Tips to Succeed in an Online Course

In the past, earning a professional qualification meant physically attending in-person classes, which often posed challenges for working professionals or those with complicated schedules. Now, thanks to advances in technology, it’s easier than ever to find a TPPC that offers the flexibility you need, whether through traditional in-person classes, online learning, or a blend of the two.

There are many advantages to online courses; they allow you to learn whenever, wherever, and however works best for you, making it easier to earn a professional qualification while balancing work and family commitments. And without having to attend classes in person, online learning affords you access to The Prof’s Professional Class (TPPC) across the country that might have otherwise been inaccessible or highly inconvenient.

1. Treat an online course like a “real” course.

When it comes to online classes, you need to have the discipline to sit down and say, “I am going to work on this,” as well as the dedication to actually follow through. Though you can be flexible as to when you choose to complete your work during the week, you can’t put it off indefinitely.

One of the easiest ways to ensure follow-through is to remember that you are paying to take this online course, just as you would for a traditional, in-person class. You must “show up” if you’re going to get real value out of your class. Treat your online classes the same way you would a face-to-face class—or, better yet, a job—and you’ll be off to the right start.

2. Hold yourself accountable

Set goals at the beginning of the semester, and check in with yourself weekly. In a traditional classroom setting, you’ll often receive verbal or visual reminders of an assignment’s upcoming due date. But without a lecturer actively reminding you, it’s up to you to make sure you’ve allotted enough time to complete the work, so you’re not starting an assignment the day before it’s due.

If you’re having trouble holding yourself responsible, pair up with a fellow classmate, or enlist the help of a spouse or friend to check in as an accountability partner. By being organized, proactive, and self-aware, you can get the most from your online class, even when life outside of school becomes chaotic.

3. Practice time management.

The flexibility to create your own schedule is often one of the biggest appeals of taking online classes. But that freedom can also be detrimental if you do not have solid time management skills. Without them, you might easily find yourself cramming before classes or handing in subpar assignments.

Though how you manage your time will depend on your schedule, learning style, and personality, here are some universally valuable tips to help you practice and improve your time management skills:

• Look at the syllabus at the start of the semester and make note of major assignments. Mark them on a calendar you check regularly, so you know what workload is coming in the weeks ahead. Don’t forget to factor in prior commitments that may interfere with your regular study schedules, such as weddings or vacations, so you can give yourself enough extra time to complete assignments.
• Create a weekly schedule that you follow, designating certain hours each week to read, watch lectures, complete assignments, study, and participate in forums. Commit to making your online coursework part of your weekly routine, and set reminders for yourself to complete these tasks.
• When working on your assignments, try time-blocking, allotting yourself a certain amount of time for each task before moving on to the next one and setting a timer to keep you accountable.
• Check-in periodically throughout the term, and look at how you’re spending your time. Ask yourself: How much time am I dedicating to course reading and assignments? Am I regularly underestimating the time it’s taking me to get things done, forcing me to cram the nights before the exams? A little self-reflection and adjustment can go a long way.

4. Create a regular study space and stay organized.

Set up a dedicated learning environment for studying. By completing your work there repeatedly, you’ll begin to establish a routine. Whether your workspace is your kitchen table, a library, or the corner booth in a local coffee shop, it’s important to determine what type of environment will work best for you. Experiment to discover which type of setting boosts your productivity. Wherever you choose, make sure there’s high-speed internet access, so you’re not trying to take an online course over a lagging connection.

Setting up a regular workspace or office will also help you to stay organized. Knowing exactly where important dates, files, forms, syllabi, books, and assignments live will help keep you on track towards hitting your goals. When setting up your study space, make sure you:

• Have a high-speed internet connection
• Have the required books, materials, and software for the course
• Have headphones for listening to lectures or discussions (especially important in shared spaces)

5. Manage distractions

Home environments and physical classrooms have different types of distractions. While your focus may not be broken by someone passing a note or whispering in your ear, there are plenty of other things at home that can draw your attention away from studying.

If you truly want to make the most of your time, it’s important to manage potential distractions. Put your phone on silent and leave it in the other room. Wash your dishes before you start your day instead of letting them sit there calling out to you. And definitely don’t put a tray of cookies in the oven that needs checking while you’re supposed to be studying. Simple things like these will allow you to maintain your focus for extended periods of time.