Several of the study guides found online are geared toward students in traditional classrooms. They offer variations on the same query, “how do you take the education you receive in a traditional classroom and study effectively, either by yourself or among peers”? But what about the growing subsection of students opting out of the traditional classroom? What are the best practices for online learners to study?
Online education, as you might expect, is mainly undertaken in one’s home. This poses unique challenges in studying, but it also offers many advantages. In this post, let’s explore the new wave of online education, and provide some practical tips for effective learning and studying at home.
Why Students are Logging on to the New Wave of Online Education
First, let’s look at a few of the reasons more students are flocking to online education to complete their high school courses or supplement their traditional education. The advantages of enrolling in an online high school are multitudinous, but here are a few critical benefits for students:
- Own Pace Learning: with online education, students have a large chunk of time to complete the course, and so can learn at their own speed. They can move quickly through concepts they find easy, and slowly through concepts they find difficult. Students aren’t beholden to the pace of the rest of the class.
- Accessibility: Some students may find it simpler to learn from home than make the physical trip to a new location.
- Education Mirroring the Workplace: as many workplaces take the digital plunge, moving processes and tasks online, eLearning sets students up for the experience.
- 24/7 Support: Unlike traditional classrooms, online classrooms are open all hours of the day. If the student has a day job, works better in the evenings, or simply needs questions answered during a nighttime study session, support is available.
There are numerous other reasons why a growing number of students have embraced online education, but the bullet points above summarize a few good arguments. So, what about the challenges? In the next section, let’s discuss a few tips for making the most of your at-home studies.
How to Study Effectively at Home
- Set a Schedule: Consolidate your deadlines – both personal deadlines and course deadlines – into a calendar to keep on schedule.
- Set Yourself up for Success: A large portion, if not all, of online education is computer based. If you know that your typing skills are less than ideal, consider a course in keyboarding online to strengthen your abilities and ensure that your online education isn’t more stressful than it needs to be.
- Take Breaks: Don’t forget to rest. It’s beneficial for your brain to take frequent short breaks when studying. In the absence of a school bell, set a timer on your phone for every 15 to 45 minutes and allow yourself short, five-minute intermissions.
In summary, there are many advantages to online learning, and the challenges that do exist are easily manageable with some simple study tips.
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