Think about it: the Internet offers you a chance to learn anything. You want to learn about the relations between France and Vietnam in the 17th century? No problem; you can easily find high-quality websites that give you the information you need.
If you’re really interested in learning, however, you’ll need to take things further: online courses. These programs are structured like university courses. Even though they demand a reasonable amount of effort to be completed and there are both benefits and drawbacks of online studying, online courses are still more inspiring than traditional college courses.
The Great Benefits of Online Courses
The biggest advantage is that you can pick your own course. Many websites offer free learning programs, so the choices are endless. The other benefit is that you can adjust the studying process to your own pace. You don’t have to go attend a class early in the morning; you can use your tablet or smartphone and listen to a lecture in the bus.
How do you keep yourself on the right track? We have 7 universal tips that will help you achieve success in online courses.
Tips for Successful Online Learning
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Understand What Part-Time Means
Although this is a part-time activity, it still takes at least five hours a week. Start by reducing your Facebook and Twitter time. Give up on one TV show. That will be hard, but it’s an act of will that will help you commit to online learning. Before you know it, you’ll have enough space in your schedule to become an effective learner.
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Claim Your Study Area
You need a special corner in your home. This will be your learning space. The sole fact that you’re sitting at a desk in an area intended for learning will make you more focused. If you’re living with other people, you’ll have to tell them not to disturb you when you’re there.
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Work on Your Writing Skills
Very often while taking online course, it requires you to practice not only your memory, but also your writing skills by giving you some specific writing revision assignments. Therefore, in order to pass your online course, it is important to have good writing skills.
In case you are bad at writing assignments yourself, you can always turn to online services like AustralianWritings to see the examples of great written assignments on any topic you need. This will give you a pretty good idea of what written assignments are and help you get through any online course without any difficulties.
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Have a Study Plan
Observe your body rhythm. Do you notice you’re more effective in the morning? Then start waking up early to learn every day! If you find that you can stay more focused during late night hours, then that’s exactly when you should follow an online lecture.
Once you understand your biological clock, develop a plan that respects it. Then, stick to that plan.
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Enjoy the Convenience!
You’re not supposed to become a stiff learner who is obsessed with an online course. Stay committed to your plan, but don’t stress out if you can’t meet all daily goals. You can always catch up on them tomorrow.
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Get Support from Likeminded Individuals
Find a Facebook group of people who are taking similar online courses. If there’s no such thing, then create that group. When you connect with people who are going through the same journey, you’ll support and motivate each other to complete the course as quickly as possible.
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Don’t Stop!
Learning is a life-time process. With all those opportunities for free online courses, it would be a shame to stay limited to one. Once you complete the course you’re after, find another challenge. Never stop learning!
The right online course at the right time is a chance for you to learn interesting things. However, it’s also an opportunity to develop new skills and gain practical knowledge as well. It takes a lot of commitment to stay committed on this journey, but the accomplishment is worth the effort.
About the Author
Jessica Freeman is a freelance writer at AustralianWritings. She is interested in traveling and online learning. She enjoys writing on education, technology innovations, and blogging tendencies. Find out more about Jessica’s work by visiting her blog for students. You can also follow her on Facebook and Google+.