How to be a successful remote learner: top tips and strategies?

Distance education has become more and more popular, as learners from all around the globe reap its benefits – which are not few, by the way.

The upward trend in remote learning is represented by the increasing number of students switching to the online environment. As statistics suggest, there were about 92 million students enrolled in online courses in 2021. Whether they have a full- or part-time job or simply enjoy the comfort that remote studying offers, people seem to turn to this option to enhance their knowledge. Even now that social isolation imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic is no longer an obligation, online courses are still in high demand. And sincerely, it’s no wonder since online learning platforms provide unique benefits to learners, among which are a high degree of flexibility and better time management.

But online learning is not online studying from the comfort of your coach – there are several aspects to have in mind before enrolling. It can be challenging to keep up with the volume of assignments, but not impossible.

You can succeed as a remote learner, and you’ll see that you only have to change some habits. Read on to find ways to excel in your online journey.

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Create a schedule

One of the critical aspects of enrolling in online classes is to manage your time effectively. It’s essential to have a fixed time slot to stay on top of your assignments, deadlines, and materials. Discipline is necessary for every aspect of your life, but it’s critical in education. Moreover, a job may interfere with your study routine; that’s why we recommend creating and sticking to a timetable. You can dedicate certain hours each day to material examining, watching lectures, working on assignments, and even participating in forums. Depending on when your classes take place, try to divide your day into smaller blocks of time so that you can both attend courses and have certain hours dedicated to study, too. Choose a time of the day when you think you’re more focused and reserve it for honing your skills.

And don’t think about skipping those studying hours if your teacher takes a more asynchronous approach to online courses. Consider instead examining the lesson and do your homework, if any.

Arrange a study environment that supports learning

Setting a proper studying environment is paramount when it comes to remote learning. If you get used to learning from the top of the bed dressed in pajamas, it’s time to change the habit. Think instead about arranging a workplace that promotes learning, and make sure it consists of a comfortable chair and table. It’s essential to treat your online classes as face-to-face to avoid falling into the trap of getting too comfortable. Just because you’re in front of a computer, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have to be present both in mind and body. We recommend finding a distraction-free area in your home and dedicating it to studying. You don’t need a specially designed study room – you can learn efficiently and pay attention to online classes even from the kitchen table, as long as it’s a quiet place. If possible, ask your family not to disturb you and, most importantly, turn off your mobile – physical distractions are not the only ones that can divert your attention.

Take notes – by hand!

Besides the fact that you have to be an active and alert participant, you also need to take notes seriously. Note-taking proved to be extremely helpful in fixing information in the mind and improving brain retention power. One essential aspect to consider is writing down only key facts and important ideas emphasized by the professor. This will help you find the information faster when preparing for the exams, and you’ll know what to focus on. Materials provided by the teacher are sometimes challenging to follow, so you may find the exam period downright stressful. That’s why we advise you to organize your notes to best suit your learning needs. Whether taking a French course or attending an online chemistry class, make sure you review your notes before an examination to understand fundamental concepts.

If you have dysgraphia, consider typing bullet points and essential ideas during the lecture and then write them down. Use outline and highlight techniques to emphasize critical aspects of the lesson and facilitate your study process.

Engage with your professor and classmates

Just because you don’t attend physical classes, it doesn’t mean you have to hide behind the camera. The secret of succeeding as a remote learner stays in your ability to treat the online environment as a physical one. Think about what would you do if you attended a face-to-face class and didn’t understand a particular concept. You would raise your hand and ask for further explanations, right? Well, this is what you need to do during an online course, too. Be sure your teacher would be more than eager to answer questions and engage in discussions. You don’t have to wait until an assignment is almost due to tell your professor that you didn’t comprehend a lesson. Maybe there are others, too, in your situation, so what if you’d be the one that takes action?

It would also be helpful to connect with your classmates so that when the exam period approaches, you can work together. As the saying goes, many hands make light work, so don’t be afraid to ask other students for feedback on a complex assignment – this might help you better understand a particular topic.

Seek motivation

And last but not least, find your motivation. It can be quite hard to keep up with tasks and assignments if you’re not motivated. So, take your time and think about your expectations for the future, why you enrolled in online learning, and how you think this might help you in your future career. Once you have these questions answered, you may find it easier to cope with the stress of attending courses.

Final takeaways

E-learning has gained ground among students wanting to improve their skills and learn new things. But becoming a successful online learner is far from easy since there are so many aspects to consider. Luckily, we’ve got plenty!