Five tips for studying online
With all universities in Northern Ireland moving to online teaching only from 9th December, and many more universities across the United Kingdom already employing this new method of teaching, thousands of students will now be learning solely via the internet.
At Arlen Education, we have been at the forefront of online learning for some time now and so we have put together some of our top tips to help ensure that students can make the most of studying remotely.
1) Have a set study space
Having a designated area for you to learn is one of the keys for successful online study – whether that is a specific desk area, room or dining table. By having a space that is your regular work area you will be able to concentrate more easily and separate your studying from the other areas of your life. It is important that you can study and concentrate, but equally it is important to be able to step away from that area and have some time for relaxation.
2) Stay organised (prepare)
It can be tempting when studying online to just jump straight into the online class or recorded lecture with no preparation, as you do not need to be there in person. However, to make the most of your online study you should prepare for your online lesson and make sure that you are in your study space, have a notebook and a drink to stay hydrated. By preparing for your lesson in this way, you are giving yourself a chance to build into the concentration that is required for an effective lesson.
3) Take notes just as you would in class
Similarly to staying organised, it is easy if you are learning online to let the teacher do all of the work and just be present for the class, rather than being an actual part of the learning. A good way to keep your mind focused on what is being taught and ensure that you have adequate revision material is to make notes, just as you would in a normal class. By making notes, you will listen more attentively, and you will absorb much more of the teaching that is taking place .
4) Use your webcam
If your lesson is via a video call, such as with the Arlen group classes, then we recommend that you turn your webcam on (your teacher will have their webcam on in order to teach you) so that you stay accountable during the lesson. By having your camera on, you avoid the temptations that are present when studying from home such as checking your mobile phone or browsing other sites on the internet.
5) Set goals and reward yourself
When studying online it can feel like a solitary way of learning, therefore it is important that you set yourself small goals for each class and for each day – whether that is to ask your tutor a question during the class, finish the next chapter of your textbook or just to understand a topic that you have been struggling with. When you reach these goals, reward yourself so that you can stay motivated!
If you need any help with your studies, or your children are looking for extra support, then our Arlen Academy group online classes could be the perfect solution – a free first lesson guarantees that you have the chance to sample the concept and all of our tutors are highly experienced practitioners. Browse all of our current lessons here or you can contact us on enquiries@arleneducation.com for more information.