instructors or peers for help, or attending study groups.
G. Work with your roommates or family to create boundaries so you can stay focused.
