Many students are taking classes online thanks to advanced technology and the increased flexibility of remote learning. Whether you’re fully online or just mixing in a few virtual courses, learning from home (or anywhere with wifi) can be really convenient. However, online learning also comes with its own set of challenges and distractions. If you’ve ever found yourself spending time scrolling instead of studying, you’re not alone. Here are seven tips for success in online classes.
1. Have a morning routine
With an online learning program, you probably won’t have to leave your house. But it’s still important to keep a good morning routine, just as you would with in-person classes. Start your day by setting an alarm, showering, and eating a good breakfast. Also, consider making your bed every morning, so you’re less tempted to crawl back in it. A consistent morning routine helps set the tone for a productive day.
Although you won’t have to commute to classes, you don’t have to spend the entire day inside. You could grab a coffee from your favorite coffee shop or run a quick errand before you answer your first discussion board. Outdoor exercise is also a great way to stay in shape and break up the monotony of online coursework. Finally, you can try attending class outside if the weather is nice and your wifi functions accordingly. Whatever you decide to add to your daily schedule, following a routine can help you feel more accomplished when your virtual school day is over.
2. Find a good study space
Another tip for online learners is to have a dedicated study space. Although it may be comfy, your bed is probably not the best place to write an essay or prepare for a quiz. Before settling on a spot, take a moment to consider your learning style. Do you focus better with natural light, total silence, or a little background noise? Knowing what helps you concentrate will make it easier to create a space that supports your study habits.
It’s not necessary to have a whole room or fancy equipment for your dedicated space. All you need is a desk or table, your computer, a good chair, and any necessary course materials. You’ll want your space to be comfortable, as well as functional, to allow for maximum productivity. Test out a few spots until you find an online learning environment that works for you.
3. Eat healthy foods/snacks
Having the option to eat food at home is a great perk of being an online student. Because a tempting snack might only be one room away, you’ll want to keep your kitchen stocked with healthy food options that fuel your brain. The foods you consume can impact your energy levels and productivity, which is important when you spend long hours in front of a screen.
If you have a limited amount of time to make healthy meals, consider meal prepping or “packing” your lunch as if you were heading to campus. Having nutritious meals and snacks ready to grab can save you time, help you stay productive, and keep those food delivery apps from draining your budget. A little preparation goes a long way in setting yourself up for success.
4. Stay away from distractions
One of the hardest parts about taking classes from home might be staying focused. With distractions like your favorite TV show or a new text notification, it may be difficult to complete the task at hand. While you might eventually train yourself to avoid scrolling social media or watching tv in the middle of a study session, distractions can still sneak in, especially on the device you're using to learn.
Holding yourself accountable can help you perform your best and avoid procrastination while completing your remote work. That might mean silencing your phone, using website blockers to avoid aimless browsing, or letting friends and family know you’re unavailable during study time. Ultimately, it's up to you to minimize your distractions to maximize your study time. The more you practice avoiding distractions the more productive and less stressed you will be.
5. Collaborate with others
Although staying away from others can ensure you stay focused, sometimes a little social interaction is a good thing. Just because your classes are online doesn’t mean you have to go at it alone. If you have friends or classmates on a similar schedule, reach out to them. Ask for help, share ideas, or set up virtual study sessions and check-ins throughout the week.
Having an accountability partner, or someone you trust to keep you on track with your work, is a great way to stay motivated and complete your responsibilities. You might also consider keeping in touch with your professors or academic advisors. They can offer support now and may become a valuable resource later, especially if you take a face-to-face class with them in the future. You might be learning from behind a screen, but your support system is still just a message or video call away.
6. Make a plan
One of the best ways to be successful in online courses is to have a plan and stick to it. You should invest in a good planner your freshman year and use it as a time management tool throughout your college career. Schedule time to complete your online learning, academic goals, study breaks, and to-do lists. When you accomplish a task, cross it off. An up-to-date and realistic planner can be a helpful tool for managing stress effectively and completing your work on time.
It is also important that you set a specific study schedule. The freedom of online school is thrilling, but it can get out of hand very quickly. You’re in charge of managing your time for everyday tasks, major assignments, and exams. Try to figure out when you are most productive and base your hours around that time frame. Practicing time management in college can help you be successful in online courses.
7. Establish a reward system
Establishing a reward system can be exactly what you need to stay on task without wearing yourself out. Remember those to-do lists and goals you set earlier? Divide those tasks into sections, and place a reward after each section. If you complete a large task before the due date, reward yourself. Your rewards could be a walk around the block, your favorite snack, social media time, or calling a friend.
Having a break to look forward to can help you power through your to-do list and stay focused. It’s also a smart way to pace yourself and avoid burnout. Even if you find yourself working faster, make sure you’re still giving each task your full effort. Keep checking your planner or to-do list throughout the day to avoid missing deadlines or skipping important assignments. Breaks feel even better when you know you’ve earned them.
Whether you’re taking one college class online or working towards a fully remote degree, these tips can help you stay on track and in control. Now that you know how to succeed in online classes, you can show up, stay consistent, and complete each assignment with your full effort. With a little structure and a lot of self-motivation, your online classes can be more than just convenient; they’ll help you progress towards a real degree.
