If you’ve signed up for an online course and you want to unlock your academic potential, there are some simple steps you can take to make sure you graduate with flying colours.
In this article, we’ll provide useful online study tips so you can give yourself every advantage. We’ll also explain how to get the most out of your online classes, how to study with others online, and how to prepare for online exams.
How do you effectively study online?
Read any guide about how to study online, and it will invariably list ‘discipline’ as the key to staying on track. But what exactly does it involve?
Essentially, discipline is about regularly attending class, making time to do the readings and complete assessments, and doing your best to stick to a study routine.
Let’s look at some tried-and-tested online uni tips that will keep you on track:
Set goals
Not only will setting goals help you to progress through your studies, it will also give you a sense of accomplishment when you tick them off.
To get started, head over to our Time Management hub to find out how to set goals that are SMART (i.e. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-based). Here, you can also download our Five-step Planner.
When you first start your course, set goals about how many hours per week you’d like to spend studying. If the goal is to spend 10 hours per week at your desk, you could break this down into hour-long chunks, to be ticked off one by one. Then, once you’ve reached 10, you can celebrate by watching TV or doing something else you enjoy.
You can also set goals that are aligned more specifically with the topics you’re studying. For example, if you have an assignment that’s coming up, you can break up what needs to be done into smaller tasks, and then tick these off. This will make the assignment seem less daunting, and help to keep you focussed.
Reward yourself
This is a very important part of the process that should not be overlooked!
Firstly, knowing that a reward is just around the corner will help to keep you going. Secondly, taking breaks from study is just as important as the study itself.
Moments spent reflecting upon what you’ve recently learnt will actually help you to absorb the information better. Additionally, it will help to prevent burnout. If you’re new to remote learning and asking ‘how do you study online?’ – taking time out is key.
Study with others
Making connections with other students can really help to keep you motivated.
If you want to know how to study with friends online, it could be as simple as arranging a weekly Zoom meeting with your classmates where you can talk about any upcoming assignments, or perhaps just work quietly alongside each other.
Here are some tips for organising successful virtual group study sessions:
- Set a time and day that’s regular and consistent
- Write down the goals of the group, and set a clear goal for each session
- Assign roles such as ‘Study Leader’, ‘Note Taker’, ‘Discussion Moderator’ and ‘Time Keeper’
- Schedule in breaks and time for chatting
How to be successful in online classes
As an online learner, you might have to go a little bit beyond your comfort zone to get the maximum benefit from your classes. This means speaking up in class (even if you’re shy!), asking questions and taking notes.
Here, we’ll provide tips for online learning success that will help you become an academic superstar.
Participate and contribute
With remote learning, it can be tricky to communicate effectively with other people in your class. Here are some tips for online classes that will make your study experience more rewarding:
- Turn your camera on during class and try to participate regularly in class discussions.
- Come to class prepared with some questions to ask your tutor (chances are, your other classmates will be wondering about the same thing).
- For group assignments, organise and attend regular online meetings (or perhaps even in-person meetings) with your group.
- Use online discussion boards to interact with other students.
Learning isn’t a one-way process where your teachers provide information. It’s about meeting them halfway with a curious mind and a positive attitude.
Create a motivating study space
One of the best study tips for online learners is to make sure you have a dedicated space where you can be productive.
Here are some easy ways you can optimise your home learning environment:
- Minimise noise: Try to choose a place that’s quiet, so you can focus on your work, and participate in class discussions without noise interference.
- Create a comfortable set-up: Make sure your chair and desk are at the correct height so you can maintain a good posture while you study. Visit the how to sit at a computer guide for more info.
- Keep your study space tidy: When your home office is tidy, you’ll find it easier to focus. By keeping your books neatly arranged on a shelf, you’ll be able to easily grab what you need – plus, a clean desk just simply looks more inviting.
- Avoid distractions: Easier said than done in this busy world, but if you can, try to make sure you won’t be disturbed while you’re studying. Put your phone in another room, turn off the TV and use website blockers to prevent access to known procrastination traps.
Federation Uni Online students can find lots of great resources at our Online Study Hub.
Take breaks and look after your health
During your study sessions, make sure that you schedule breaks for yourself so you don’t wind up feeling overly tired or frustrated. This is key to learning how to study online effectively: take regular moments to enjoy a hot drink or a meal, or simply walk outside to get some fresh air.
Many online learners find that the Pomodoro Technique is a powerful tool for managing your time. In essence, this technique is simple: all you need to do is pick a task, set a timer for 25 minutes, and focus exclusively on the task until the buzzer sounds. Then, enjoy a quick break, before coming back to your desk and setting the timer again.
It’s also important not to neglect your body. Try to maintain a regular exercise routine and eat nutritious meals – cutting corners in these departments will not do you any favours in the long term. Sleep also falls into this category: make sure you stick to your study plan so you don’t end up having to pull an ‘all nighter’ to finish an assignment.
What are some online exam tips and tricks?
If you’re new to online learning, this might be the first time you’ve ever had to sit for an exam remotely. Here, we’ll explain how to study effectively for exams at home, and provide some pointers for open-book examinations.
Make study notes
If you’ve got an open-book exam coming up, you might not feel a tremendous pressure to study. The truth is that open-book exams still require preparation.
These types of exams are about testing your ability to analyse, synthesise and apply information, which means that you’ll need to have a sound understanding of the material.
As we’ve covered in our tips on how to study online, you’ll need to set aside a number of hours each week to read the course materials and make notes. The more familiar you are with the topic, the better you’ll do in an open-book exam.
It might also help to prepare graphic memory joggers (such as tables and diagrams). Visual aids are very useful when you need to recall information quickly.
Get prepared
Ahead of the exam day, make sure that you’re fully across the format of the exam – are you familiar with the learning platform, and are your login details up-to-date? If you have any questions, it’s best to bring them up with your course instructor ahead of the exam day.
Make sure your internet is working, and you’ve got a back up plan in case anything goes wrong. Also, take the time to familiarise yourself with the assessment criteria, if possible. This will give you an idea of what you will be marked on.
Taking a practice test is another great way to prepare for an online exam. When you do this, try to create the same conditions you’ll be under when you take the actual test, by following the time limit and sticking to the set resources.
Make use of support services
In the lead-up to the exam, make sure you know who to contact if you encounter any technical problems on the day. You should also establish some kind of backup system, so you can save your written answers in a separate document, in case anything goes wrong.
One of the best online study tips for those preparing for an exam is to familiarise yourself with the range of academic support services available. If you need help with your academic writing or reference skills, there are people who can provide assistance – this will boost your chances of doing well in the exam.
Considering studying online?
More tips for students undertaking online learning can be found in our guide: Online Study Strategies. Don’t forget, Student Support is here for you if you need assistance.
For those hoping to start their educational journey with Federation Uni Online, you can discover our online courses and apply now. Please also feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
