Top Tips for Online Learning

September 8, 2020

• Topical

The ability to access education online has never been more valuable. The whole world has had to adapt to this new way of learning but fortunately, a wealth of resources are available at your fingertips. However, it is important to maximise these benefits to ensure productive, efficient and enjoyable learning instead of wasted hours spent staring at a screen. Jemima, our intern, has outlined her five top tips to make the most out of online learning:

1. Create a good workspace
Ensure that you have a dedicated area set aside for working. A proper desk or table is preferable as it will put you in the correct mindset for working, unlike sitting on your bed. Set up everything that you are going to need before you start so that you don’t get
distracted by having to go to another room to get something. Also, try and find a space that is quiet and away from any noises to maximise your ability to concentrate. Most importantly, keep the area tidy as a tidy space equals a tidy mind!

2. Ignore your mobile phone
Phones can be a great asset when it comes to learning as many apps and websites are available. Equally, however, they can be a great distraction. It is best to leave your phone in another room and turn off notifications so that you aren’t tempted to open that one text that then leads to hours of wasted time scrolling through your phone! Thirty minutes of productive work with no distractions is far better than hours of broken, unfocused work.

3. Don’t forget about paper!
Typing is quick and efficient when it comes to essays or online homework, however, exams are still going to be on paper. It is important to make sure that every once in a while you practice writing out answers to questions and essays by hand, as this will prepare you for your actual exams. Furthermore, spellcheck is a great tool for long answer questions or translations but it won’t exist in the exam. Therefore, you should practice working without it so that you don’t become dependent on it.

4. Take frequent breaks
Staring at a screen all day can be very draining. So, you must break down work periods into small, manageable and productive slots of time. During these breaks, you should step away from the screen and get some fresh air and exercise to clear the mind. Short but frequent breaks will allow you to work harder for longer.

5. Actively participate
During a term of online school, it can be very easy to zone out and not engage fully with lessons. Having your camera on and microphone unmuted are great ways to ensure that you are interacting with the lesson. It is easy to hide behind a turned-off camera, scrolling through your phone but ultimately, this is a waste of a lesson. Online learning relies heavily on participation and engagement from you and therefore it is up to you to make the most of it.