Online learning is a studying mode that occurs over the Internet in a virtual environment. It is used to describe non-simultaneous learning, which allows you to engage with course material at your own pace — anytime and anywhere. Through online learning centers provided by higher educational institutions, you can continue your education with flexibility and the opportunity to enroll in programs outside your local area.

Online learning refers to non-simultaneous learning, where you engage with course material at your own pace — anytime and anywhere — over the Internet.

 

According to Brian Naicker, Senior Director of Online Education at triOS College, online and flexible modes of learning will form a significant part of all learning in the future. “Much of the last two years has seen online learning acceleration borne of out necessity. This will become entrenched, which demands careful planning and organization on the part of the learner. This will be key,” he explained.

5 Tips for Online Learning

Technology has made it easier to find an online program that meets your needs. Online courses can be viable alternatives to traditional classroom settings if you develop skills for effective online learning. These five tips help you get the most out of your online learning experience.

1) Prepare and Organize

• Proper Access – You need a reliable computer with a strong internet connection to access course material, perform research, and complete assignments. Before beginning a program, you must ensure you have the appropriate technical capability to access learning materials online.
• Logging In – Before classes begin, you should log into the online system to familiarize yourself with the procedure. Doing this removes the stress of any issues with logging in on the first day and lets you focus on learning.
• Good Note-Taking – Preparing for your classes means being ready to take good notes. Having suitable note-taking material, such as a spiral journal and pen or notebook app on your computer, will guarantee that all your notes are in one place and ready for studying.

Developing skills for effective online learning can make online courses a viable alternative to traditional classroom settings if you use technology effectively.

 

2) Manage Your Time

As a result of the flexibility of online learning, you must ensure that you are using excellent time-management techniques. With no instructor keeping track of your schedule or workload, good time management will be critical to your success.

• Successful Schedule – With online learning, you have the flexibility to work at a time that is convenient for you. Whether you are an early bird or a night owl, knowing what time suits you best ensures that you will study when you are most energetic and enthusiastic. Maintaining a good schedule will ensure you have a good balance of schoolwork and other priorities.
• Detailed Calendar – Maintaining a detailed calendar allows you to plan time for schoolwork and ensures that all your assignments are completed on time. By considering your prior commitments and obligations, you will be ready to devote the necessary time and effort to your education.

3) Participate and Connect

In online classes, you can collaborate and interact with your instructor and other students through class forums to enhance your understanding of the course material. Participating in discussions can improve your online learning experience by helping you feel connected. Get to know your instructor and communicate with them daily via chat or email during office hours to stay ahead.

4) Create your Workspace

Creating a dedicated workspace for online learning can help you limit distractions and keep you focused on your education. Use apps and websites that temporarily block online distractions — such as social media — to help you stay on task.

Due to the flexibility of online learning, you can set your schedule and progress at your own pace for a more conducive learning environment.

 

A productive workspace will look different for everyone. Some students require a quiet space to focus, while others need music to become more effective. No matter where you work, whether it’s at your kitchen table, a desk in your bedroom, or the local library, you need high-speed internet to access your coursework. Determining how you learn best is important in creating a productive workspace.

5) Care for Yourself

Self-care involves doing things to keep yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. Online learning means more screen time, and continuing your education can be stressful with assignments, projects, and studying. Take care of yourself to perform well in school and maintain good health. Taking scheduled breaks, exercising regularly, eating healthy, and connecting with others positively contribute to self-care.

Difference between Online Learning and Face-to-Face Learning

Online learning entails attending classes in a virtual environment on a flexible schedule. On the other hand, face-to-face learning occurs in a brick-and-mortar building and involves meeting an instructor in person, where you progress at the instructor’s pace and on a predetermined schedule.

“Learn where you are with online learning.” – Brian Naicker, Senior Director of Online Education at triOS College

Fixed vs. Flexible Learning Pace

With face-to-face learning, you follow a fixed schedule established by the instructor — you may have to proceed forward even if you have not fully understood or completed the previous subject. With online learning, you can manage your own learning schedule and progress at your own pace, resulting in a more conducive learning environment.

Learning Materials

Face-to-face learning may involve traditional classroom materials such as textbooks and class handouts. Meanwhile, online learning includes interactive digital materials that allow you to gain more insight about a topic.

