Studying online, especially a graduate certificate in education, requires an enormous amount of self-discipline to ensure you complete all of the units and enjoy success in your career.
But how do you do this? Navigating the world of online studying can be challenging, especially if you have never done it before. That is where we come in, with our 10 tips and methods that you can use to enhance your online studying experience. Let’s dive in!
1. Create a realistic schedule
To start, you need a realistic schedule that you can follow to complete your studies. Most online courses will provide an estimated time of how many hours a week you should study to complete each course unit. You can use these to help shape your schedule, ensuring you have set aside enough time for your studies.
When creating your schedule, consider any other commitments you have, like work or childcare, that will impact your studies. You should also consider what time you are most productive or would like to study, and try to set aside time to study at these times. It is not always possible to achieve this, and you might need to adjust your schedule as your course progresses, but it is good to have an idea of when you will study. You should also be realistic with your attention span and ensure you factor in regular breaks to avoid any burnout.
2. Find the perfect study space
Alongside your schedule, you also need to create a space to study. The ideal study space will vary depending on where you prefer to work, but we recommend having a dedicated space in your home where you can set up your books, laptop, and other materials and get to work. Ensure you have a comfortable chair to help with your posture and keep you supported, and that the space is clear and free from distractions.
Online studying doesn’t need to be completed solely at home, so have a look for any cafes, coffee shops, or libraries in your local area that can provide a change of scenery and a good studying environment.
3. Take advantage of online tools and resources
Online courses typically come with plenty of tools and resources that you can access from day one. All of your course materials will be available when you enrol, allowing you to work through them at your own pace. It is also worth using online libraries, academic journals, and databases to provide more resources and help you deepen your knowledge.
You can also access online classes or webinars where you can interact with instructors and other students. You can also look for any interactive online tools that might allow you to enjoy quizzes or engage with materials in a new way, helping to deepen your knowledge and put it to the test.
4. Use digital tools to keep yourself organised
If you struggle to stay organised, you can take advantage of digital tools to help you stay on track. You can choose from calendar apps, productivity apps, or a simple spreadsheet to see your due dates and study schedule. To stay organised, spend some time organising your coursework and resources, and explore note-taking apps or software that can help keep track of lecture notes, allowing you to focus on the content without trying to keep up with your note-taking!
5. Make the most of online discussions
Many online courses will have discussion pages or forums where you can speak to other students on your course. These are a great place to share ideas, ask questions about the course, and gain different perspectives on the material. There might also be social media platforms or chat groups you can join to speak to your classmates. While it can be daunting to use these, they are an excellent way to avoid feelings of isolation and engage in collaborative learning, which can make the online learning process easier.
6. Connect with other students
Connecting with other students will allow you to develop a support system that can help you through the course. You are all studying the sake course, but you will have very different lives outside of the digital classroom. You can rely on each other for support and guidance, which can help with your motivation and offer accountability. You might create virtual study groups or a separate forum where you discuss everything from core concepts in your course to your dinner plans.
7. Hone your time management skills
Excelling at an online course requires outstanding time management skills, ensuring you complete every assignment, honour your other commitments, and still have time for yourself. This can be difficult to achieve, but by practising and honing your time management skills, it is possible. We recommend the following tips that can help with your time management skills:
- Create a timetable for your study schedule, including due dates and important tasks
- Prioritise your tasks based on their importance and due dates
- Break larger tasks into smaller chunks that are more manageable
- Focus on one task at a time to increase productivity
- Set realistic goals with time slots for each task
8. Have regular breaks
Regular breaks when studying online is the best way to keep focused, reducing the chance of burn out. You might want to use methods like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and rewarding yourself with a 5 minute break. This technique is designed to improve your productivity and break your studying into smaller chunks, making them seem more manageable. You might want to use a timer for a longer time period if needed, or build your routine so that your breaks take you away from your desk (to do the school run, or exercise). Doing so can give your brain a chance to rest, helping you to keep studying without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.
It is important that you take regular breaks for your physical and mental health and you should listen to your body when studying. Don’t be afraid to take a longer break if you need it and to ensure you are well-rested to increase your productivity without impacting your health.
9. Speak to your instructors
Speaking to your course instructors regularly can ensure that you understand the course content and have the information you need to complete your coursework. How you speak to your instructors will depend on your course provider, but you will usually have access to them through emails or video calls. How often you speak to your instructors is up to you, but communicating with them can enhance your online learning and ensure you get the most out of the course.
10. Set clear goals (with rewards)
Finally, we recommend that you set yourself clear goals throughout your studies and build in rewards so that you can celebrate the big and small wins. These goals might be related to what you plan to achieve on one day, or hitting a deadline for an assessment. Either way, your goals need to be clear, measurable, and achievable. You can break your goals into smaller milestones where needed, tracking your progress as you study.
When rewarding yourself, choose small rewards that will keep you motivated and allow you to celebrate achieving your goals. These could be a movie night, your favourite meal, or an evening off from studying – anything that feels like a reward to you!
Start your online education course today
When studying for a graduate certificate in education online, you can use all of these tips and methods to improve your online learning and enjoy success in the course. You have many education courses to choose from, but we recommend those offered by the University of Canberra. These courses are accessible, affordable, and come with plenty of support to improve your performance as an educator. Speak to them to learn more about their graduate certificate in education online today.
