This article contains sponsored content from University of Canberra.
The online learning space has grown considerably over the last few years, bringing a new dimension to studying. With learners now able to study and complete courses and certifications online, it allows not just flexibility, but also more opportunities for educational and professional growth.
More educational institutions are offering online courses, so this isn’t likely to slow down. In fact, according to the E-Learning Global Market Report, the e-learning market is expected to grow to $614.87 billion in 2029, from $314.03 last year, 2024.
Online learning is very different to in-person learning in many aspects, so to make the most of it, you need to have your own strategies too. Because along with the benefits of flexibility and wider choices, come challenges when it comes to managing your time, learning how to use digital platforms, staying motivated, and engaging with other learners virtually.
If you’re planning to take on an online course soon, check out this guide we’ve put together for all the strategies you need to maximize your online learning experiences.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Starting with a strong mindset and set-up
The first and perhaps most important step to get the most out of online learning is to start mentally prepared so you’re ready to delve in when your course begins. However, having a strong mindset and a proper set-up takes some effort.
Identify your learning style
Online courses are flexible, often allowing you to learn on your own schedule, in a format that suits you. Think about how you learn best and make sure you pick a course delivered in a medium that suits your learning style. Are you a visual learner? Do you like to flip through slideshows, or do you prefer to watch and listen to videos of instructors discussing each topic? These are important questions to ask yourself when you’re choosing a course type.
Familiarize yourself with the learning platform
Whichever online course you choose, it will be hosted on a learning platform. Each learning platform is different, but generally it will allow you to login, access course material, upload work, join virtual workshops, and interact with teachers and other learners.
Learning platforms can take some getting used to, especially if you don’t consider yourself tech-savvy. Start exploring the platform’s features and functions at least a few days before your course begins. This is a must if you’re doing live courses, so you’re not fumbling during classes trying to figure out how to get to a particular page.
Set up a dedicated study space
It’s always difficult to get into the right mindset to study when you’re in the wrong environment. Make sure you set up a dedicated space for your online learning time. This doesn’t have to be too elaborate, as long as it helps you focus and keeps you away from distractions like loud noises or people passing by.
Also, make sure all your learning materials like notebooks and pens are easily accessible so you don’t have to leave your seat in the middle of your classes. Physically moving to your dedicated space a few minutes before you start also helps you to mentally switch off from leisure time and shift your mind into study mode.
Planning and structuring your time
If your online courses are self-paced, you’ll need more discipline to make progress, so setting your own schedule is highly recommended. While this is a huge bonus in terms of flexibility, it can be more difficult to manage your time and workload if you’re not prepared. Not to mention you’re more likely to be tempted to do other stuff or get distracted when you know you can do your classes anytime since there’s no one supervising your pace.
Create a schedule
Keeping to a fixed schedule as much as possible is the best way to maintain discipline. This will also help your brain kick into gear when it eventually becomes your routine, as you’ll subconsciously anticipate the times you need to stay focused.
You can work your schedule around your other commitments if you have a job, chores to do, or family members to look after. Just make sure you have ample time each day to not only complete your classes but to also do any assignments, projects, and advanced reading so you're always prepared for the next classes.
Keep a consistent rhythm
Once you’ve set your schedule, it should be easier to start building a rhythm, which will help you stay on track and progress faster. Most courses have units that span a certain timeframe. For example, if you’re taking the Graduate Certificate in STEM Education, it's typically divided into four units, each lasting 7 weeks. For timed courses like this that last months, it’s ideal to create a consistent schedule with a bit of wiggle room so you don’t get behind.
Similarly, for online learning that allows you to complete a course in your own time frame, keeping a steady rhythm is just as important. Because without deadlines, you’re more likely to slack, so you have to put in more effort to stay motivated and on track.
Break big tasks into manageable chunks
Break down bigger units of work into manageable chunks to avoid getting overwhelmed. Looking at an entire module or a big project can feel like you’re taking on too much. If this is your case, divide your tasks into more digestible portions and spread them across a well-planned schedule with milestones that you can complete in a more realistic time frame, which could be weeks or months. It’s also a good idea to organize your tasks using the SMART goals method.
