These days, it’s possible to take online classes for just about anything; it’s even possible to get valuable professional certifications entirely online. However, online learning environments are very different from their physical counterparts.
How can you make sure you succeed in any online class or training program?
The Diverse Nature of Online Classes and Training Programs
It’s hard to overstate the sheer diversity of online classes and training programs available.
For example, it’s relatively easy to get forklift certified online; in just an hour, you can learn nearly everything there is to know about safe forklift operation. After taking a simple exam, you can receive a formal certificate and start listing “forklift certified” on your resume.
It’s also possible to get an advanced graduate degree entirely online, spending three or even four years studying in a challenging and competitive environment on very advanced topics.
The strategies we’re going to introduce should be useful across the board.
Universal Strategies for Success
No matter what type of online class or training program you’re attending, these strategies can lead you to success:
· Show up. The first tip is an obvious one, but it’s one that many online students neglect: you need to show up. Just because you can access lectures and course materials at any time doesn’t mean you should procrastinate or avoid them. Instead, you should attend lessons dutifully, preferably live, and access all the materials you’re meant to access.
· Choose the right environment. You also need to choose the right environment for your learning. Because you can access materials online, you can hypothetically access them anywhere. But if you access them in an environment that’s inherently distracting or incapable of allowing you to concentrate, you probably won’t succeed. Choose a place that’s relatively quiet, isolated, and distraction-free for best results.
· Have a backup plan. It’s also important to have a backup plan or potentially multiple backup plans in place. For example, if your internet goes down unexpectedly, can you connect to the internet via tethering? If you lose electricity, are there academic resources that you can utilize? Or can you visit a friend and borrow some of their resources?
· Understand the course at the highest level. Before plunging into any course, it’s important to understand it at the highest level. Most teachers have outlines for the courses they intend to teach, complete with assignments to come, grading philosophies, and more. The better you understand the course you’re about to take, the better you’ll be able to tackle it.
· Adopt a positive mindset. It’s also valuable to adopt a positive mindset about your online learning experience. If you genuinely believe that this is a transformative opportunity for you, and if you have since your confidence in yourself, you’ll perform much better. Don’t allow minor setbacks or intimidating coursework to fester in your mind.
· Review materials multiple times. Online learning gives you the luxury of reviewing materials multiple times, so take advantage of it whenever possible. Rewatching an old lecture or rereading notes in a forum can help you absorb and remember more details in the future.
· Connect with your instructor (if you have one). Assuming you have a personal instructor, connect with them and try to establish a relationship with them. This way, if you have any questions or additional needs in the future, they’ll be more than willing to assist you. It’s also a great way to show how serious you are about this learning opportunity.
· Set goals and milestones. You’ll perform much better if you have goals and milestones for yourself. These days, many online courses are completely self-directed, meaning it’s your responsibility to complete the curriculum as you see fit. Without some kind of structure guiding your progress, it might be easy for you to go off the rails.
· Stay organized. Similarly, it’s important to stay organized. There might be an online portal keeping lectures, coursework, and other resources organized for you, but you’ll still need to make an effort to keep your own assignments and responsibilities in proper order.
· Connect with your peers. Your teacher isn’t the only one who can help you through this class; you can also get help and support from other students. Accordingly, you should spend some time connecting with your peers, assuming you have some in this setting. A simple exchange of greetings and a couple of rounds of small talk are enough to get things started. You can also make yourself available to help others with things they may be struggling with.
· Don’t multitask. Multitasking doesn’t work at all – and it’s bad for you, so stop trying to convince yourself otherwise. If you try to do multiple things at once while listening to a lecture, you probably won’t absorb what the teacher is saying to you. Similarly, even something as simple as having music or a podcast in the background can complicate your learning environment.
· Make up for your weaknesses. Finally, be aware of your personal weaknesses and do your best to make up for them. For example, are you a chronic procrastinator? If so, try to handle more responsibilities upfront.
Online classes are remarkably convenient, offering schedule flexibility, curriculum accessibility, and greater comfort to attendees – but that doesn’t mean they’re easy. If you want to be successful, you need to plan ahead, follow sound strategies, and work to maximize your learning potential.
