For many learners, choosing between an online format and in-person learning is easy. For others, online learning presents real challenges. Since online Learning is the fastest-growing market in education, it makes sense for learners to get comfortable with online learning formats.
The good news is that online courses are easy to master with just a few tips. Studying for online courses is much like studying for any class. The basic rules about not falling behind and asking questions when you feel confused work whether you are in an in-person class or a virtual one.
1. Break Down Your Course Into Small Chunks
Taking a class online can be overwhelming, but if you break down your class into daily and weekly goals, you can focus on completing just one day's worth of tasks at a time. This helps reduce the likelihood that you'll fall behind and give up.
Get out your calendar and count the number of days you have to complete the course. Make a spreadsheet outlining the percentage, chapters, or sections of the course you need to complete each day. Try to estimate how much time you'll spend on the course each day, and block out that time in your schedule.
2. Study Early in the Day
Create a schedule that allows you to complete your online coursework before you do anything else, if possible. Leaving your online learning tasks for the end of the day greatly increases the likelihood that something urgent will steal your attention, causing you to fall behind.
3. Interact with the Instructor and Other Learners
Not every online course allows interaction with teachers and peers, but if you can communicate directly with your instructor when you have a question, you can remove frustrating roadblocks and move forward in the learning process.
Online learning may sound like a dream come true for introverts, but it can also be a great way to gain skills and knowledge while minimizing face-to-face interaction. However, introverts need to be especially conscious of their tendency to fade into the background. Some group discussion facilitates a better understanding of the material, so opt-in if you think communicating with your peers may help you make good use of your study time.
4. Don't Trade Online Learning for Real-Life Experience
You can learn a lot about driving a car in an online course, but there's no substitute for hands-on learning when you are building skills to help you become a safe driver. Technology is a wonderful addition to the learning experience, but it should never be a replacement for using your skills and senses in a real driving situation. When you are behind the wheel, use your online education to support the hands-on learning process, and don't rely on the vehicle's safety technology to be your eyes and ears.
"The rapid increase in technology has led to some changes in modern driver's education," said David Reischer, Esq. Traffic Lawyer & CEO of LegalAdvice.com. "The incorporation of assisting technologies like backup cameras and sensors have created an environment that permits a driver to feel safer with maybe a feeling there is less of a need to pay attention to the surrounding environment."
When you go through an online driver's education program, match your real-world experience to the material when possible. For example, when studying how to parallel park, practice the skill (without the help of assisted parking technology) in real life.
Study Online with Aceable
You may not be sure if an online driver's ed course is right for you, but rest assured that thousands of students have gained the knowledge they need to reach their goals using this popular class format.
Updated 12/13/2024