Learning Online

Moving to an online learning platform can seem very overwhelming, and you are not alone if you are experiencing those feelings. But with a little time and organization you can join the many students who are now comfortable learning remotely and working online. You can do this!

Firstly, you might actually find that there are many similarities between being online and being in the classroom. The skills that you have already developed working in a traditional classroom will always be important regardless of where you are. These skills will include:

Keeping up with the schedule by managing your time effectively.
Taking good notes
Regular review of class materials
Making use of all of the resources available to you
Communicating with your instructor by asking questions when you have them

Taking an online class does mean that you have to be a bit more self-reliant, so taking some time to work out your study schedule and staying with that schedule can make life a lot easier for you, particularly if you know that you are a little disorganized in general. Also, making sure that you build into your schedule regular opportunities to review your notes will be very important.

It is ok to feel a little anxious when you first access your online class. We have all gone through that. So, it is really worthwhile to set aside some time, when you don’t have a deadline to meet, when you can explore the class and get a good understanding on how things are laid out and how they are labeled. Doing this will help you understand how the class is organised.

Just because you are working remotely doesn’t mean that you need to be working alone. You will have opportunities to “meet” your classmates through discussions and chats. Make the most of those opportunities, and if you can, create a study group that you can turn to for support and connection.

Online learning may be new to you, but by taking a little time early on, you can set yourself up for success.