Whether you have enrolled in a single online class or are completing an entire degree program online, it is important to understand that online learning differs quite significantly from the classroom learning experience. Not only may you need to have a greater sense of self-discipline in an online class, but you may also need to take proactive measures to stay engaged and motivated.
The good news? There are plenty of practical best practices and tips for taking online classes that could help you succeed as you embark on your educational journey.
Key Online Learning Tips for Success
One of the most common misconceptions students have about online classes is that they will be much easier than traditional, in-person classes. In reality, online coursework tends to be just as challenging, and for some, even more challenging because of the added digital component and lack of face-to-face interaction with instructors and peers.
With a better understanding of the beginnings of online learning and the essential tools you need to succeed, you may feel better prepared to begin your online learning experience.
How Online Learning Transformed Education
The first computer-based learning can be traced back to the 1960s, when some universities began offering a remote learning option to students through an interconnected computer network. However, because the personal computer was still decades away from becoming “the norm” in the American household, the first significant shift toward online learning did not really begin until the advent of the Internet and home computers in the 1980s and 1990s.
According to the Pew Research Center, about 52 percent of adults in the United States had access to the Internet in 2000. However, internet speeds at this time could not support the video conferencing, online lectures, and other online learning components that are so commonplace today.
As of 2023, 95 percent of adults in the United States use the internet, and many colleges and universities now offer exclusively online degree programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns of 2020, we saw first-hand the value of online learning when many schools across the country were forced to adapt to eLearning.
Essential Tools and Resources for How to Succeed in Online Classes
When it comes down to how to succeed in online classes, it boils down to not only your level of preparation but your access to important tools and resources as well. To have the best chance of success in an online learning environment, you will need to have access to a computer with a reliable internet connection. Likewise, you will need to have a basic understanding of technology and how to navigate a computer. Being able to download and open files, write in a word processing program, and possibly even partake in video calls is critical.
Preparing for Success in Online Classes
In addition to having the right access to technology before starting your first online class, there are some other things you may need to prepare for your online learning journey.
What You Need to Get Started With Online Learning
First, it is important to treat online classes the same as you would a traditional, on-campus class. This means purchasing school supplies (such as notebooks, textbooks, and folders) for each course and keeping your materials for each class well organized.
If you do not already use a planner or calendar, this would also be a good time to invest in one. Using a planner could help you keep track of important deadlines, exam dates, and other due dates that may help you succeed in your online classes.
How to Set Up the Perfect Study Space for Online Learning Success
Because you will not be traveling to a physical classroom to learn and study, having a dedicated study space set up in your own home is a must. Ideally, this space will be in an area of your home that is quiet and free from distractions, such as a home office or spare bedroom.
When setting up your study space, make sure you have a comfortable area to set up your computer with an ergonomic desk chair, as you will likely be spending a lot of time in this space. Set yourself up for success in your learning space with file folders for easy organization, plenty of task lighting, and zero distractions.
How to Be Successful in Online Classes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Still not feeling 100% confident in your ability to succeed in an online class? Here are a few step-by-step online learning tips to help you prepare!
Step 1: Establish Clear Learning Objectives for Online Classes
Before you take your first online class, set some time aside for yourself to reflect on what you hope to get out of the class by the end of the semester. Do you want to become proficient in a certain skill? Maybe the class is a prerequisite for your program, and your only goal is to pass. Regardless, write down your goals and consider keeping them tacked to a bulletin board near your workspace so you can stay motivated throughout the year.
Step 2: Create a Consistent Study Schedule for Success in Online Learning
When you are in a traditional college class, your schedule is more or less planned out for you with specific meeting dates and times. An asynchronous online class may not offer this level of structure, but you can always create it for yourself.
Using a planner, set a study schedule for the week that you can stay consistent with. This way, you can put dedicated time into each of your online courses for studying, completing lectures, taking notes, and completing assignments.
Step 3: Learn How to Engage Actively With Online Course Materials
When it comes to working with online course materials, there are a lot of considerations to keep in mind. For example, if your instructor assigns video lectures, you may get the most out of them by pausing the lecture to take notes as you listen. If you are assigned readings, print them out so you can easily highlight passages, make notes in the margins, and engage with them to the fullest extent. Remember that this is your learning experience, so you need to figure out what works for you.
Step 4: Participate in Online Discussions to Enhance Learning
One important component of online learning is interacting with others and demonstrating your mastery of the course material. Many instructors will require students to participate in online forum discussions or even live chats about course topics to gauge their comprehension.
With this in mind, it is important to participate as much as you can. If your instructor offers virtual office hours, take advantage of these as a means of getting to know your teacher better and ask questions about any topics you may be struggling with.
Step 5: Explore Tips for Effective Time Management in Online Classes
Having strong time management skills is critical when taking online classes, especially if you are also juggling a job, taking care of a family, or other life obligations. In addition to keeping a planner, you may also be able to improve your time management by using a tried-and-true time management technique, such as the Eisenhower Matrix or the Pomodoro Method. You can even find free online tools and apps to help you allocate your time and energy more consciously using these methods.
Overcoming Common Challenges in Online Learning
Even when you are proactive about setting yourself up for success in online learning, there are some potential obstacles and challenges you may run into. The key is to be prepared for these roadblocks with strategies to overcome them.
Staying Motivated and Focused in a Virtual Classroom
One of the biggest troubles many online students run into is a lack of motivation, especially in asynchronous courses where you may not ever meet or even speak to your instructors/classmates in a live setting nor have specific class meeting times. This lack of a strict schedule and structure could make it easy to skip assigned readings or become a little too relaxed about your learning experience.
If you fall into this trap, the best thing you can do is create a strict schedule to keep yourself accountable. Even if you are not required to meet at a certain time or day for the class, block out dedicated time in your schedule at least a couple of days a week to complete your assigned readings and other coursework. By treating it more like a traditional class, you may be able to improve your focus and motivation.
Managing Distractions and Staying Productive in Online Courses
Distractions are another common issue in online classes. It can be tempting to pull out your phone and start scrolling social media during a video lecture, especially when you know that the instructor is not going to call you out in front of the entire class.
The best way to minimize distractions and stay productive in an online learning environment is to set up a dedicated learning space where these distractions are completely removed. For example, you might consider keeping your smartphone in a separate room or putting it into “do not disturb” mode while you are studying. Similarly, keeping televisions and other sources of media off while you are doing your online coursework could make all the difference in maintaining focus.
Pursue Your Online Degree at Post University
With so many colleges and universities now offering online classes, the landscape of higher education has been permanently changed. As a result, students should be prepared to tackle the inherent challenges of online coursework and learn how to be successful in online classes. In doing so, they may be able to enhance their own learning experiences and get the most out of their education without having to set foot inside a classroom.
At Post University, we take a lot of pride in the quality online programs we offer, as well as the level of support we provide to our community of online learners. Not only have we been offering online learning options since 1996, but we also offer a dedicated support team to every student. Explore our wide selection of undergraduate degrees/certificates and graduate-level degrees to get started today!
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