Online study can be a very different experience from traditional university environments. While you might be studying from the comfort of your home, you may find that it is difficult to stay motivated and engaged, even if you’re studying the best online MBA in Australia.
Fortunately, there’s a wide body of evidence available with tips, tricks, and strategies available for you to get the most out of your studies. From having a dedicated space to study, to employing study techniques such as the Pomodoro method, let’s explore some of the strategies that you can take as an online learner so that you’re set up for success when studying online.
Create a Dedicated Study Space
When studying, you may find it’s easy to simply jump on the couch, grab your iPad, and start working away. However, that’s not an ideal strategy – in fact, studies have found that if you’re trying to study online, having an environment that you’re overly comfortable in can lead to distraction and a poorly set up study environment.
No matter whether you are studying for a history or an online anatomy and physiology with lab course, you must consider creating a dedicated study space that you can use to complete your studies. Consider setting up a quiet corner, or a desk, with all of the materials that you need to study, a chair, and suitable lighting for when you choose to study. If you live with housemates or family, consider setting up your study space away from high-traffic areas – so that even if things are busy at home, you have a quiet place where you can step aside and study.
Join an Online Study Group
In today’s online world, there has been an emergence of online study groups – where you can link up with students from all over the world and study together. For those who feel isolated when studying alone at home, this can be a great way to network with students from all over the world, while also providing a study structure so that you can study in a supported manner.
There are a number of different study group apps available – and some also employ the usage of methods such as the Pomodoro technique to encourage effective study. No matter what you’re learning, an online study group can offer valuable motivation and support when studying online.
If you’re unable to join an online group, you may find it better to connect with local peers as part of your course. Periodic group study sessions can be a great way to meet with your fellow students, as well as allow you to get a further understanding of the source material at hand.
Take Regular Breaks
It’s important that when you study, you engage in effective study time. After all, it may seem great if you can put eight hours a day into your studies – however, if seven of those hours are lost due to distractions, maybe they’re not as helpful.
There are a range of strategies that you can take to ensure that you’re taking breaks. You could set up a small reminder on your computer to take a few minutes every so often, you may prefer to use time management software, or actively try methods such as the Pomodoro technique.
No matter what you try, find a strategy that works for you. Taking breaks can be beneficial in resetting stress benchmarks and improving focus – particularly helpful when studying extensive volumes of material.
Remember, You’re Not Alone
Just remember, when studying online, you’re never truly alone. From your peers to online study groups, and a multitude of different study methods available, online learning provides opportunities for you, as a learner, to engage with content in new and exciting ways.
If you’re struggling to study online, and need further assistance, it may be worth reaching out and speaking to a learning advisor on what sort of strategies you can employ to get the most out of studying. A student learning advisor may be able to help link you up with local study spaces or connect you with additional services, for example, if you require additional support.
Studying online can be an exciting experience – offering a chance to upskill and succeed, without ever having to leave the classroom. While it can also be challenging, the difficulties faced are often surmountable – with many strategies and techniques available that you can use to position yourself to succeed. Enjoy your studies, and discover what study techniques and strategies work best for you.
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