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Study Tips for Online School Programs | Pinnacle Career Institute

Written by Jeremy Cooper | Oct 13, 2022 7:33:49 PM

Taking online courses may have its unique challenges. To use our tried-and-true study strategies to make online learning a success keep reading.

 

 

Tips for Online Learning

Taking online courses may have its unique challenges. Use our tried-and-true study strategies to make online learning a success. Discover how to make the most of online classes to save time.

There are many benefits to choosing online education. For example, you may not have access to in person classes due to location, schedule conflicts, or expensive tuition. Alternatives to college, like online learning, on the other hand, are often much more accessible.

Reasons for the popularity of the online learning environment and online studying can vary. For one, it's more flexible. Online learners can set up their own schedule depending on their own pace, self motivation, and the due dates. No matter the reason, here we outline some study tips for online studying to help you get through your online courses effectively.

We'll discuss the keys to time management and minimizing obstacles, among other things. By implementing these tips, you can make the most of your online classes and study sessions.

Set Goals Each Day

Goals are essential because they help you focus your efforts toward reaching success. Knowing your goals for online studying will help you figure out which goals are most important and therefore push you to spend time and energy on those to stay focused and create a dedicated study space.

Writing down your aims makes them real and thus, in theory, makes it more probable that you will achieve them. Furthermore, if you don't write them down, you will not likely remember them later.

Make your goals visible

If you want to succeed in reaching your daily goals, you need to make sure that you write them down and keep them in a place where you will see them every day.

You could use a whiteboard in your kitchen, a piece of paper taped to the mirror in your bathroom, a post-it note affixed to your computer monitor, a sticky note on the door of your refrigerator, or even a post-it note on your refrigerator. 

Choose the option that will serve you the best. Make sure you stick to one place and write down your goal(s) every day in order not to lose track of your work.

One step at a time

One evening is not enough time to master an entire course of study. Taking things one step at a time, on the other hand, will allow you to learn a surprisingly large amount. When doing schoolwork, you should always have a specific aim in mind.

Then methodically go until you have accomplished what you set out to do. Make your plan ahead and keep up with the best study schedule. 

Treat School Like a Job

While it might be tempting to spend hours playing video games or binge-watching TV shows while taking your online classes, don't fall victim to this temptation.

Treat your online classes like a full-time job if you're serious about getting ahead.

You have probably settled on a field of study that relates to the career path you intend to pursue. Therefore laying a good foundation by studying hard and getting good grades can help you to outperform other candidates for jobs.

This work-hard attitude will help you to get your foot in the door of a good company and to grow and develop into a successful person in your field.

Be Prepared

You've undoubtedly already been told how crucial good study habits are to succeed in college. They are essential for students who are enrolled in online college classes.

You are free to begin making preparations for school right now. First, master the fundamentals; and make practicing a regular part of your daily or weekly routine. You will be able to learn more quickly and remember it for a longer period if you have good study tips and habits.

Get organized

Before starting an online class, read the requirements carefully and ensure you are prepared with any of the necessary course material for your online course.

Also, be ready to take notes to stay organized. Have a separate notebook for each class. Some people prefer to take notes by hand, while others prefer to type them. Decide which one works best for you.

Whichever method you choose, you'll want to keep your notes organized. This will make it easier to study and review materials.

To organize your notes, ensure each page contains information related to a single topic. When you start taking notes on a new topic, start on a new page.

Manage Your Time

When discussing time management, many people think of how to manage their day better. So, naturally, they want to know what to do and where to focus. But there are more optimal ways of viewing time management.

With strong time management skills, you can keep track of your study time and ensure you work hard at the most critical times of the day. You can also track how much sleep you are getting to ensure you get enough sleep every day for your mental health.

Keep track of your due dates and know about your assignments ahead. Excellent time management skills will help you organize your course materials and weekly schedule in the most effective way.

Best Tips for managing your time effectively

Set up a daily schedule

It's a great way to start the week off right and make sure you don't waste time on things that won't help you reach your goals.

Use a calendar

You can either set up a dedicated calendar for your online classes or use one calendar for everything. Either way, having to-do lists and appointments organized in one place keeps everything in one spot.

