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This article is for those either new to online learning and have started a course or are looking into starting one and looking to get some advice for new students. Online learning is great for almost anyone because you can learn at your own pace, and the course can be completed on your own time. While some people learn slower or faster than others, online learning allows capacity for all learning styles to flourish.
Distance learning is convenient because it allows you to get an education from your own home. Learning from home also teaches you time management skills, which, if you’re training from a work-from-home career, employers consider this skill necessary. Another additional skill work-from-home employers are looking for is technological skills, which you will learn from studying at home and in our online programs.
Most of all, online learning is a cost-effective alternative to traditional, in-person programs that require you to be on campus and pay extra fees.
Now that you know some benefits of online learning, here are 6 pieces of advice for new students to understand what to expect and how to handle a new online learning journey.
Call in and speak to an instructor if you have any questions, concerns, or trouble understanding something in the course. Students that call in more for help and talk to the instructors are more successful in the program and have higher chances of acquiring a job after graduating. The instructors are there to help. They are a well of information waiting to answer all the questions you have. The instructors are your number one resource.
Don’t even think of them as mistakes. They are steps along your learning journey to your goal. You’re not making mistakes. You’re learning, so don’t be afraid to make them. It’s a myth that online courses are easier than traditional courses. You will be challenged, you will learn, and you will succeed.
Students have access to various ways to communicate and get extra information in our programs. Shortly after you enroll, you will be given access to our student forums, where instructors and staff post helpful information for everyone to see. We have plenty of webinars available on our youtube channel that you may watch at any time. Our Facebook student group is a great place to connect with other students and get a different perspective on a complicated topic or simply an encouraging word!
Our online programs are hard work. You may fall behind if you don’t keep up with our suggested weekly hours on the course. You’ll need to keep yourself accountable. Since you can work on your program whenever you like, it’s best to keep a schedule and stick to it. Try using an online calendar or a notebook to write out your day and schedule when you will work on your course. Keeping a strict schedule will help you visualize and help to hold yourself more accountable.
Taking breaks in an online course cannot be emphasized enough. You’ll need to take eye breaks, mental health breaks, and physical breaks. Try resting your eyes by looking away from your computer for 20 to 30 seconds every half hour. Get up and walk around your house every hour. Take some time for self-care to regenerate your brain for better productivity by participating in a hobby. Breaks are essential for your productivity, enjoyment of the course, and overall happiness.
Even if you have a house full of kids or your significant other is in the house, make sure you make an effort to speak to other people outside of your household. Your stress levels may get high if you don’t ensure you socialize and get out of the house. Proper socialization is something to make a habit of immediately when you start your online program.
Did our article on new student advice help you at all? Let us know in the comments if it was helpful! If you’re considering enrolling in one of our online programs, we hope you better understand what you need to prepare yourself for your online learning journey.
If you feel online learning might be a good fit for your life and our advice for new students was helpful, follow CanScribe on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram for more tips for online learning, graduate success stories, and much more!