After completing numerous college classes both face-to-face in the traditional setting and online, I found study tips for online classes to be different than traditional studying. There has to be more dedication and organization to ensure enough quality study time is available. Even though the same subject matter may be taught in both arenas, online classes de-personalize learning. Before beginning on-line course work towards an educational degree, make sure you have contemplated which learning environment will work best for you.
When taking college courses on-line, use the following study tips to ensure a successful experience.
Set up a reasonable and practical routing to study. Make sure you have a quiet and private place to avoid distractions. Set aside specific study times. Be disciplined. Take your class seriously. Find a quiet and comfortable place to study and turn this into a routine. Avoid any type of distractions such as TV, phone calls, web surfing, housework, laundry, etc. Take time to reward yourself for your accomplishments. Using operant conditioning will increase the likelihood of successful completion. These means – rewarding your self for something you do not necessarily like to do will increase the chances of you successfully completing that activity. Get “buy-in” from your family and friends. Having their support will increase your chances of successful completion. They will know that you are serious about your education. It will also reinforce your study time habits to make sure you do not let them down. Do Not procrastinate! Waiting until the last minute to do assigned work will cause undue stress and anxiety. You are taking the class to better yourself not to cause anxiety. Communicate with your instructor and classmates through the communication channels that were set-up by the school. Such things as e-mail, Blackboard, WebCT, instant messaging, etc. are some of the communication channels used by universities. Become familiar with the one that has been assigned. Complete all assignments no matter how trivial you may think they are. Internet classes are not set-up to give you busy work.
All assignments have meaning and are necessary for you to get the full benefit from the on-line courses you are taking.General study habits are needed to successfully complete on-line education classes. There is more reading and hands-on activities assigned by the professor. Developing good reading habits is another key to successfully learning the material assigned. When reading your assignment, follow these simple study tips for online classes.
Preview the entire reading assignment prior to beginning. Go section by section and try to understand the significance of each section. As you are reading, write down relevant questions about the section. Use these questions as a study guide for content retention. When you have completed a section, read the question out loud and answer it. By hearing it out loud, you are more apt to remember and comprehend what you have read. Review these questions periodically both by reading them silently and aloud. It takes your brain approximately thirteen times of hearing a specific detail before it is securely embedded in your mind. Make sure to log on to the class site a minimum of five to six times a week. Read the content and submit any questions or comments you may have to those also using the conferencing interface. By doing this, you will learn from the others participating in the online course which will increase your knowledge base of the subject matter.
Good study tips for online classes include dedication, commitment, persistence and time. Each individual learns in his or her own unique way. Developing good study habits will increase your grade-point-average and self-confidence. Taking post-secondary course work towards a degree is a tough decision to make no matter if the course is taken in the traditional manner or online. Increase your chances of success by following the study tips within this article. Remember – learning is the key to success.
Reference:
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/239313/10_tips_for_online_classes.html
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/89672/surviving_online_learning.html
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/1517330/tips_for_college_students_on_successfully.h