Prioritize your activities

Once you're clear about what needs to be done, perhaps in a list form, decide to prioritize those of the greatest importance. If multiple projects require attention, determine which ones are the highest priority and put them near the top of your list.

Do one task at a time

Don't try to do everything at once to avoid overextending yourself. Put everything else aside and concentrate solely on the task at hand. The more you focus on one task at a time the more you'll get done, and the less time it will take.

Plan for interruptions

We live in a busy world. There will always be times when someone calls, texts, or emails you. Be prepared for these situations by setting aside specific blocks of time during the day for email and phone calls. Eliminate distractions to keep a dedicated study space.

Take breaks

It's easy to forget to take breaks when you're fully committed to your task. Set up regular break times throughout the day if you have trouble focusing on your online coursework. These might include taking a walk around the block, grabbing a snack, or reading an article on your favorite website. 

Keep track of your progress

Whether using a paper planner or digital calendar, keep track of your accomplishments as they happen. This lets you see exactly how far you've come and gives you self motivation to continue moving forward.

Use the Pomodoro Technique

The Pomodoro Technique is based on a timer. Each session lasts 25 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of rest. When you start, you work for 25 minutes straight without stopping and then take a short break. Repeat this process five times, and then move on to the next section.

Reward yourself

As you complete tasks or an online coursework part, give yourself rewards like treats, playlists, or special moments with friends and family.

Get feedback from others

Ask your teachers or fellow classmates for feedback on your performance. This will let you know whether you're meeting expectations and whether you need to adjust your approach to your learning process.

Create a to-do list

A to do list allows you to track everything you need to complete in a day while showing you the amount of work you've done for completing assignments.

Set aside specific times for each subject

Having a set time every day to study online gives you structure and makes sure you stick to your routine. It is especially important if you're taking multiple online classes because you won't want to spend half your time studying one thing while neglecting another.

Designate Study Time

An online study plan isn't just a calendar. You must begin by evaluating your current study approach and determining what works best for you. After that, create a timetable that corresponds with your lifestyle.

Use software tools to create a study plan

If you want to make it easier to manage your time, consider creating a study schedule using a program such as Microsoft Outlook or Google Calendar. Both programs allow you to create different types of schedules.

For example, you could create a weekly schedule that includes all your assignments, practice tests, and quizzes. Or you could create a daily plan that lists each assignment, quiz, and review session.

Minimize Distractions

Distraction can lead to procrastination and even low grades. Here are some suggestions to help you reduce interruptions and eliminate distractions to concentrate on your education.

  • Ensure that your study space is quiet.
  • Time yourself and devote a set amount of time to studying.
  • Eliminate distractions by closing unneeded tabs and windows on your computer screen.
  • Make a plan to stay on track.

Making a dedicated study space is another effective strategy for reducing disruptions. A study area is a quiet place where you may stay focused without interruption.

Reasons to avoid disruption

You will be able to make the most of your study time if you keep distractions to a minimum.

This provides you with improved motivation and vitality to get your task done. In addition, it enables you to focus on studying rather than getting sidetracked by activities such as using social media or watching television shows.

Even if it's just a tiny diversion, something might nevertheless waste a few minutes of your time. These seemingly insignificant diversions can, over several weeks of online education, eat up hours that you could have spent studying and gaining ground.

Turn Off Notifications

It is easier to focus on your studies if you switch off all notifications from social networks and other programs. You won't have to be nervous about giving in to the temptation to check Facebook while you're supposed to take online classes.

It is essential to remember that turning off notifications might not always be an option for some people.

For both personal and professional reasons, some people are extremely reliant on their mobile devices. If this is the case for you, then you may be required to make some changes to the way that you normally study.

Discover apps that help you focus

If you don't want to completely cut yourself off from the world, try out an app like Freedom, KeepMeOut, or Switcheroo to help keep you stay focused. You can even use an extension such as StayFocusd or SelfControl.

Turn on the 'Do Not Disturb' setting on your device to prevent your favorite games and apps from interfering with your studies.

