How to become a successful distance learning student?
By: NilukshiL
Unless one has the confidence and takes an effort to make something a success; one cannot be successful. The same applies to online distance learning. The outcome of online distance learning will be based on the effort taken as mentioned in an old proverb ‘you reap what you sow’.
Some keys steps to be taken by students to be successful in distance online learning:
Active engagement with lecturers and peers
It is important for the student to take the initiative to connect continuously with the lecturers when needing any clarifications, support, guidance etc. Further it is helpful to connect with peers to obtain and share thoughts, clarifications and at times even learning or study support. Hence one must attempt to be an active participant rather than being an in-active passive participant to be successful.
Setting personal targets
Study discipline is critical to become successful. A suitable study plan should be developed by each student individually based on ones’ times commitments, skill set and personal study pace. After setting the time for study one must commit to it and attempt to never deviate. It is essential to stick to the time-plan developed by managing ones’ time well. Also, the student must from time-to-time assess if the targets are being achieved.
Create a personal study space
A suitable study space is essential for online distance learning. This space should be one where the student is not disturbed, with no external noise and adequate lighting, a tidy area, a less traffic area even within a home where the students are not distracted. It should be a comfortable, lit up space where one is able to study for long hours throughout the day.
Design ones’ own study style
Each persons’ study of study is different to another. Hence; it’s important to firstly understand what ones’ study style is; for example: is it more individualistic or group based, the type of short notes needed to suit one, the need for visuals (links to illustrations etc.), auditory requirement (listening to recorded lectures etc.). Further what is the ideal study time for you personally? Because for some it can be early mornings and for others it could be late in the night. Breaks and rest times should also be incorporated into one’s own study plan to ensure that burnout doesn’t take place. It’s important to note that independent learning is critical to the success of online distance learning; hence a student should strive to achieve this.
Improve technical skills
Online distance learning requires familiarity with computers, the world-wide-web and other tools and software. Therefore; a student should attempt to learn and acquire the necessary technical skills to even be able to resolve a technical breakdown.
Read, read and read
Reading is the most essential component in online distance learning. The student should be self-motivated to read all the study material provided by the institution. Where necessary he or she should read the additional supplementary reading materials provided. Further reading should be done based on individual research to successfully complete assignment and other tasks given.
References
(2020, June 22) St. Bonaventure University. “Successful online student: 20 tips for hitting your goals”.
https://online.sbu.edu/news/successful-online-student
McClary, J., (2016, February). “7 tips for being a successful distance learning student”. International accreditors for continuing education and training.
Great write up . Would you like to explain how motivation can be kept in terms of learning in distance learning using scientific methods ?
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