Maximizing the Benefits of Online Learning

Take advantage of the added time and flexibility that comes with online learning. You’ve probably had the experience of trying to learn something new in a class, on a team or in a training session and you felt like you just couldn’t keep up. Or maybe you experienced a time where you felt you had mastered something and just wanted to move on, enough with the busy work! Online learning provides you with the opportunity to blast through new content that you feel comfortable with and spend time to read and revisit and spend more time with more challenging content. Take the extra time to read and reread. At a digital conference, attend ALL the sessions, no need to pick between two scheduled at the same time. Our brains need processing time and in traditional learning environments, where we are forced to keep up with the pace of lecture, we often don’t get that time.

Humans learn much more deeply when we apply our new knowledge to our own personal real world contexts. Anyone could tell you that you can’t learn to play guitar by watching guitar lessons. You can’t learn to bake sourdough bread by reading a recipe. You can’t learn to solve quadratic equations by watching Sal Khan work out one single example. To truly engage from an online learning experience, like a video or a “how-to” tutorial, you must practice what you’ve learned. Practice regularly! Take the time to go back and rewatch or reread parts that challenged you.

Create the conditions that will set you up for success. Keep a schedule. Set time aside for online learning when you are most productive. If you must attend a synchronous event at a specified time, make sure you attend from a part of your home where you won’t be distracted. Avoid bringing your phone with you, close all the other tabs on your browser. Take notes physically on a piece of paper so you don’t need to be switching tabs to type.

Make sure you are set up with the right technology before you start. Ensure a stable internet connection. Check your audio and video. When videoconferencing, a set of headphones can also be helpful for reducing echo. It’s also smart to test your technology in advance of an event or synchronous meeting.

Learning is a social endeavor. It is important to maintain that connection, despite social distancing. Take advantage of resources like Zoom, Google Hangouts Meet, and Microsoft Teams when they are offered. Also participate in online discussion forums with your peers. Reach out to your teachers for help and share what you’ve learned with the people around you.

Take responsibility and commit to your online learning experience. Use effective time management strategies like keeping a schedule and dedicating a little time each day to your learning. Read the syllabus or learning path to prepare for what is to come. Take advantage of all the learning resources available and take time to reflect after each lesson.

Online learning often makes use of recorded lectures, videos and reading. Learn strategies that will help you best learn through these different media.