Online learning has never been so prevalent. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with rapidly evolving digital literacy rates, has increased the attraction of online college programs. This evolution has created opportunities for those who previously could not attend college because they were unable to commit to in-person classes.
At Sundance College, all programs were offered online before the pandemic and continue to be offered online today, with a student portal to help keep students organized and engaged and instructors who understand how to enhance the remote learning experience.
There are many advantages to choosing online learning:
- You enjoy a flexible schedule that fits around your personal life
- It is accessible; you can study from anywhere there is an internet connection
- You can eliminate the commute to campus
Online courses are just as educational and have the same requirements as in-class courses. The biggest difference between the two: you can study from anywhere. Below are a few tips to help you get the most out of your chosen online college program so you can start transforming your life from the comfort of your own home!
Create a Dedicated Study Space
Your study area should be conducive to your learning. Whether you have a dedicated office in your home or you have turned the spare bedroom or corner of your living room or kitchen into a study space, ensure that you create a quiet, pleasant, and functional place to learn.
A comfortable chair goes a long way and of course a desk for your computer and books. If possible, set up your desk near a window so you can enjoy some natural light to reduce eye strain from too much computer time.
Stay Engaged & Avoid Distractions
Staying engaged with your studies is a top priority. To avoid the unnecessary stress of falling behind in a class, log in online every day and make a list of all the tasks for that day or upcoming week. This will make your workload feel more manageable.
Taking notes in class is a great way to stay engaged and an even better way to learn. It has been proven that writing by hand increases memory retention and understanding.
Contact your instructors to let them know how you are doing or if you have queries about an assignment or upcoming exam. Your instructors are there to help, so don’t be afraid to reach out to them with questions. A problem shared is a problem halved!
Lastly, limit distractions in your home. When it is time for class or study, put your phone away, turn off the tv, and make sure you have a quiet room where you can concentrate on your coursework. Play some relaxing or ambient music if that helps you to focus.
Manage Your Time & Take Regular Breaks
Be sure to be organized and manage your time. Life is busy and many students also have families and jobs to attend to in addition to their college program. To start with, build a study plan and identify your learning objectives for the day or coming week. Then schedule your time in a way that ensures you can achieve it all. Work on one thing at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Remember to take regular study breaks. Giving your mind a break is just as important as training your mind to focus. Step away from your desk for short periods of time to stretch, eat a snack, play with the dog, or get some fresh air.
Snack Wisely & Drink Water
A healthy diet is important for optimum concentration. Your brain needs fuel to function, and nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, eggs, and nuts all aid your ability to focus and learn.
Drinking water is also very important while you study. Research has proven that even mild dehydration can impair mood, memory, critical thinking, and brain performance.
During your study breaks, make sure you grab a healthy snack and a big glass of water. Avoid sugar and caffeine – these give you a temporary boost before you have an energy crash.
Make Connections
Making friends in your program is a great way to increase happiness while you are a student, and it is helpful to have a friend to call for advice on a particularly challenging assignment! There are opportunities to connect with fellow classmates, such as group work and class discussions.
Take advantage of the freedom Online learning Provides
You are lucky enough to study from the privacy of home, so why not use it to your advantage?
Try reading your course material out loud as you learn. Studies show that reading aloud increases your chance of committing the material to your long-term memory. Or how about jumping in a cold shower when you feel your concentration begin to wane? Cold showers have been proven to increase focus and alertness, among many other health benefits.
Remember to take advantage of distance learning when possible and in whatever way you see fit!
Why Choose Sundance College?
At Sundance College, we are dedicated to our students’ success. All our students start their program with a class to help make the transition to post-secondary learning and set them up for success. Class topics include different learning styles, goal setting, note-taking, successful test-taking, and more.
If you are considering becoming a student at Sundance College, please visit our website at Sundance College and get in touch to learn more about how we are here to support our students on their journey to a new career and a brighter future.