Taking classes online does not mean an easy degree. If anything, taking an online class is even more academically challenging than taking a class in a classroom. This is because there are no immediate inducements to stay on task, as no one would be any the wiser if you did not pay attention to the lecture or if you failed to complete your reading assignments. That is, until your test grades reflect this fact later on. To stay focused on your education, it is important to keep external distractions to a minimum.
1. Designate a regular “study time.” You may be busy, but regularly set aside a few hours several times a week for school. This will get you accustomed to the learning process as well as provide you with a regular schedule. Tell your friends and families about this “study time” so that they make their plans with you accordingly. Stick to this schedule as tightly as possible so that you keep up with your assignments and lectures. Once you fall behind, it becomes difficult to catch up again.
2. Designate a “study area.” This can be anywhere where you have access to a computer, but preferably choose a quiet place free of distractions. Clear the desk you will be working on, and only stock it with studying essentials, such as Post-It notes and pens. Anything else can and will turn your mind away from paying attention to your studies.
3. Keep a calendar of assignments. Look over your syllabus and write down your assignment due dates on a calendar. You may have the best intentions of remembering to complete all of your assignments and readings, but if you are busy with other responsibilities, you’re bound to forget sometimes. A calendar will prevent many of those slip-of-the-mind problems.
4. Keep your notes organized. Most likely, you will still need to take notes for your online classes. However, whether you choose to record your notes physically in a notebook or type them on a computer is up to you. If you opt to write in a spiral, use different spirals for each subject, or get a notebook with dividers. If you opt to type your notes, save them in separate folders for each class. Keeping all your notes in the same file or spiral will make studying a confusing headache, so it is better to keep organized from the beginning.
5. Meet your classmates. You can set up virtual study sessions, ask each other questions, and discuss assignments. You don’t have to actually meet them in person, but interacting with your classmates through email, instant messaging, or web cam feeds will make your schooling experience much richer.
