Online learning: Tips and strategies for success
By: Anuoluwapo Ademuyiwa
Tags: Online Learning, Strategy, Higher Education, Education, Tips

Fact, COVID-19 has increased the adoption of online learning. Although high growth and adoption in education technology has been recorded prior to the pandemic, COVID-19 has accelerated the switch from traditional classroom learning to online learning — a switch that was primarily driven by the closing of schools across the world. However, beyond safety reasons and long before the pandemic started, online learning was popular due to its flexibility, accessibility and affordability.

Likewise, online learning also provides learners with a personalized learning experience. Given the variety of programs and courses available, there is no limit to what one can learn online. However, the real question is, “How to make the most of online learning?”

The art and science of online learning success

Brian Tracy, the Canadian-American motivational public speaker and self-development author said that successful people are simply those with successful habits. As such, the following tips and strategies highlighted below are a mix of individualized and generalized recommendations that you can implemented to ensure your online learning success:

1. Get a fast and reliable internet connection: Seems obvious, but it could be the difference between a great or terrible online learning experience. With most online courses and programs containing videos and external links, slow internet connection can make online streaming rather tiring. It can also extend the time required to conduct additional research and make it impossible to attend live classes. Therefore, it is important that you subscribe to internet service providers that offer fast and reliable internet connection.

2. Stick with what works for you: Although research has shown that the most effective timeframes to learn are between 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 10pm, the least between 4am and 7am, it is crucial to note that some individuals may learn better outside the above specified timeframes. Hence, if you assimilate best between 11pm and 2am, please stick to it. Among the benefits that have been associated with studying at night others include fewer distractions and a clearer mind.

3. Always plan to beat submission deadlines: One of the key measures of success in any learning environment is good grades. However, without spending adequate time conducting the research needed to turn in excellent projects and assignments, acing your online courses can be difficult. As such, you can’t afford to wait till it is one or two days to a submission deadline before you start working on an assignment. Doing so will only increase your chances of submitting substandard work, missing deadlines, and invariably reduce your likelihood of getting good grades. Therefore, it is always advisable to dedicate enough time for research, proofread your final work and plan to send in your assignments or projects long before the submission deadlines.

4. Take time to engage with fellow learners: Sitting for long hours trying to understand everything you are being taught all by yourself can be challenging and boring. While online learning will often require you to work independently, you shouldn’t avoid social interaction.

Interestingly, a recent research report published by the University of Minnesota revealed that students learn better when interacting with colleagues. So, take time out to engage with fellow learners, as this will make your online learning experience more exciting and rewarding.

5. Celebrate your milestones: If you thought that online learning required less work compared to traditional classroom learning, think again. While it is true that online learning will offer you the flexibility to learn anywhere and at your pace, it doesn’t exclude you from putting in the hours, to meet a submission deadline. In fact, having recently completed an online MBA degree from Nexford University, I attest to the fact that online learning will demand more from you (in terms of discipline, time management and resilience) than you ever imagined. So, when you complete that online course or submit your project, feel free to binge-watch a drama on Netflix, go for an ice-cream or sleep the whole day. You have earned the right to do so!

Nexford empowers you to succeed in online learning

Malcom Gladwell said that success is not a random act. It arises out of a predictable and powerful set of circumstances and opportunities

Wise words. As a Next-Generation American University that offers 100% online, affordable and competency based education, Nexford University does a great job of creating the right environment and circumstances for online learning success. It offers its global community of learners an easy-to-navigate learning portal and a variety of support systems including a responsive success advisor team, accessible course professors, and a reliable technical support team.

In addition, learners won’t feel lonely at Nexford University, as there are a number of avenues for them to interact and network with fellow learners, including an online community of prospective, current and past learners on Facebook called Nexford Network and an offline social event that takes place every quarter called the NXU Socials.

This all lends to the argument that when it comes to modern higher education and where to attain it, online is the place to be.