Are you a student trying to learn online during this unprecedented time? With universities and schools transitioning to remote learning, it can be challenging to maintain motivation while pursuing an education. Whether you’re new to digital schooling or need advice on staying focused and keeping up with your studies, these five tips are designed just for you.
Set realistic goals and targets: Break up big tasks into smaller chunks
Setting realistic goals and targets when learning online can be a great way to keep students motivated; breaking big tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks is an excellent way to achieve this. A great approach for this is to map out your overall goal per project, then break the task into smaller tasks that you can divide between days or weeks to create an achievable timeline.
This can also be helpful if tackling an extensive or intensive project, as it allows a student to see the bigger picture in increments rather than all at once, which in turn can reduce any stress associated with achieving it. Most importantly, though, create achievable goals along the entire timeline so that every ‘win’ acts as a further motivation and increases confidence in the overall long-term plan.
Utilise available resources such as online programs, audio recordings, and video lessons
Taking online courses can be overwhelming, especially with the limited physical support from instructors and classmates. However, several resources are available to online students to help them stay motivated and on track. Online program management tools are an excellent way for online learners to organise their curriculums, monitor progress and set goals. Additionally, audio recordings and video lessons supplement the course materials that online students receive. Listening to and watching lectures or tutorials is a great way to take advantage of the convenience of online learning while still benefiting from interactive instruction methods. By taking full advantage of these online resources, online students can remain focused, organised, and on track to meet their educational goals.
Create a comfortable workspace to reduce distractions and promote focus
A comfortable workspace can help you focus while learning online and reach your educational goals faster. Creating an environment that minimises distractions and promotes productivity is vital for students taking online classes. Start by selecting a space with enough room for your laptop or desktop and any other materials you may need, like textbooks and notebooks. Ensure it has good ventilation and natural lighting, if possible. Also include a pencil holder, folder tray, and writing utensils to organise and store your work. Finally, make sure to add some personal touches by having pictures of family members or adding tokens from holidays or special occasions to make the area more inviting. Creating an ideal workspace allows you to learn effectively when taking courses online!
Take regular breaks throughout the day to stay fresh and motivated
Staying on top of online classes requires commitment and dedication, but remaining focused and motivated through long days can be challenging. To help combat this issue, be sure to give yourself regular breaks throughout the day. Taking minutes from each hour for something enjoyable, like a quick game or snack break, can do wonders for your motivation. When you return from these breaks, you’ll feel refreshed and energised to tackle the tasks. Take a longer break in the middle of your day – focusing on something completely unrelated to your classes can provide an even more considerable boost. No matter how you approach it, taking the time to rest and relax can significantly benefit your ability to stay focused and achieve your academic objectives throughout the semester.
Celebrate small successes to keep yourself motivated: Reward yourself for reaching each milestone
It’s important to celebrate small successes as a way to keep your motivation going while learning online. Establishing milestones before studying can help you measure your progress and feel good about your work. Every time you reach one of these goals, reward yourself – whether taking a break for an activity or treating yourself with something special. Taking the time to appreciate each milestone and the amount of effort it requires helps to recognise that even in an online environment, learning is achievable and helps keep the momentum going.
In conclusion, learning online can be challenging and overwhelming, but it can also be gratifying with the right attitude and knowledge. Now that you are equipped with this knowledge, why not put it into action? Good luck!
