How to Study Online Effectively: 5 Tips for Success!
When it comes to studying online, you have a world’s worth of information at your fingertips. But you also have a great deal of distractions as well. If you wonder how you’re going to manage to study online successfully for online college classes, here are some tips and tricks you can use to get the best results.
- Limit Distractions. When you’re a new tab away from seeing what your friends are up to on Facebook, checking your order status on Amazon, or looking up a new band you heard on the radio, it can be difficult to stay on track. So turn your notifications off and don’t keep a tab open on Facebook just in case someone likes your latest post. Once you’re done with studying, there will be plenty of time for social media and all of the digital things you need to do.
- Use Assignment Resources and Find More on Your Own. In online classes sometimes resources won’t be all on one page. Your instructor might create a video about a project that’s due. There might be more information on a key term in your textbook. Be sure to read instructions thoroughly before beginning. If you need outside resources as well, you can find them through a traditional Google search or through Google Scholar.
- Use Credible Sources. Which brings up an important point. Anyone who has internet access can post a piece of information on it. That doesn’t mean all this information is equal. Look at what the website you’re on is. Is it a personal blog written by someone with no credentials in the subject matter? Is it outdated and touting information that was popular 10-15 years ago? Is it a satire or comical news site? Is it a Wikipedia page? Use a careful eye figure out what kind of information you’re accessing and only use the highest quality available.
- Search Effectively. If you’re having trouble finding resources that you can trust, take a step back and look at what you’re searching. Keywords are very important to Google. Sometimes trying a different one or even rephrasing what you’re saying can make a huge difference in how search results are displayed. For example, if you’re researching a term used in business, but all you’re getting is a slang definition that has no relationship to your business class, add the word “business” at the end of your search query. This lets Google know you’re searching for a more specific answer to your query.
- Set Goals for Each Study Session. It’s easy to walk away from homework if you never set a goal to know when to stop. If you want to gather all of the information you need for a project, finish writing a paper, complete an assignment, write down what it is that you want to do. When you’ve accomplished it, you can continue to study if you wish, but you’ve reached your goal for the study session.
Online Studying for Class Can be Fun When You Find the Right Balance
It might take some trial and error to find what works for you when you study online. Distractions and procrastination are certainly something that you will have to face when you have the world at your fingertips. But finding what works for you will help you move through your classes with less bumps in the road.
Are you interested in online education? If you want to earn a degree in business, criminal justice, health science, nursing, or technology, ECPI University could be the right school for you. With several online degrees offered you can study on your time, wherever you live. For more information on online education, connect with a friendly admissions representative today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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