Use your phone wisely

Using your phone wisely means using it for educational purposes. If you look at your phone every five seconds, you'll never get anything done. So instead, set it down and pick it back up when you need to take a quick look.

You can also use your phone to track your progress. For example, you can list things you've learned in each class to know where you stand. Or, you can write down any ideas you come across during an online class.

Additionally, you can use your phone for research. Many websites offer free online courses. These include Khan Academy, Coursera, and edX.

Make learning a priority by putting your mobile device to good use.

Break Down Tasks

Do you know how much easier it is to do something once you've broken it down into small steps?

Well, the same goes for studying. If you're trying to cram for an exam, breaking down your task into smaller chunks helps you avoid getting overwhelmed.

You'll be able to take it one step at a time rather than trying to accomplish everything at once.

To help you plan out your studies, we've put together some tips on how to break down your tasks into smaller pieces.

Focus on one subject at a time. If you have multiple subjects to study, focusing on only one at a time is ideal. If you try to juggle too many balls at once, you are setting yourself up for a stressful and confusing experience.

Break down topics. You will also need to dissect the various themes in order to gain more knowledge concerning the particulars of each subject. Once more, this can be accomplished in several distinct ways.

You may accomplish this with any topic by dividing it up into subsections. This enables you to zero in on a subject and concentrate on it in great depth.

A further helpful strategy for breaking down your study session is creating flashcards highlighting the critical aspects of each topic you cover.

You can also divide your workload into areas where you are stronger and need to work harder. This method of breaking down tasks helps you prioritize your study times.

Take Notes

Taking notes while listening to a professor will make your online studying much simpler for you to recall what you heard in the future or when you complete assignments.

Record the lecture even if it is only available online as a webcast. Separate it into sections, and then label each one. After that, jot down some notes on the most significant aspects so you won't forget them later.

Throughout the day, you can refer back to your notes and jot down any questions you might have for the evening's Q&A.

Why are notes beneficial?

Taking notes during online classes helps if your lecturer mentions something that could come up in exams but is not included in the lecture slides.

Many online courses don't include detailed slides or notes for lectures. As a result, if you end up not taking notes, studying in a hurry becomes an impossible task.

Actively Participate In Class

It is essential to actively participate in the lessons and conversations held in an online institution.

Individuals often neglect to ask questions because they believe doing so will make them appear ignorant or incompetent. This may appear to be obvious, but the reality is that many people have this misconception.

Well, here are some helpful tips to help you participate more actively and effectively in online classes:

Read all posts before posting a reply. Before posting a reply, make sure you read all the previous posts. Then, if you're unsure what to do, ask other students for help. Nobody can predict what you could miss.

Ask questions. If you don't understand something, ask your teacher. Most instructors are happy to take the time to answer student questions.

Use forums. Forums are great places to ask questions, and many online classes provide a forum for students and professors to discuss course topics and materials.

Identify the problem. If you make a mistake, quitting is easy. But don't let this demoralize you. Consider what went wrong instead, then try again. More practice will help you get better.

Participating in classes also helps you to stand out from your peers. Your lecturers are people, after all, and if you are between grades when your teacher is grading papers, a lasting impression could take you from a B to an A or from a fail to a pass.

Utilize Your Peers & Network

Students are gradually taking more online courses. These courses provide convenience and flexibility, enabling students to obtain a college degree without having to leave their homes.

These courses also provide opportunities for interaction and collaboration, helping students build relationships with their peers while learning together.

However, many students find connecting with classmates in an online course challenging because they don't know how to utilize their peers and network effectively.

Consider these tips on using your peers and network to enhance your online course experience. These can help you achieve online learning success.

Provide encouragement

Encourage your classmates to participate in online discussions. If someone isn't participating, encourage them to do so. When you see someone struggling with something, try to provide guidance and support.

Give constructive criticism

Provide feedback to your classmates regarding their performance in class. It's important to give constructive criticism. However, avoid criticizing someone personally. Instead, focus on the issue at hand.

Offer advice

Giving advice can be beneficial. But don’t forget that every person has unique demands and preferences. So before offering advice, consider whether it would benefit the person receiving it.

