Tips to ace e-learning that no one ever tells you about
With the second wave looming over Bangalore and you stuck inside your hostel in Tavarekere once again, you might be looking for a productive use of your time. And an online course seems just the right way to maximise your time and upskill yourself. But how do you go about choosing the right course from the thousands of options available? Which is the best platform to use? Do e-learning certificates even count? What about the excessive screen time? All these thoughts could be plaguing you as you make your decision.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the choices. We’re here to help you make a smart decision when it comes to online courses. With our essential e-learning tips you’ll be learning in new ways in no time. So, let’s dive in.
Interest over everything
When you’re studying something online, it’s difficult to feel committed. Depending on the type of course and the pacing, a lot of what you could get out of an e-learning course is based on how much effort you put into it. That’s why it’s very important to choose a course that you’re actually interested in. If you choose something that’s too advanced, or totally uninteresting to you, you’ll struggle to keep up with the coursework and may not even enjoy doing it. So, choose a subject that you’ve actually been meaning to explore, but may not otherwise have found time or an opportunity to do so. And yes, the world really is your oyster when it comes to what you can learn – from Blockchain to analytics to graphic design to creative writing. Just find your interest and fly.
Connect with co-learners
Being a virtual learner can be isolating. You could feel like there’s no one else who’s sharing your experiences and questions. But that’s not true. Thanks to the magic of the internet you can easily reach out and connect with others in your digital classroom. Whether it’s through a video conferencing platform, a Facebook group or a forum, connect to your co-learners and discuss thoughts and problems, or even share real-world learnings from your subject. Connecting with your learning community will help you find practical solutions across the world, expanding your outlook and understanding of the subject. And of course, reaching out to others can also create some great networking opportunities for the future.
Experiment with formats
When we’re talking about online learning, the beauty is that there are a whole range of options for you to choose from. Learn quicker or slower than others or have a busy time-table to work around? Go for a self-paced course that’ll allow you to choose the speed of your learning. Healthcare workers are a great example of how self-paced online courses are convenient. Doctors and nurses continually work on their education by attending advanced medical courses completely online. Want a mix of instruction and individual learning, go for a hybrid course that might have weekly or monthly meetings with your instructor. If you’re really missing a real classroom experience, sign up for a totally synchronous course that will allow you to (virtually) meet your classmates in real time. And if it’s a challenge you’re looking for, why not try a gamified course that will push you to reach higher levels? Choosing the format that works best for you and suits your personality is going to motivate you to complete your online course.
Reach out to your instructor
There’s not a teacher in the world who doesn’t enjoy receiving feedback or questions from their students. And course instructors of different online learning courses are the same. No matter which format you choose, you’re sure to receive some contact information for someone you can reach out to for help with the course. So, don’t be afraid to send that email. Not only will asking those questions improve your learning, they might help the content creators figure out what’s working for them and what can be modified to improve their course.
Digital self-care
With everything going virtual these days, and the majority of your time being spent indoors in your hostel in Jayanagar, taking care of yourself can take a back seat. With an online course adding to the total amount of screen time you’re facing in a day, it’s important to balance out your wellness practices. Make sure you’re taking breaks between classes or modules, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep and exercise. If you’re physically and mentally healthy, you’re going to be able to get a lot more benefit from your virtual learning.
Those are our top e-learning tips to help you select and complete the online course of your choice. By putting these into practice, you’ll be able to get the most out of your virtual classes and learn for a lifetime. So, go ahead and try them out.
