As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the online learning industry – which has already been enjoying steady growth over the last decade – is now booming more than ever before. With all learning institutions across the country closed indefinitely, students of all ages have had to take their classes online, providing a glimpse of what the future could hold for education. If you’re looking to go to college, it’s a good idea to start considering online learning as a real option, especially if you’re looking for a faster, cheaper, more flexible and safer way to learn as the country deals with the virus. However, just because online learning seems easier, it doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to succeed. Here are some tips to help you address the unique challenges you’ll face so you can get the maximum value out of your online education.
When doing your research to find an online school, you’ll come across many options, most of which are legitimate, but some of which could end up being a waste of your time and money. As such, you must do thorough research to ensure that you end up finding an online college that will help you achieve your academic goals and build a strong foundation for a successful career. Online colleges can either be an independent branch of a college, a department of a traditional college, or an online-based school that only operates through their online platform. Regardless of the type of online college you choose, make sure that it is accredited so that you know you’re getting an education that employers in your chosen field will acknowledge.
Although online learning gives you the freedom to study anywhere, you probably shouldn’t. You still need a favorable learning space that has all your learning essentials, is comfortable to be in for long hours, and is free from distractions such as noise, kids, pets or TV. Whether your workspace is a room your living room, your kitchen table, a booth in your local coffee shop, or a library, it’s important to determine the type of environment that works for you and take steps to make it so.
While one of the biggest advantages of online learning is the flexibility it gives you to create your own schedule, it is also one of its biggest challenges, especially if you don’t have solid time management skills. You might easily find yourself struggling to keep up with school work or messing up your other personal responsibilities due to poor time management. To avoid this, take the time to come up with an effective learning schedule while taking into account your school workload, your learning style, your personality, and other responsibilities outside school. Once you have done that, check in with yourself every week to ensure that you’re spending your time as you had planned and make adjustments where necessary.
Starting small can be really helpful, particularly if you’re new to online learning. It can be overwhelming to start a full course load when you’ve never tested the waters to see if you like it. You can start with one or two short courses as you familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of online education and add more as you go along. If you look hard enough, you’ll even find accredited online courses that offer various free courses to give interested learners a taste of what they’re all about.
Online learning is a great way to boost your skills and knowledge in a flexible environment with its unique strengths and opportunities. It will come with many challenges, but with careful planning, hard work and dedication, online learning can grant you access to top degree programs and bring you closer to fulfilling your life goals.