Staying active and engaged
When learning online, you’re largely working independently so it’s even more important to make sure you feel actively engaged throughout your course. Just like in-person courses, you get the most out of learning if you immerse yourself fully as an active learner. This means doing more than just reading, listening, or watching. You have to interact with other learners, get involved in discussions, and practice what you learn.
Take notes during discussions
Taking notes during discussions and workshops will help you retain key points better, plus you can always use it to review past lessons. By listening intently and deciding what’s most important to write down, you’re actively processing the information, which may help you understand concepts faster. Writing notes also helps you to focus and stops you from zoning out or getting bored when someone is speaking.
Test yourself to reinforce learning
Testing yourself is a great way to reinforce learning. With this method, you’re testing your memory and how fast you can recall the lessons you’ve learned, which will also tell you if you need to study more. Retrieving information from your memory strengthens it, creating faster pathways for recalls when needed.
Join discussions and study groups
Online learning can be lonely, but just because you’re not in a room with other people, it doesn’t mean you can’t interact with them. Many courses have live workshops where you can join in discussions, or forums. You may also have the option to start or join a study group where you can share ideas and work together.
Studying with other learners will help you gain different perspectives. You could discover better ideas and even learning tips that you wouldn’t have thought of on your own. Being in a group of learners with the same goals will also make you feel more motivated towards your goals and deadlines.
Communicate with instructors
Your instructors are there to help you maximize your online learning experience, so make the most of it. They can clarify lessons you’re confused about, help you troubleshoot any technical issues, or signpost you to someone who can help, and most importantly, give you useful feedback. Building a relationship with your instructor will also help you make sure you’re not missing out on or misunderstanding important details of the course and its materials.
Leveraging digital tools and resources
An online course lends itself well to digital tools and apps, which can give you a considerable advantage when it comes to online learning. As you’re already working online, submitting your assignments digitally and engaging with online content, you can access countless resources to help you stay organized and productive.
Access recorded lectures and libraries
As online learning is often quite flexible, you can watch recorded lectures in your own time if you’re unable to attend the live discussions. This also means you can review them whenever you like, which is something you can’t get with live in-person lessons. Aside from recorded lectures, your course provider may also have libraries of useful resources you can take advantage of.
Use productivity and organizational tools and apps
We’ve talked about how learning online means you have to be better at keeping yourself engaged and on track, but did you know there are productivity tools and apps to help? You can use calendars and scheduling apps to make sure you never miss a deadline, you can use note taking software, and even voice narration apps to make voice notes instead of typing.
Explore interactive learning features to break the monotony
To keep online learning interesting and engaging, look for interactive tools and resources you can explore. You can also mix up the medium you learn in. Use videos and audio as well as text or visual materials, and hop onto live discussions or forums with other learners on your course via video calls or chat groups.
Recharging and maintaining momentum
When you’re learning online, you can end up spending long hours in front of a screen, which can feel mentally exhausting. To be at your best, make sure you take time off to recharge. Remember that optimum productivity starts with proper rest.
Schedule regular breaks
Breaks are essential. They help you to recharge, refocus, and improve recall. Get up, move your body, rehydrate with a drink—whatever you need to make sure you stay alert. Breaks are especially important with online learning because long screen times could burn you out. Ideally, you should take a short break every 20 minutes, even just to rest your eyes or stretch your limbs before they start aching.
Celebrate and reward milestones
Set small, achievable goals and reward yourself when you meet your targets. Having goals and small rewards help keep you motivated and give you something to work towards. When you celebrate your milestones, give yourself a little treat such as a longer break, something nice to eat or drink, or 5 minutes on an app you enjoy.
Know your limits
Sometimes, working alone and setting your own goals could make you push yourself too hard. But to avoid burnout and keep your physical and mental state in top form, you should recognize know your limits and what you can realistically achieve.
Only set goals that are motivating, not overwhelming, and don’t beat yourself up if you don’t achieve them. It’s important to have a support network around you, whether it’s a study group, a good relationship with your instructor, or a friend outside of the course that you can offload to.
Key takeaways
Online learning is a popular, modern-day alternative to in-person classes. But while the flexibility it allows is a big advantage, it comes with challenges too, which you must prepare well for before your classes begin. And although digital platforms can make learning more convenient, keep in mind that it takes discipline, consistency, grit, and resourcefulness to make the most out of any learning online experience.