Tips for Studying Online: Efficiency Hacks for eLearning Success

October 2022

Online learning provides plenty of benefits to learners looking for more flexible ways to study, especially for those who cannot adhere to traditional classroom settings due to work or other circumstances. However, those studying online courses must be responsible for motivating themselves for productive learning.

While everybody is different, there are bound to be motivators that can keep us all focused and productive. As such, we’ve listed some tips for studying online to help you learn how to study better. Follow our eLearning hacks to maximise the benefits you get from online learning.

Online Study Tips to Boost Your Learning Success

Study in the Right Environment

Choose a workspace that encourages you to study. An ideal environment would be quiet, organised and available whenever you need it. It can be in an office, the corner of your bedroom, or the living room. Anywhere that can help you focus is best.

By assigning a dedicated place to study, you can maximise your productivity and bring your mind to the right headspace. Put all your learning materials in that space so you have everything you need there.

Make To-Do Lists a Habit

Creating to-do lists is one of the most effective online learning tips because it can keep you accountable for things you need to do. It can also serve as a reminder of essential tasks. At the beginning of the day, make a realistic to-do list of coursework you want to finish throughout the day. You will feel a sense of satisfaction as you cross off each item on your list, and you will be more motivated to get through it all.

Apply Timeboxing Techniques

Divide your time into blocks and fit a single task in each one. By doing so, you can concentrate on a specific activity within the allotted time and shut off distractions. Focusing all of your mental energy on one task at a time can facilitate deeper learning and retention. Boxing your time also helps you set realistic goals on what you can finish in a day instead of multi-tasking and diminishing your productivity.

The flexibility of eLearning can be a downside for students who aren’t used to independent study and time management. Without these essential skills, they can quickly procrastinate and rush assignments, resulting in stress and subpar work. But by learning how to get organised and manage time properly through various techniques, students unfamiliar with independent study can maximise their learning.

Eliminate Distractions

Learning how to study online means learning to be more responsible with your time. Although eLearning gives you the benefit of learning at home or anywhere with an internet connection, the downside is that you are more prone to distractions. You may find yourself straying to other websites, browsing social media or reading text messages.

You should be more purposeful with your time and energy to eliminate distractions. Turn off your phone or put your notifications on mute while you’re studying. You can also download a social networking site blocker to limit sites that waste your time. By doing all of this, you can strengthen your self-discipline.

Give Yourself a Break

Machines overheat and eventually burn out when forced to run continuously. If that can happen to machines, how much more would overwork affect humans? Forcing yourself to work when you are sleep-deprived and tired to catch up on work will be counterproductive as it increases the chances of committing errors, missing vital details and misinterpreting instructions.

Unfortunately, today’s society is obsessed with productivity, making us think that the more work we get done, the higher our chances of getting better grades. However, you must not sacrifice the quality of your learning just to get ahead.

The human brain cannot continuously work without rest. So, if you feel like you aren’t absorbing anything from your learning materials, it’s best to get up and stretch or take a walk. Taking a short nap to recharge also wouldn’t hurt. Once you feel refreshed, you will find that you can understand the lessons better.

Commit to Expectations

Independent study is convenient, but it isn’t always easy because you follow lessons that deliver the same content and difficulty as an in-person course. Courses should have expectations and guidelines provided by the instructor. If you commit to following those expectations, you will find online learning much easier.

For instance, you must participate constructively and consistently. It would help if you also collaborated with peers when needed. Most importantly, you must complete projects, readings and assignments according to deadlines.

Actively Participate in Discussions

Your courses will likely have an online forum to help students and professors engage and help each other with coursework. Read what your classmates and professors say, and try to chime in. Participate in the discussions by posting questions or commenting on a current topic.

Make it a goal to check the class discussion threads every day. This way, you can learn something that may not be included in your class materials. You can also speak up if you feel yourself falling behind so you can get help early on.

Know Your Way around Your LMS

Online classes use learning management systems to manage course materials, discussions, coursework, and other related tasks. Since you will be submitting requirements, viewing grades, and communicating in forums using a certain LMS, it’s best to learn how to use it properly. This way, you can submit assignments and find what you need without difficulty.

There are plenty of other study hacks you can find out there, but using the ones mentioned above can improve your study habits greatly. But if you need more studying tips, read our 7 Study Hacks to help you improve your learning efficiency.

Elevate Your eLearning to a Whole New Level with Didasko Learning Resources

Are you offering eLearning courses? Ensure quality learning for your students by sourcing your materials from Didasko.

No matter how skilled independent studying students may be, the quality of the online learning resources you provide still matters. Help your learners focus by using engaging online units that offer superb user experience and instructional design. Source your materials from Didasko. As the leading provider of online learning materials for RTOs, TAFEs, and High Schools across the country, you can rest assured that you will be acquiring first-class resources created with the help of industry experts.

Coupled with our Learning Management System, you can tailor the learning experience of your students according to your requirements. Choose us as your primary providers of world-class online materials and try our LMS for eLearning for efficient and engaging learning. Get in touch with us to learn more.