The modern technology of today already allows any student to take online courses and still engage in their usual activities at home. As such, learners are enabled to make their own personal study schedule. This is very useful for part-time workers who might have difficulties with finances. They are working while studying to support themselves in paying for training expenses. This is also very advantageous for parents who want to focus on their family, career, and school all at once.
Many online programs that are available promote a flexible time schedule. At times, there can be a loss of focus and motivation while participating in online learning. This is because the student must be organized, knowing what they must learn each day to achieve their goals. Considering that you will be the one who controlling the pace of your learning, the best weapon to ensure that you get the most out of it is to remain motivated. Below are some effective ways I use to remain focused:
- Time management by way of scheduling chores. List all of your daily activities and check the best time that you can study. Ensure that you will regularly stick with the schedule that you have preferred.
- Allocate a designated space at home with little to no distraction. If possible, select one with a large window. It must be a bright and open area with a nice view for encouragement.
- It is also advisable that you allow yourself the time to do other things. Go back to the main reason why you are studying online. Is it to spend more quality time with your family or friends? Given that there is a time to study, there must also be a time to rest and have fun.
- Try to be innovative by reading other relevant resources like books, articles, and videos that can quickly be found online, this will broaden your knowledge.
- Be organized with your learning paraphernalia. Ensure that there is a specific folder in your computer where you can easily access your learning documents. In addition, regularly updating your calendar helps streamline yours tasks.
- Encouragement from family and friends can be very helpful as you work through the course. Inform them of what you are doing so they can adjust to your busy schedule.
- Setting goals and providing yourself with regular reminders of how and why you are going to achieve them is great motivation. I find it useful to display my goals on my desk.
- When there is something that needs further explanation, feel free to approach your instructor or peers. Connecting with other students also helps to enrich your knowledge and build a network, which you may be able to leverage in later life.
- Similarly, the last tip is to search for an online organization related to the subject area you are studying, allowing you to branch out to a larger network. Interest groups can be good motivators and can also give you valuable ideas for your course.
