With emerging technological innovations, we are witnessing significant lifestyle changes and digitalization. Be it shopping or work, and everything is being done online at an increasingly fast rate. Simultaneously, students are counting on online education for diploma courses, undergraduate and higher degree programs to enhance their knowledge.
Perhaps, the current economic conditions and prevailing uncertainty are the most prominent forces driving people towards acquiring education online. After all, rising inflation creates financial constraints, and people also want to stay safe in the pandemic.
One of the most significant benefits of online education is that people don’t have to reschedule their lives around taking classes on campus. It offers the flexibility and convenience to attend classes as per your schedule, eliminating the need to juggle between work and college. Likewise, it offers accessibility, breaking all regional boundaries; people from all across the world can enroll themselves in online programs.
The fact that online learning gives students a degree of freedom and flexibility is making it increasingly popular. However, learning off-campus takes a lot of commitment and self-discipline as students are easily distracted. Honestly, despite its numerous pros, online education has its fair share of challenges as well, but learning how to deal with them is what matters. Instead of being skeptical about it, consider changing your habits.
Here are eight healthy habits for online degree students.
1. Draft A Study Plan
Believe it or not, but time management will be your lifeline as an online student. At the beginning of every term or semester, draw up a weekly spreadsheet to close doors for extra commitments that may come between your study schedule.
This includes overtime work shifts, family holidays, and weekend plans with friends. Similarly, look into the course outline and assess the upcoming workload. Outline the dates for quizzes, project submissions, and exams to give yourself a heads up.
A study plan applies for all degree programs and certifications. Thus, whether you are enrolled in online healthcare MBA programs or a marketing degree, skim through the course material. It will help in managing time more effectively.
2. Utilize e-Learning Resources
Surprisingly, virtual learners have access to more resources than students who take classes on campus. Schools give access to digital libraries, meaning books and course material would be a click away. Likewise, reap the benefits of video conferencing tools to ask away all questions.
At the same time, you can download e-Learning apps for self-studying. You will come across practice quizzes, multiple-choice questions, and flashcards to assist with retention. These resources can streamline exam preparation, helping you score excellent grades.
3. Set Challenging Deadlines
In the hustle-bustle of daily life, taking out time for studying and completing assignments can be challenging. So, why not set some deadlines? It will prevent the hassle of working on the night before submissions. You can divide work over the week and finish it before the actual deadline. Besides, challenging deadlines act as a motivating factor to keep your studies on track.
They encourage you to study because you have a target to achieve. However, always weigh every deadline against your work and other commitments to avoid any rescheduling.
4. Create a Study Space
Setting up the perfect study space is critical to creating the right environment for actually studying. Find a place within your house with minimal distractions. Grab a table, comfortable chair, and decorate the space with lights and stationery essentials. After all, this space has a significant impact on your ability to focus and maintain a routine around online classwork. However, this may vary depending on how you like to study. Not everyone is a study-table person.
5. Connect with Classmates
Usually, online learning conjures up images of people studying in isolation. Does it have to be like this? Of course, not. Today’s virtual education provides many ways to connect with online classmates and academic communities, broadening the learning experience. Conventional social media forums like Facebook and Twitter let you follow one another, opening doors to communication. On the other hand, you can start a study group to prepare for assessments. Students can share knowledge and help fellow mates who are struggling.
6. Make Your Notes
Many people believe they don’t have to take notes because all information is present on the screen. Unsurprisingly, making notes is an essential part of the learning process. Summarizing important information and, in some cases, noting down points that aren’t readily available makes things a lot easier.
Moreover, keep communication lines open and seek out clarity whenever in doubt. If you are facing trouble with a concept based on available material, ask the instructor. They will attempt to explain it in other terms that can help you understand better. In addition to assisting in the short-term, taking notes will improve the virtual learning experience in the long run.
7. Give Yourself Breaks
Instead of spending long hours cramming course work and completing assignments, try dividing your study sessions into smaller chunks. A 10-15-minute break between sessions is more than enough to prevent exhaustion. However, don’t end up taking naps or watching movies in this break! Utilize it to spruce up your study space, grab a snack, catch up on your social media accounts, or call a friend for a quick talk.
8. Stretch & Go for a Walk
Undoubtedly, sitting for long hours can be quite tiring and detrimental to your health. Therefore, stretch your muscles with some mobility exercise to ensure a full motion range during your breaks. These exercises don’t take hours; instead, it only requires 10-15 minutes.
Grab a yoga mat, wear something stretchable, and you are good to go. You can also go for a walk to breathe some fresh air. This is particularly good for relieving all that mental stress that can build up while sitting in one spot at length. Since these activities ease tension and unwind the mind, you can refocus and concentrate on your studies adequately.
Final Thoughts
Initially, online education might seem challenging, especially if you are not tech-savvy. But once you get the hang of e-Learning tools and applications, it will be a smooth experience. In addition to learning at your pace, you can fulfill your work commitments while making the most out of online classes. However, before calling the shots, it is essential to adopt healthy habits and boost motivation levels.