How can students develop online learning skills?
The extended COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and social distancing norms made one thing crystal clear. The future of education is digital.
The last two years have been difficult for students because the transition from traditional classrooms to online classes was too sudden. But we know that even after the pandemic is over, a large number of courses will be moved online. This means that students need to develop strong online learning skills. Here are some tips to help them do just that:
- Treat online classes as a ‘real’ classroom: One of the main reasons why online learning can be challenging is because students tend to view it as ‘lesser than’ traditional classroom education. They see it as an easy way to get good grades without putting in any effort. This attitude needs to change. Students need to see online classes as a real classroom where they are expected to learn and participate actively.
This means being present in class, paying attention, participating in discussions and completing all assignments on time. Just because there is no physical classroom doesn’t mean online learning is any less important.2.
2. Set clear expectations: Students need to have clear expectations set for them by their professors. This includes what type of participation is expected, how often they are expected to be in class, what kind of assignments are due and when, and so on.
If expectations are not made clear, students will struggle to succeed in an online classroom. Professors also need to be clear about their expectations and make sure they are achievable for students.
Parents can help their children learn better online by setting clear expectations for them at home as well. This includes having set times for class, doing homework, and participating in discussions.
3. Check all technical requirements: One of the most frustrating things about online learning is technical problems. A poor internet connection, spotty audio, or video glitches can make it very difficult to learn.
Before each class, students should make sure they have all the technical requirements met. This includes a strong internet connection, a quiet place to study, and a working webcam and microphone.
4. Have a stable, reliable internet connection: In Australia, you can check your internet speed at https://www.acma.gov.au/the-acma/get-connected/your-speed
If you’re not happy with your current internet speed, you can shop around for a better deal. There are many affordable broadband plans available in Australia and you can compare them at http://comparebroadband.com.au/
A good quality computer or laptop is also a worthwhile investment for online learning. It will make it easier to participate in class, do your homework, and stay organized. A reliable computer will also help you avoid technical problems that can arise from using an outdated or cheap model.
5.Designate a study area with no distractions: It can be hard to focus when you’re trying to learn in a noisy or cluttered environment. Creating a designated study area in your home can help you focus and do your best work.
Your study area should be free of distractions like TV, music, and other people. It should also have everything you need to succeed, including a strong internet connection, plenty of desk space, and good lighting.
If you find it difficult to focus in your own home, consider finding a quiet place to study at your local library or community center.
6.Get organized: One of the best ways to succeed in an online class is to be organized. This means having a place for all your materials, including class notes, assignments, and due dates.
A good way to get organized is to create a folder for each class on your computer. This will help you keep track of everything in one place and make it easy to find what you need.
You can also use a planner to keep track of assignments and due dates. This will help you stay on top of your work and avoid missing any deadlines. If you are a parent of a school-going kid, you can help him or her in maintaining a clutter-free, well-organized desk space.
7. Make a study plan with regular study breaks: One of the most important things to do when taking an online class is to make a study plan. This means setting aside time each day or week to work on your classwork.
It’s also important to take regular study breaks. This will help you avoid burnout and stay fresh for your next session. A good rule of thumb is to take a break every hour, or for every two hours of study time.
8. Hold yourself accountable and also reward yourself: It can be easy to procrastinate when you’re taking an online class. That’s why it’s important to hold yourself accountable and make sure you’re doing the work.
You can do this by setting regular study goals and rewarding yourself when you reach them. For example, you could give yourself a break after finishing an assignment or studying for a certain amount of time.
If you find it difficult to stay motivated, consider working with a CrunchGrade tutor or joining a study group. This will help you get the support you need and keep you on track.
9. Actively participate in online discussions: One of the best ways to learn in an online class is to participate in discussions. This means commenting on your classmates’ posts and asking questions.
When you participate in discussions, you not only learn more but also build relationships with your classmates and teachers. This can be helpful when you need help with a project or want someone to proofread your work.
10. Employ the right media that matches your learning style: Everyone learns differently, so it’s important to find the right media for your learning style.
If you’re a visual learner, you might benefit from watching lectures or taking notes on a whiteboard. If you’re an auditory learner, you might prefer listening to podcasts or attending webinars. And if you’re a kinesthetic learner, you might prefer working with flashcards or interactive software.
No matter what your learning style is, there are plenty of tools and resources available to help you succeed in an online class.
11. Build virtual networks: Online networking is an important skill for any student, but it’s especially important for those taking online classes.
This is because you might not have the opportunity to meet your classmates and teachers in person. But by connecting with them online, you can still build relationships and get the support you need.
There are a few ways to do this. One is to join an online community or forum related to your class. This will give you a place to ask questions and exchange ideas with your classmates.
You can also connect with classmates and teachers on social media. This is a great way to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the class, as well as get help when you need it.
With these simple tips, you can develop the online learning skills you need to succeed in your classes. So get started today and see how far you can go!