5 Tips for Taking Online College Classes

Before the pandemic, students taking online classes were offered as an alternative to in-person courses. Now, most colleges are encouraging students to stay at home and embrace online learning – at least, for a while. Although there are many advantages to taking courses online, it’s not without its challenges. If you aren’t prepared, you may struggle with this way of learning. So, today we are identifying a few strategies for you to stay successful this semester:

• Treat it like an in-person class.

When you go into a classroom on a college campus, how do you handle yourself? You probably go in, sit down, and are ready to take notes, listen, and process information. You need to treat online courses with the same seriousness and readiness. Make sure you set aside the time and space so you can devote the appropriate amount of time to this course. Eliminate as many distractions as possible.

• Stay accountable.

At the beginning of the semester, create goals for yourself. Develop a timeline of all your upcoming assignments and check-in weekly to see how you are keeping up with your work. If you can generate enough interest, consider starting a virtual study group with some of your fellow students. Whether it’s in a Facebook group or Zoom meetings, weekly check-ins can help everyone stay on top of assignments, remember due dates, and help answer any questions that arise.

• Develop a specific study area.

Create a designated area for doing your online course work and your studies. Make sure the area is free of tempting distractions, such as the television and video games. Try not to select a space that’s too comfortable, such as your bed or the couch. That may not encourage you to stay focus. Ideally, choose an area that you can return to each day with any important materials or supplies nearby.

• Take handwritten notes.

Although the computer is at your fingertips, studies have shown that taking handwritten notes helps you slowly process the information you are reading or hearing. Not to mention, by using a computer to take notes, you are more likely to write too much information, which can be harder to retain. Also, with technology comes distractions.

• Avoid procrastination.

Something about taking online courses can make many students fall behind and miss assignments. Many college classes have weekly lessons and other mandatory assignments for the course, which can add up if you aren’t regularly checking into the course. So, as each deadline arises, make sure you are staying on top of your coursework. Most importantly, let your professor know if you are falling behind. With online learning on the rise, it’s important to take the right approach to ace your courses. Browse all of our available study materials here at StudySpark.com, and you’ll be on your way to a successful semester.