subject: 5 good habits to make the best of online education [print this page] 5 good habits to make the best of online education
Although online education makes things a lot easier, especially those with work or family commitments, it needs certain amount of discipline and dedication too. To get the best value out of online education, individuals need to cultivate certain good habits and stick to them. This will ensure that they are benefited by higher studies and online degree.
Set apart time every week for lessons
In spite of having work commitments, those pursuing online education should set apart some minimum time every week and if possible, every day, to brush up important concepts, revise the lessons and follow recorded lectures if any. There would also be periodic assignments which have to be complete. Online education allows individuals the scope of last day preparation and attending examinations, but individuals wouldn't benefit greatly from it which is why, a daily time slot or at least some time on weekends should be dedicated to online lessons.
Keep your private space at home when you want to focus on lessons
Just like classes are free of all other distractions, you have to have some separate private space in your house, where you can concentrate on your lessons without being distracted. This is the time, where you can totally focus on online lessons and assignments. This space should be yours and no one should be able to disturb you in that time. Such an environment will help you prepare better and more efficiently.
Communicate with other students
It is very important to constantly communicate with other students of the online degree through blogs and forums. This is important to create the classroom environment. More importantly, this helps students to strengthen their network, which is important in case of online education where there are physical distances. Discussing about opinions, concepts and important fundamentals will help bring out the best and ensure that you learn from others and share each other's knowledge too.
Communicate with teachers
Most online universities provide a medium to chat and interact with teachers. It is important to use that medium and communicate frequently to professors whether it is about career, books to follow or about lessons and learning techniques. Some universities also provide weekly or monthly face time with the teachers which should be used to clarify any doubts that you may have and also discuss questions and concerns about education and career. There is a lot to learn from experts at subject matter who also have years of experience and it is unwise to leave such opportunities.
Use online resources
Almost all online schools provide students with an access to a digital library and online resources and tools that will assist in education. Students have access to lot of books which will help them in their subject. Using these resources is of great importance given that certain subjects are more specialized than others, and finding books or information could provide difficult. Therefore online resources are part of the support system which is explicitly designed to help online education students to prepare the same way as students of full time colleges do.