8 Best Tips for Effective Online Learning

Are you taking your first online course? I've had the honor of working with hundreds of educators to bring their courses to more than 48 million individuals across the world as a member of Coursera's Teaching and Learning team. Here are eight go-to study recommendations for studying online, based on research and best practices from our community.

1: Set study goals for each day.

Every day, ask yourself what you expect to achieve in your course. Setting a clear goal might assist you in remaining motivated and overcoming procrastination. "I'll watch all of the videos in Module 2 and finish the first programming assignment," for example, is a clear and measurable objective. And don't forget to congratulate yourself when you achieve your objective!

2: Establish a separate study area.

Because it's easier to remember the material when you're in the same area you learned it, having a dedicated space at home to take online courses can help you study more effectively. Remove any potential distractions from the room and, if feasible, isolate them from your bed or sofa. It can help you focus if you make a clear line between where you study and where you take breaks.

3: Make time for studying on your calendar.

Open your calendar and schedule a time when you will be able to watch lectures and complete assignments. This ensures that your classes don't fall to the bottom of your to-do list.

4: Be accountable to yourself.

Tell your friends about the classes you're taking, brag about your accomplishments on social media, or keep a blog about your schoolwork. It makes a difference to have a community and support network of friends and family cheering you on.

5: Take notes in a proactive manner.

Taking notes can help you think more actively, improve your comprehension, and increase your attention span. Whether you're learning online or in a classroom, it's an excellent method to internalize knowledge. So, take out a notebook or pick a digital program that works best for you and start jotting down crucial information.

6: Participate in the discussion

Ask questions about assignments, discuss subjects, share resources, and make friends in the course discussion forums. According to our findings, students who participate in discussion forums are 37% more likely to complete a course. So write a post right now!

7: Concentrate on one task at a time

Multitasking is less efficient than concentrating on one task at a time. "People who are regularly assaulted with many streams of electronic information cannot pay attention, recall information, or transfer from one work to another as well as those who accomplish one task at a time," according to Stanford University researchers. Concentrate on a single task at a time. If you try to do too many things at once, you'll absorb more information and complete assignments with less efficiency and ease.

#8: Take frequent pauses.

It's crucial to give your brain a break once you've learned something new. Take a break if you've been working on a difficult problem for an hour and haven't made any progress. Walking outside, showering, or conversing with a friend might re-energize you and possibly provide you with fresh ideas for how to approach that project.

Related: Top Nine Tips on Note-taking