How to prepare for online college courses! | ECPI University

How to Prepare for Online College Courses

Learning online has a lot of bonuses. You get to work mostly on your own time and within your own schedule. You don’t have to get out of your PJs or put on shoes to go to class. Best of all, you can learn without leaving your house. This isn’t to say that online learning doesn’t have its challenges.

How can you work to maximize your learning environment and enjoy the benefits that online learning provides? It may take some trial and error for you to find your rhythm, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

Create your own online classroom environment

Whether your classroom is an entire home office or a corner of a room, make it yours. Arrange your desk so you can find what you need. Whether that means organizing everything in colored folders or knowing where items are in a stack, get comfortable with your surroundings so when it comes time to take a quiz you’re not spending half your time searching for your notes.

With Canvas, a learning management system (LMS) that ECPI University moved to in May of 2016, most of your content course work will be digital. It can also help you organize your notes and documents online and you can use Canvas on your mobile device, so unexpected down time can become study time.

Minimize distractions in your online classroom

When you are working on your own time, it can be easy to get distracted by items and people around you. If something is keeping you from your work, do your best to remove it or minimize it. You might need to put your phone facedown and on silent for a few hours while you study. You might have to shut off all browser alerts and keep yourself off of social media. No matter what your distraction is, don’t let it stop you from studying or taking tests.

If you live with roommates or family, it’s important to let them know when you’re studying so they won’t add to your distractions. Sometimes a simple closed door will communicate that you need to be left alone. Sometimes it takes much more than that.

Keep up with your Canvas to-do list

Canvas features a handy to-do list right on your dashboard. There are many ways to keep up with this list and mark things off when you’ve accomplished them.

You can also write a physical list and keep it near your computer if you like the satisfaction of checking off items by hand. Be sure that your to-do list is checked and updated, no matter how you keep up with it.

Is online learning right for you?

Do you think you could take classes on your own time and enjoy learning in the comfort of your own home? ECPI University offers a variety of exciting and degrees available online. And with our accelerated learning environment and year round schedule, you could earn your bachelor’s degree in as little as 2.5 years! If you think you could thrive in an online classroom, contact ECPI University today to speak with an admissions advisor and learn more about our programs, it could be The Best Decision You Ever Make!

Learn more about ECPI's Online Degree Programs

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