Share information

Share information with your fellow classmates. Whether it's information related to school life, career, hobbies, or other things, sharing this kind of information can help others.

Help each other succeed

Help your classmate succeed by being their accountability partner. For example, if you notice that one of your classmates is struggling with a particular subject, offer to help them.

Attend events

Attending events is another way to get to know your classmates better, especially for new students. Events include lectures, workshops, conferences, and more.

Use study groups

Studying alone doesn't work for everyone. In fact, research shows that learning in groups helps people perform better academically. You can set up a virtual study group with online students for a better learning environment.

The advantages of group study include:

  • Sharing concepts and materials
  • Getting more out of classes
  • Improving grades
  • Learning new skills
  • Developing friendships
  • Meeting new people
  • Getting more from your study session

Become Familiar With the Professor

Faculty members are here to help students reach their goals. They are more than willing to divulge their trade secrets at any opportunity.

If you are perplexed or unable to move on, do not be hesitant to ask questions. Professors love helping students learn for online classes and are happy to discuss anything related to academics.

Use office hours to your advantage

Office hours are prearranged periods when instructors make themselves available to meet with students in person.

Office hours are a perfect opportunity to ask questions and receive personalized attention from your professor, who can help you develop into a successful online learner.

Ask your professors to recommend books, websites, and extra course materials to help you achieve academic success. They may even tell you how to improve your GPA.

Get help from the career services office at your school

Many students will need help finding jobs after they finish their degree programs. This can be a daunting task, especially without the right support.

Many universities and colleges offer support for students and alumni when it comes to securing careers. And yes, these centers often accommodate online students too.

Students can learn about various occupations and ways to advance their careers by visiting career centers.

In addition, some career centers host monthly seminars at which local businesses and organizations are invited to speak with students about their work and the fields in which they operate.

Ask For Help

Peer-to-peer tutoring services exist across most university campuses. This option allows online students to connect directly with trained tutors via video chat, email, or phone calls.

Many professors offer additional help outside class hours, such as providing study tips, reviewing assignments, and helping students prepare for exams.

Some schools even allow students to use online platforms like Skype or Facetime to communicate with each other.

Be Intentional - With School & Your Career Path

Taking online classes can be a perfect way to learn something new without having to deal with the stress of commuting. You can take an online course about anything you want, from learning how to code to starting a business.

However, there is more to online learning than just taking a few classes. To get ahead, you need to be intentional about your online program.

Some useful tips to keep in mind are as follows.

Keep it real with yourself

As you get ready to head back to class, how confident are you that you'll have a successful year? Do you know for sure what you want to do with your life once you finish school? Is it a good time for you to start taking online college classes?

Make sure you are getting enough sleep

If you don't get enough sleep, it's harder to focus and remember things. Whether you’re a night owl or a morning person, sleep is necessary for studying online.

Don't forget to eat well

Eating healthy will help you get the energy to work hard during the day and stay healthy.

Stay organized

Keep track of everything you read so you won't miss important details later. Use a calendar to plan your schedule and set aside specific times to complete tasks and online quizzes.

 

Browse Online Programs at PCI

At Pinnacle Career Institute, we offer a variety of excellent courses that can help you take your career up a notch. Our trade school courses can help you land your dream job and have a fulfilling career.

Here are some of the excellent online courses we offer: 

 

 

Your journey to a better career begins with signing up for an online course that helps you to learn the skills and knowledge you need for your job. To start your journey, browse our programs to find the one that's right for you.

Key Takeaways

If you're looking for ways to study for online classes, apply these practical tips to help you become a great student.

First off, take advantage of the tools available to you. There are many free resources like flashcards, quizzes, and online games.

Second, use your time wisely. Don't waste hours watching TV or playing video games when you could be studying instead.

Third, enlist a study buddy or accountability partner. If you have someone else holding you accountable, you'll be more likely to stick to your plan.

Fourth, divide massive tasks into manageable chunks. As a result, you'll feel more motivated to keep pushing forward.

Finally, don't forget to reward yourself. Of course, a little treat now and again won't hurt, but it's even better if you schedule it in advance.

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