How To Successfully Study Online

September 16, 2022

It is highly unlikely that campus-based learning will be antiquated. But online learning is increasingly gaining momentum, indicating that the future of education may be largely online.

Top learning institutions started combining online classes with physical classes before the outbreak of coronavirus in 2019, though the world was not fully prepared for the magnitude of disruptions the pandemic unleashed on the educational sector globally.

The outbreak of the virus has spurred many more institutions to embrace and massively invest in online learning technologies. Not only are many courses now delivered as hybrids but others are also exclusively delivered online. Entrepreneurs and employed professionals have seized this opportunity as they can learn without quitting or jeopardising their jobs and businesses respectively.

But applying for a programme is just the beginning of the journey. To successfully complete an online programme, you must be adequately informed and prepared. If you intend to study online in the future or you recently enrolled in an online programme, this article provides useful tips that will help you complete your studies successfully.

Helpful tips for a successful online learning

Find below 6 online learning tips that will help you to make the best of your online education.

1. Have a schedule

Perhaps you are enrolled in an online programme because you are employed or managing a business. Whichever it is, you are busy and many tasks are jostling for your attention, including other tasks and responsibilities unrelated to work or business.

To overcome the temptation of procrastinating or forgetting your academic assignments, it is necessary that you have a schedule for studying and doing given assignments in order to avoid having backlogs, missed deadlines and, ultimately, unsubmitted tasks. For the sake of emphasis, remember to take note of submission deadlines.

2. Time management

You will likely need to rest after work and decide to study later. Yet, you need to do everything that is important, including urgent needs. Combining studies with work is tasking. You have a short but enough time to get things done. Therefore, time management skills are essential for online studies. This article provides tips on how you can improve your time management skills.

3. Set a goal

Valuable time, physical and mental efforts, sleepless nights, financial resources and other sacrifices are involved in enrolling for courses. Sometimes, you let go of other opportunities because of your academic project.

When you encounter challenges in the course of the programme or you are distracted by other developments and activities, always remember how important successful graduation is to your goal.

Always keep your eyes on the goal and approach schooling as though your life depends on it. Equally, treat your online studies like conventional classes.

4. Take notes

When studying, jot down important points. This is a common practice in traditional classrooms. And it is just as helpful in online learning. Taking notes makes it easier for you to look up key information during revision or mental exercises.

Note-taking is an effective way of summarising lengthy lecture videos. It also helps you to identify the information you are likely to forget except after a series of mental exercises.

5. Avoid distractions

To escape distractions of all types, you need a dedicated study space that will shut out noise and interruptions. Turn off electronics like radios and TVs. Also, turn off social media notifications and avoid random telephone calls.

Overcome the temptation to respond to chats and comments while studying. Every time you are distracted, time and concentration are reduced.

6. Try short courses

Short courses give you the opportunity to have an online learning experience. What’s more, they are more affordable and can be completed in a few days. With short professional courses at MSBM, you can learn specific skills and acquire globally recognised certificates that will enhance your probability of getting promoted or gaining better career opportunities. The experience gained during the programme can be used to assess your readiness and prepare you for a degree or diploma programme.