By now, parents and students have resigned themselves to the fact that online learning – in some form or another – will be part of the new normal. For some students, this is fantastic news and so they should know the benefits of online learning.
They thrive in a digital setting away from the distractions and pressures of in-classroom learning. For others, the transition hasn’t been quite as smooth. Some students and parents have faced technological hurdles, while others have had a tough time adapting to new time management requirements.
While it’s true that some students see the home as a welcome change from the traditional classroom, others have had a tougher time focusing on the absence of a dedicated, structured, physical classroom.
Whether you count yourself in column A or B, there’s still room for personal improvement. If you want to make the most of your online learning experience, incorporate a few of these tips into your at-home education.
What is Online Learning Like? – Here’s My Experience!
During the pandemic, the dreadful period no one wants to remember or think of, again – I was completing my Postgraduate degree. With two semesters left, we were in the midst of convincing a professor or department outside to take us as interns. Throw a pandemic in the mix and we’re left with students who are happy and concerned about the whole thing.
There were a million things running through my head – from the culture plate I had left for overnight incubation to the library book that was with me! With the confirmation to start my mandatory internship at a prestigious college, I was devastated that the classes had been called off until further notice.
After a while, when universities got the hang of online classes – taking a page out of the corporate world, if I may add – online classes were in full swing! It was choppy at first – what can you expect from professors who are doing it for the first time, too?
But slowly, there was no reason for a class to be called off unless there was a connection issue. The entire process was easy and there was no hindrance to finishing the syllabus! Shortly after the prevalence of the infection reduced and the restrictions were less, I found a job to help recover the finances.
Thankfully we were still conducting online classes, and the final year exams were around the corner. The process was seamless then too, and we were able to finish our course quite easily.
While doing a full-time job, I was able to write my exams and pass with flying colours – many were able to and don’t let the technology fool you – we had proper surveillance.
After that, I also completed a diploma certificate – all while committing to online learning which was quite fruitful.
Takeaway
So, if you are sceptical about it, you can easily go ahead and sign up for online classes.
What Are the Benefits of Online Learning?
Here are some of the top benefits of online learning that you may have been overlooking:
- A comfortable learning environment that allows students to learn anywhere, no matter the time or place.
- Flexibility for students who cannot be physically there at school is one of the best ways education is made accessible in the digital era. This also helps students develop good time management skills.
- This is primarily great for students who are trying to advance in their careers while also improving their qualifications.
- Online learning improves accessibility for people by providing them with downloadable notes, online support and videos that help them improve their knowledge without having to compromise their comfort.
- Improves virtual communication and collaboration for students and allows them to develop the technical skills that will be necessary in the current corporate world.
Out of the several benefits of online learning, students also get a taste of a global perspective, depending on the centre they choose for it.
Tips To Reap the Most Benefits of Online Learning
If you are unsure how you (or your kids) can make the most of online learning and not end up wasting the opportunity– here are some useful tips:
1. Choose the School You Attend
This tip is massively important, though some take it for granted. Now that you aren’t beholden to attending the nearest school in proximity, the doors are wide open for options.
Review your online learning options and choose a school based on quality rather than proximity – one that features passionate teachers, a wide variety of courses, flexible scheduling, and 24/7 tutoring.
2. Refine Your Daily Routine
Online learning is flexible, but you should still have a daily routine. It doesn’t need to be the conventional eight AM to three PM routine espoused and practised in brick-and-mortar schools, however.
If you find your brain works best in the evenings, by all means, shift your day ahead a few hours. The key is consistency.
Establishing a set routine helps you feel more in control of your studies. It also enables you to practice personal accountability – if you know you should be studying at a set time, you are more likely to do so.
3. Customize Your Workspace
Set your workspace up for success. If possible, choose a secluded part of the home away from any rowdy siblings or vacuuming parents.
Remove potential distractions like the buzzing of your phone or the beckoning call of a video game console.
Keep a clean desk. Have everything you need for a day’s work at arm’s reach. And, most importantly, make the space feel comfortable.
4. Breathe In, Breathe Out
In your determination to get the most out of your online learning, you may conflate ‘working hard’ with ‘working all the time.’ This isn’t the case.
Perhaps counter-intuitively, your brain needs breaks to work optimally. Schedule frequent breaks (they can be short) and take a moment to focus on your breath. Bring things back down to earth.
If you want to incorporate a break into your schedule, set aside a block of time each day to practice mindfulness. Either through yoga or meditation.
These practices have been shown to mitigate stress and help you feel more focused and present.
Throughout all these tips, the theme is this: If you want to make the most of your online school, do it your way. Have a say in the school you attend. Set a routine that works for you.
Customize your workspace and take care of yourself. By taking control of your online learning, you ensure that it is a positive, enriching, and educative experience.
5. Have A Dedicated Space Without Distractions
When your online learning is underway, either live or recorded session, make sure you have zero distractions. This will help you focus on the lesson and minimize the time you spend sitting for a long time.
The biggest enemy of online learning is your social media notifications – even if you are using your phone to attend online classes, you must ensure the Focus mode is turned on. Then you can select the apps – your online learning platform for example – zoom, Google Meet, discord, etc., is allowed to function during this mode.
Wrapping It Up!
This was all about the benefits of online learning and how you can do most of it with the help of these five tips. Online lessons – be it a recorded session or a live one – should have your complete attention. This will allow you to make the most of your online experience without losing out on knowledge.
You can create a schedule and stick to it with the help of other supporting actions such as finding your space, and meditating in between or before your online learning begins.
There are many ways you can maximize the benefits of this learning mode without much effort. Happy learning!
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