How to maximize your online learning experience?

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a large portion of students and workers to shift from traditional to digital training. Despite the industry's efforts to transform traditional courses into virtual ones and improve the experience, not everyone was able to immediately adapt to the new learning style.

How do you improve your online learning experience and take advantage of all the benefits of your online course? Here are a few tips to make it happen:

1. Don't get your hopes up

Those entering the world of online learning are often loaded with expectations. Some will believe that it is easier than a traditional course, while others will believe that it is more difficult. Don't focus on your own expectations and think that, no matter what, you will have the support of tutors and other learners in this new experience. The important thing is not to get off on the wrong foot and just go for it!

2. Prepare the right tools

Just like in a traditional course, in an online course you need to have all the materials at your disposal to be able to follow the training in the best possible way. Therefore, make sure you have a device (a computer is preferable to a cell phone), a good table and a comfortable chair, good lighting, headphones, microphone and all the material required to carry out the course. Don't forget to have a bottle of water handy and test the platform before connecting if the class is live.

3. Take advantage of flexibility

One of the benefits of online learning is flexibility. This means that you will need some self-discipline, but also that you can decide when to take the lesson (when possible), when to study and repeat, whether to go on to the next lesson already or to take a break. An online course adapts to your pace!

4. Make a study plan

Just as in traditional courses, taking classes is not enough to learn. Studying, doing exercises, preparing presentations and, in general, creating a calendar with all the activities related to the course will help you have a study plan that will lead you to improve your skills.

5. Participate actively

Sometimes, online courses can create a feeling of isolation. However, actively participating during classes (when possible) or in online discussions, forums, chats and social networks related to the course, are great ways to maintain human contact with tutors and other students.

6. Have fun

Although training is serious, it doesn't mean that it shouldn't be enjoyed with a little levity and fun. Learning new things is part of your personal and professional growth process. It allows you to get out of your comfort zone and do something new that will allow you to discover new paths.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator