Today’s education landscape has changed from previous years. The traditional brick-and-mortar school is not the only space to learn anymore. Beginning in the late 1900’s online learning started to grow. In today’s educational field, students can learn through brick-and-mortar schools, hybrid models of instruction, and fully online. According to the article The History of Online Schooling by OnlineSchools.org, 93% of all brick-and-mortar schools offer online classes.
Although online learning or eLearning has become the norm when it comes to teaching and learning, it is still important to find ways to be successful with online classes. Online learning enables students to learn at a distance and offers a variety of classes and course content. For those who learn online, the main platform that is used as an instructional tool is a Learning Management System (LMS).
This allows the instructor to facilitate classroom lessons, articles, and assignments. A few examples of Learning Management Systems include D2LBrightSpace, Schoology, BlackBoard, Moodle, and Google Classroom. To ensure a successful learning experience there are tips for taking online classes.
Create a Dedicated Learning Space
Creating a dedicated learning space is an important aspect to a successful online learning experience. This can be in a college, public library study room, or home office. The key is to have a dedicated space that is quiet and has access to the internet. For students who want to study in groups, a library is a great location to study together and complete assignments. This allows for collaboration and the students to hold each other accountable.
This creates a sense of normalcy for study sessions and group collaboration. For those who want to complete assignments individually, a home office is ideal. Whether the device is a laptop or desktop, creating a personal space and using an effective device for completing assignments is beneficial. With the vitality of learning management systems in the modern environment, having a dedicated space allows for the effective use of educational technology and time management. While using a learning space, it is also important to manage time effectively. This can be done by using apps, personal calendars, and to-do lists.
Embrace Time Management Apps
For most college students, time management can be a struggle. Both undergraduate students and students engaged in graduate studies should look for effective time management strategies. This can come in the form of using time management apps. One of the most important aspects to learn in school and with online classes is time management. Be sure to plan long term assignments out ahead of time.
Paying attention to due dates for homework, tests, and quizzes will help build a calendar of when important dates approach. Reading the instructor’s syllabus gives the student an understanding of how to plan out time effectively. Time management is a personal journey and helps develop discipline and organization. Using Google Calendar, sticky notes, and a handwritten calendar all help to stay organized. This helps with combating procrastination and increases motivation with each passing grade.
Combat Procrastination
Whether it is turning in a report by a deadline, studying weekly for an up-and-coming exam, or working on a group project, procrastination can be a part of the process. Procrastination is a time management issue and also a part of dealing with the stress of difficult assignments. Still, finding ways to beat procrastination that will result in higher grades and an improved sense of accomplishment is important.
Combating procrastination involves:
- Planning ahead.
- Finding time to take breaks.
- Finding innovative ways to stay motivated to complete online tasks.
Consider breaking down large assignments into smaller chunks and if there is a comprehensive exam in an online class, choose specific days and times when to study as the exam approaches. For exams, it is important to be aware of the dates for exams and when is the best time to study and find resources to prepare for the exam. Many online courses have platforms that help with scheduling exams and finding ways to give the student time to prepare. One such platform is ProctorU.
This platform allows students to schedule online exams for a specific date and time. When done effectively with studying, combined with using classroom resources, the student will be prepared to take an exam on ProctorU. This also helps professors due to the fact that the instructors can see when students take their exam and can plan grading for the entire class subsequently.
Seek Support and Resources
For many students, school can be stressful, but the rewards are great once the class or degree is completed. Finding mental health coping strategies and support resources are critical. When it comes to taking online classes, some students can do very well while others may need extra support and resources. For undergraduate and graduate students who go to universities in person but also take online classes there are resources.
Visiting the library and academic centers or seeing the professor during office hours all provide support and resources. Additionally, for students who are in a fully online program, most institutions have online tutoring and support with students’ individual needs.
Gale eLearning Solutions has a website that includes multiple resources to help online students including access to academic libraries, online resources from public libraries, and national databases. Having access to resources online and through class materials gives students extra help while taking online classes. Communicating with professors about priorities and classroom expectations is important to keep up with assignments. Furthermore, having a group of peers to collaborate with brings other mentoring opportunities, resources, and diverse thoughts that can enhance the experience of taking online classes.
Balance Screen Time with Breaks
Taking online classes involves:
- Being intentional about outcomes
- Finding a comfortable environment to learn
- Using support services and resources
Taking regular breaks, finding ways to stay physically active, and focusing on positive mental health is important. These tips will ensure that taking online classes will be a rewarding experience. As education continues to change, so do the needs of students and the way teachers and administrators deliver content. Using effective strategies to complete online classes promotes 21st-century learning and the diversity of educational technology.
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