Assessments

With face-to-face learning, instructors often evaluate students with closely monitored in-person tests that happen at specified times. Instructors use these tests to determine whether you understand the material, but some students find these tests stressful. With online learning, frequent knowledge checks and short assessments provide more flexibility and allow you to review material repetitively with less stress.

Online learning is becoming increasingly popular because it utilizes interactive textbooks, flexible schedules, and less stressful assessment methods. As you can control more of the learning process, you become a empowered learner.

Challenges of Online Learning

The popularity of online learning has increased over the last few years, so you need to know how to overcome these challenges to succeed.

Learning online has risen in popularity over the last few years, and it is now more important than ever to master these skills.

 

Challenge # 1: Online Connection Issues – A basic understanding of how computers work is necessary to connect online, but learning how to operate a personal computer or even how to use essential software can be challenging for some students.
Solution:  Students can access technical support and tutorials on how to connect online when issues arise. This ensures they can stay connected and succeed with online learning.

Challenge # 2: Lack of Motivation – With classroom learning, you are surrounded by classmates and the instructor, which promotes an motivating and engaging environment. For online learning, having no physical supervision might make it hard to stay motivated and thus can feel challenging.
Solution: Keeping your educational goals in front of you can help you stay focused.  Connecting with other students on classroom forums and communicating with your instructor often can help to motivate and engage you in your studies.

Challenge # 3: Adjusting to Online Learning – Students used to traditional classroom environments may find it difficult to adjust to learning online at their own pace without constant guidance.
Solution: Adjusting to an online environment may take time. Keep an open mind and focus on its benefits. Remember that creating your own schedule and avoiding commutes allow you to balance your other commitments.

Different Online Learning Styles

Each person learns and processes information differently. Understanding your own learning style can help you determine how to leverage it to succeed with online learning by incorporating different techniques.

You will succeed in online learning if you understand your learning style and how you can use it.

 

Most people function with a combination of different learning styles, but the three main ones are:

• visual
• auditory
• kinesthetic

Visual Learning Style – One of the most common learning styles, visual learning can be done by watching or reading. Visual learners do well with online learning since the material is typically delivered in written format.

Online Learning Tips for Visual Learners

• Write things down to memorize them.
• Turn your notes into graphs and charts when possible.
• Keep your workspace distraction-free.
• Organize your notes using mind maps.
• Use color-coding to organize information.
• Study with flash cards.

Auditory Learning Style – Auditory learning means that you learn most effectively by listening. There are many tools and techniques that can make online learning engaging for auditory learners.

Through an online learning center, you can train for a new career or upgrade your education with a flexible schedule even outside your local area.

Online Learning Tips for Auditory Learners

• Record yourself reading your notes and listen to them.
• Use an app that reads a webpage to let you hear the displayed text.
• Study with flash cards and read them out loud.
• Read your notes out loud repeatedly.

Kinesthetic Learning Style – Kinesthetic learners benefit from hands-on and physical activities. This learning style relies on feeling and movement to enhance learning.

Online Learning Tips for Kinesthetic Learners

• Write your notes on a whiteboard and take pictures. The movement involved in writing on a whiteboard can make studying more stimulating.
• Break up study sessions with short bursts of walking or stretching.
• Walk around while studying to keep your body moving.
• Use a fidget toy to keep yourself busy while reading longer passages.
• Turn your study experience into a game or physical activity to make it interactive and creative.

Future of Online Learning

Most educational institutions now offer online learning alternatives as the future of in-class education becomes uncertain. In addition, online learning can provide you with a reliable and consistent platform for balancing your priorities.

“Much of the last two years has seen online learning acceleration borne of out necessity. This will become entrenched, which demands careful planning and organization on the part of the learner.” – Brian Naicker, Senior Director of Online Education at triOS College

You can make the most out of your online learning experience if your program is offered with these features:

• taught by professionals with expertise in their fields
• flexible program design
• using educational games and graphics to increase learning engagement
• online communities for social connection between students and instructors
• continuously accessible support not only from instructors but even from other campus staff

With the help of technology, finding an online program that meets your needs has become more accessible. Obtain the training you need to achieve your career goals and build a prosperous future through online learning. Learn more about the online learning programs offered by triOS College to get the skills you need to become job-ready while balancing your other major priorities.