Helpful techniques to study online
There are irreconcilable differences between traditional education and online education. But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Technology has changed the way we view many things. Education is just one of them.
Nowadays, students don’t have to give up a good job or a healthy social life in order to study. Online education provides the most-needed tools to balance work, family, friends with studies.
Nevertheless, online education tends to have an unfounded reputation of being harder than traditional education. And that might scare some students into ignoring the benefits. Yet, with some good study techniques, we can face all the obstacles that come from online education.
1. Make a good study plan
Bear in mind that distance education is all about autonomy. Learning is in your hands. Unlike traditional education, time management is the student’s responsibility. As a result, they have to know their limits and organize a calendar according to the goals.
The study plan helps to plan a strategy, or at least guidelines which will provide structure. It will also offer stability and an action plan to face the lectures. It’s important to plan before heading straight to online education.
2. Set a comfortable space to study
Studying requires good equipment and an internet connection to be functional. You need a computer, a webcam, a microphone (optional) and headphones (also optional). The quality of the hardware should be optimal if you don’t want any complications during class. Although the most important element, in the end, is a space filled with complete silence.
The place should be a source of calmness, silence, and coziness for the student. Online study requires concentration and the least distractions possible. In traditional education, students have the luxury of classrooms. To replicate the atmosphere and environment to study the place you pick needs to be perfect.
3. Complement your classes with exercises to practice
If you have a private tutor, ask them to teach you the theory and exercises at the same time.To get a better grasp on the concept, learn the real-life applications. Studies have shown that practicing is much more effective than memorizing.
This technique is not only applied to science or maths. Let's take languages for example. To build your vocabulary it is useful to read books, listen to podcasts and watch TV shows. In the original version, of course.
If the teacher doesn’t give you exercises to practice, find resources online to help you. The Internet is the biggest library ever to exist. It can be useful to complement your studies.
4. Ask for frequent tests or evaluations
The best way to be aware of the concepts you don't understand is a continuous assessment. It is also a good way to assess the engagement and efficacy of the methods your teacher is using in your lessons. They can find measures to solve the problems that arise in these tests.
It’s not about sitting on long and tedious exams. The tests should be short, varied and specific. In online education, this technique can also help check the general progress of the class.
5. Take breaks every X time
With the autonomy that comes with online education, learn not to exhaust your brain. If the fatigue takes its toll, you won't learn as much. It’s important to be well-rested and energized to be more productive. As a result, it’s important to know when the body needs a break.
These breaks should last between 5-10 minutes. During these lapses, you can walk your dog, listen to your favorite music or even make some coffee.
6. Don’t try to memorize, try to understand.
This might not be a study technique but it's vital for your education. It's not about reciting the notes word per word, but to understand what they say. Take advantage of your tutor, solve doubts and accept feedback. Memorizing could be a temporal solution for an exam but it's not forever.
No matter how long it takes to learn something. It is counterproductive to hide your confusion if your ultimate goal is to understand.
7. Establish regular schedules
Keep a regular and stable schedule. We’ve already mentioned the importance of autonomy in distance education. However, self-management is a double-edged sword. We plan according to our needs but we leave a door open for laziness and procrastination.
If we establish a functional habit and we follow it, it will be easier to remove sloth from the equation. A good studying routine will ease the transition from traditional education to online education.
With these easy study techniques, failure is not an option. Online education is one of the best options to study. Take advantage of useful platforms like Classgap because they can help you achieve your goals. Now you don't have to give up on your studies because of a lack of time. If you are committed, there's nothing that can stop you!