Tips for Online Learning

Today’s online and distance learning programs give students an unparalleled level of flexibility. Working students can keep up with both their jobs and their studies while they earn a degree or complete a degree they’ve already started. Students with families don’t have to sacrifice time with their loved ones to further their careers. Additionally, students of all kinds can enroll in their preferred online degree program without relocating.

That being said, the flexibility of online learning comes with its own challenges. The amount of time management required can be problematic for some students. In a virtual environment, it also can be hard for many students to maintain their motivation and a consistent routine. For students who are second-guessing enrolling in an online program for any of these or similar reasons, here are tips for online learning that can help foster success in any virtual classroom.

Challenges of Online Learning

Online learning has made higher education more accessible to more people, whether they’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. But despite this important advantage, virtual classes can come with a number of potential pitfalls.

Common challenges online students face include:

• Distractions such as social media, family members or friends, and other factors not present in a formal classroom environment
• Technical issues with hardware requirements and internet connectivity
• Difficulty managing time
• A lack of immediate feedback from peers and instructors
• A lack of social opportunities

Luckily, these issues are not insurmountable. As online programs have become more common, schools have become aware of the issues their students face and are prepared to offer both guidance and technical support. Students can also find support from their peers and instructors, many of whom have likely encountered some or all of these issues themselves and can offer their own tips for online learning.

6 Tips for Online and Remote Learning

As much as students can look to their school’s resources for support, it can also be helpful for them to integrate a few useful practices into their online study routines. Not only can these practices help students perform better in the classroom, they also can help turn their studies into an impactful, enriching experience.

1. Set Alarms to Stay on Schedule

Many students find it helpful to set schedules and reminders on their phones, calendars, and planners. This can help online students remember when their classes start and when assignments are due.

Additionally, setting alarms and schedules can help students maintain a healthy school-life balance and form productive habits. This can include building in time for breaks, exercise, and other ways to unwind. These activities are often essential to staying motivated and attentive.

2. Take Notes

While some online classes are live and interactive, others are delivered in the form of prerecorded lectures. However, taking notes often is still essential, even if a lecture can be reviewed on demand.

One of the main benefits of taking notes is that it helps students encode and recall information. Every student learns and takes notes differently, but according to a 2023 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, students who take notes by hand exhibit more complex brain activity patterns than those who take notes on a keyboard. But no matter how the notes are taken, doing so can help students remain attentive.

3. Stay Connected

In a virtual setting, it can be difficult for students to connect with their professors and fellow students. That’s why it’s often important for students to make the effort to email their peers and professors to communicate with them about assignments, ask clarifying questions, or even just check in. Fortunately, many online programs include collaborative projects and forums that allow students to connect in virtual environments.

4. Hold Online Study Groups

Outside of projects and emails, students can organize virtual study groups with their classmates over Zoom or other videoconferencing software. This can help students understand the content better and enjoy the benefits of the social interaction that comes with attending on-campus classes.

It’s often helpful to schedule a consistent study group time every week so all students can set aside that time to take advantage of this tip for online learning. Instructors can announce meeting times in class-wide emails. If the class has no homework or exams to prepare for, this can be a good time for students to check in with and get to know their classmates.

5. Stay Healthy and Active

A 2022 study published in the Journal of American College Health found that, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, college students who were enrolled in online classes experienced a significant and sustained decrease in their physical activity. While the restrictions of that era have been lifted, many online students still struggle to stay active and healthy.

Some students may have exercise routines that keep them active, but those who don’t may want to consider building time for walks, yoga, or other simple exercises into their schedules. This can be especially important for online students who also have jobs that require them to sit in front of a screen for prolonged periods of time.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exercise and a balanced diet can have a positive effect on a person’s mood and cognitive function. Online resources such as exercise videos and recipe blogs can set students in the right direction, but it’s often important to first consult with a health professional to identify one’s specific needs.

6. Make the Most of Free Time

While many tips for online learning focus on how to succeed in the classroom, students also need to find ways to enjoy themselves in their free time. This is often essential to maintaining one’s mental health. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health in 2021 found that taking breaks and enjoying leisure time can improve a person’s memory and skill acquisition. 

Watching a movie or TV show, reading, socializing, or enjoying a stimulating hobby such as painting can all be great ways to fend off mental fatigue.

Along with generally enjoying one’s free time, students also should take breaks during the school day as needed. It’s often recommended for students to take 10 to 25 minute breaks every 60 to 90 minutes.

Notre Dame de Namur University: Empowering Students to Succeed in Online Learning Environments

While these tips for online learning are useful, aspiring students who work and those with families and other commitments may still worry that it will be difficult to find the time and resources to complete their coursework. At Notre Dame de Namur University, our online degree programs are designed to help every student succeed, no matter what barriers they face.

Whether you enroll in the School of Education, the School of Business and Management, or the School of Psychology at NDNU, you’ll get the chance to engage with your peers and professors through regularly scheduled meetings and virtual office hours. 

For an added layer of support, you can also take advantage of our personal advising and tutoring resources to ensure you’re getting the most out of your experience at NDNU. And while your specific schedule may vary, NDNU offers a blend of asynchronous and live classes so students get the engagement and flexibility they need to advance their careers.

Learn more about the resources available to online students at NDNU, and apply today.