Distance learning has special challenges. You will probably never see or meet the teacher. You won’t have classmates. You don’t have a campus full of people studying the same thing. But you can succeed! Plan on it! Follow the simple tips below, and you’ll do better in your learning. They may seem pretty basic, but they’ll help keep you focused and on track.
Set Goals
Goal #1: “I will succeed in this course.”
At the beginning of a new course, look through the materials. Break the lessons/assignments into manageable chunks. You might not have time to do a full lesson in one (1) night (day or hour), so plan for how much you can do, then stick to it until you’re done.
Establish a Regular Study/Learning Schedule
Keep a calendar or journal with your study goals and important dates clearly marked-and look at it every day (a calendar can’t help you if it’s closed!)
Determine what time is best for you to study. Is it after dinner on Wednesdays when your partner is at bowling? Is it Saturday mornings when the kids are at soccer?
Take breaks-walk around and stretch.Drink some water or have a light snack. If you’re studying nutrition or health topics, you know how important this is!
If possible, have a dedicated study place with all the supplies you might need(computer, paper, pens, calculator, etc.)
Pace yourself. Don’t overextend yourself. There’s a reason it takes several days, weeks, or months in traditional face to face learning. You’re here to learn, not just to get a certificate or license, so make sure you’re learning, not just racing through the materials.
Talk About It
Tell people what you’re doing.You’re more likely to stick to a course if your co-worker knows you’re doing it. If you are studying high-tech or higher learning ask somebody about it, they can surely help you.
Ask a friend to check up on you.
Ask someone to proof your work before you submit it.
Join a Study Group-This Doesn’t Have to be Stuffy!
Join a club. A club whose endeavor is the same as yours.You will learn from them aside from online.
Get a credible mentor or tutor. Take them for coffee or snacks at least twice a month and ask for a brainstorming. Their practical knowledge can help you understand your interests.
Search the Internet for (be careful because not all posted on the internet are credible resources or references) bulletin boards or chat rooms related to your topic.
Know Your Learning Style and Use It
Look for real-world situations and examples of what you’re learning about. Observe, watch, and read real situations.
You’ll be much more interested if you’re involved, not just reading about a topic.
Put things into practice as early as possible.
If you’re studying science, try to delve into that science.
Celebrate Successes
Reward yourself with whatever works for you, along the way. Remember, you chose to do this. Be proud of your accomplishments!
Ask Questions
If you don’t understand something, ASK.It’s been said a million times: the only dumb question is the one you don’t ask.
REMEMBER THIS
It’s not about memorizing – it’s about learning material that will help you in your hobbies, career, and life.MEMORIZATION isn’t a bad thing, but make sure you’re memorizing because you are really interested in the information, and figure out a way to use the memorized information several times within a few days of learning it. It’ll stick if it has real-world meaning.
