For years online education, sometimes called home study or distance learning, was considered a niche method of teaching, primarily aimed at adult students who could not attend classes due to their work schedules or remote locations. However, the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns forced educational institutions from preschool to college to quickly adopt the practice.
For some students, online education turned out to be more of a vacation from school, and their education was essentially put on hold while they forgot much of what they had previously learned. Some teachers also became lax in their methods and expected less of their pupils.
But for others, attending or teaching classes online was highly beneficial. It allowed students to learn at their own pace and often on their own schedule. Homeschoolers could participate in selected classes to supplement their home-based curriculum. Teens and adults could earn an income and get job experience while still going to school. Stay-at-home parents could take classes and still care for their children. Teachers could take on more students and have more flexible schedules as well. In many cases they could even do their teaching from home.
An added benefit is that the cost of online education, for both students and educational institutions, tends to be significantly lower than traditional schooling.
In post-pandemic days, while many have returned to traditional classroom education, other students and schools have found it beneficial to continue online classes. Some schools have established a hybrid model, where students can choose whether to attend class in person or join over the Internet. The number of online college degrees available has skyrocketed.
Getting value out of an online education requires a strong commitment and a great deal of self-motivation for students. It also requires teachers to be more creative and better organized. Online education is certainly not for everyone. But for those who are willing to put in the necessary effort, it can be a godsend.
If you are serious about pursuing an online education, here are some tips to help you make the most of it:
Manage your time wisely. Like everyone else, you have just 24 hours of time each day. Set up a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for online classes as well as plenty of time for study and homework. Share your schedule with family members and make sure they know when not to disturb you. But don’t forget to schedule family time as well. Once you have set your schedule, discipline yourself to follow it religiously.
Keep a chart of assignments, deadlines, and milestones. It can be easier to forget or procrastinate tasks when you learn at home. Write them down and check them off as you accomplish them. It may be useful to find a simple way to reward yourself for each completed task.
Find a quiet place to study where you will not be distracted by the goings-on in the home. Make sure you have a comfortable chair and adequate workspace.
Stay in contact with your classmates. Unless your instructor prohibits it, create a virtual team so you can discuss projects and assignments through email, texting, or instant messaging. This can help you stay motivated and establish accountability.
Commit yourself to excellence. Decide to be an “A” student, and put in the work to make it happen. Immerse yourself in the topic until you feel confident in your knowledge. Don’t just study to pass the tests, work to actually learn the material so that you can use that knowledge in your career and life.
Online education can be a wonderful way to learn, but only if you are willing to work hard, exercise a lot of self-discipline, and stay motivated.
