The Iglu Guide | Blog
How to get the best out of online study
While student life in Australia is slowly returning to a new type of normal, universities are also adapting quickly to the changing landscape as they examine how to best deliver their courses in 2021.
We’re sure that any future face-to-face learning provided will be safe and viable, but a considerable amount of learning is set to continue with a blended online and offline approach that could well set the benchmark for the future. If you’re heading back to uni and want to get the best out of your online studies, here’s how.
1. Take it seriously
It’s important to treat online study with the same amount of focus that you would give any other part of your education. Just as you would ordinarily attend lectures and tutorials, take study notes and meet deadlines, the same attention and planning is required for learning online. You will only get the full benefits by immersing yourself in the process. Of course, there will be those occasions when you’re sitting in front of a screen in your pyjamas, munching on snacks and not exactly looking the part. But if you commit to online learning upfront, you are halfway to achieving your best already.
2. Stay accountable
Independent learning is all well and good, but it does rely on some serious self-accountability. Start proactively and set up a personal timetable that works around any external commitments such as a job. Set yourself some short-term goals as well as longer term semester objectives. Make sure you impose some regular deadlines, set yourself personal learning tasks – and don’t forget to schedule in regular breaks. When the world feels a little chaotic around your ears, you will appreciate the regularity and reliability of a well organised study schedule.
3. Organise your study space
Try to create a dedicated study area that you can use for an ongoing period of time. If you live in a shared environment, this is still possible to achieve – just keep a pair of headphones at hand. If you repeatedly work in the same area it helps to establish a routine, and means that you can leave your books spread out with your notes and filing all at hand. Ensure that you have a good wi-fi reception and work in a well-lit area. Natural light and a view are added bonuses as they improve your mood and help to reduce stress levels. The more pleasant your study space feels, the more time you will spend there. If you have difficulty setting up a regular space, look to other resources such as the library or communal study areas in your accommodation for alternatives.
4. Avoid distractions
If you were in a lecture or a tutorial, you wouldn’t be scrolling through TikTok or video chatting with friends. Be strict with yourself and try to switch off from all distractions when it’s time to study. It’s not just social media that can draw your attention away, the same goes for Netflix and that pile of washing up that suddenly seems hugely urgent. Distractions come in all shapes and sizes and the more you can set these aside, the better results you will achieve. Get some help self-regulating with app blockers such as cold turkey or use your resilience for good with Forest. Every 25 minutes you spend without picking up your phone is another tree planted, and if you try to deviate away, the app will tell you exactly how you are killing those trees. Harsh, but helpful!
5. Get involved
It’s easy to sit back and disengage when you are studying online. The physical distance can seem enormous and the idea of connecting with strangers over Zoom can be unappealing and easy to ignore. But if you lean into the process, set up study groups and take time to discuss ideas and projects, the whole experience will be much more fulfilling. Take some time to check out all the online resources at hand, and make sure you have access to help as and when you need it.
6. Stay in touch
Be sure to keep in regular contact with tutors and lecturers – especially if you have any concerns or anxieties along the way. It’s important to always understand what is being asked of you. At university, the emphasis is always on the student to seek out information and this hasn’t changed simply because the teaching has gone online. Take the initiative and ask questions either directly by email, or via the online chat forums. See what other students are contributing and take the opportunity to respond and build relationships.
7. Take a break
Taking time to recharge your batteries matters more now than ever with this mode of studying. Try to step away from the screen at least once every hour to give your eyes and your brain a power-break. The flexible environment means that you can study at the times that best suits you – so make sure you take advantage and stay connected to friends and family. Consider it a reward for all your hard work!
Photo by Dylan Ferreiraa on Unsplash
