Distance learning has come a long way since the correspondence courses of the mid-19th century. These days, it’s possible to take courses on just about anything you can imagine from the comfort of your home.
Whether you’re looking to save money on general education courses, complete a degree while working full-time, or expand your professional prospects with a course on Skillshare, online classes have made education more accessible than ever before.
For all their benefits, however, online classes also offer some unique challenges compared to traditional, in-person classes. Without a plan for managing these challenges, your performance could suffer.
Below, I’ll explore some of the common challenges that online learners face, along with how to overcome them.
Note: This article focuses on online college classes, but there are lessons you can apply to any kind of distance learning.
If you’d prefer to watch, rather than read, we cover many of the following tips in this video:
Treat It Like an In-Person Class
While video conferencing apps have made it easier to host live virtual classes, most online classes are still taught asynchronously. Your professor may post a lecture video or slides each week, and you may have to turn in assignments every so often. But besides this, it can be easy to forget you’re even taking a class.
Without the regular meetings of in-person classes, it’s easy to fall into bad habits and get behind on your work. To avoid this, treat online classes like in-person classes.
Even if the class doesn’t meet at a particular time each week, set a time on your calendar when you’ll “go to class.” Have a routine just like you would if you were going to class in-person.
Get up at the same time each day, take a shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, and then “go to class.” It may seem silly, but it will make a big difference in your motivation and productivity.
Form a Virtual Study Group
If you’re used to studying in groups, then online classes can be an adjustment. Sure, you still have classmates, but there isn’t the same connection you’d get sitting next to someone in class. And you can’t just ask a few classmates if they want to go to the library after class to study.
However, you can still get the benefits of studying with other people even in an online class. You just have to be a bit more creative.
If your class has some kind of online discussion forum, post and ask if any classmates want to study together over video conferencing. And once you’ve found some study partners, try to meet with them at the same time(s) each week. This way, you’ll get the learning benefits of studying in a group and have someone to hold you accountable.
If you can’t find study partners from your actual class, you can use an app like Focusmate. Focusmate lets you find an accountability partner with whom you can virtually study/work over a video call. Even though your accountability partner (likely) won’t be studying the same material, knowing that there’s another person working “in the room” will keep you from slacking off.
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