Study Tips To Help You Succeed with Online Courses

So your prerequisite class roster is filled. Maybe your company is requiring you to take an online course to be considered for a pay raise. Or perhaps you are just taking a defensive driving course to lower your insurance payments. Corexcel works with thousands of online learners whether they are taking clinical or business skills courses. Many people are turning to online courses to fulfill their needs quickly and more conveniently. Here are 5 valuable study tips to help you succeed.

5 Study Tips for Passing Your Online Courses

1. Update Your Computer

study tips for online learners

The major obstacle to taking an online course is having the proper technology. Though 2003 may not seem that long ago, a 10 year old “dinosaur” will probably have trouble displaying the images, graphics and videos of a recent online course. Make sure your computer is fairly recent and updated with a recent Internet browser, Flash Player and JavaScript. Online course providers will list the minimum computer requirements for taking their courses; make sure your machine matches these before registering for the course.

2. Read the Syllabus 

Before you begin the course, read all of the required information carefully. Whether they have sent you a detailed registration email or a syllabus for the course, read the material in full before you start. You don’t want to progress through the course on false assumptions or miss a test that you should have taken. Make sure you know the requirements for completing the course and what grade scale they use so there are no surprises.

3. Remove Distractions 

When taking an online course, it is easy to get sucked into the comforts of home. But watching television, preparing dinner or changing diapers while you study will just distract you from the learning process. You may think you’re saving time, but chances are you’ll probably have to study three or four more times because you missed the information previously. Hopefully your computer is set up in an office or a quiet room. If you have a laptop, feel free to set up your study space in a quiet place away from the noises of the household.

4. Set the Mood 

Some of you have families or roommates, but if possible, you want to give yourself the feel of a classroom environment. Poor lighting and studying on your bed will strain your eyes and probably put you right to sleep. You want to make sure there is plenty of light stimulation. Working at a desk or table will help keep you attentive and give you a space to lay out your books or take notes.

5. Study! 

Knowing the information will not only help you feel confident, but you’ll do better! Many online courses  have timed exams. While open book quizzes and tests may seem easy, you don’t want to waste all your time flipping back and forth through the textbook or online course pages looking for answers. If you know the material, you can spend your time wisely: reviewing your answers and ensuring an A.

These are just a few tips to help you make the most of your online course. Are there any other online learners out there with study tips to share?