by The COVID-19 pandemic has thrust students globally into a completely new normal of online learning. Though it offers flexibility, convenience and safety; however its special peculiarities make studying much more difficult than you might think. But with the right strategies and attitude, students can make their mark in an online learning environment.
Why Are You Learning Online?
Remember your goals! You have to have a purpose when learning online. Whatever the reasons, to change careers, pursue a personal interest, develop new skills, or complete your degree to advance professionally.
Clear and specific goals must be set. It is important to consider how each act of online learning aligns with these larger goals and contributes towards them.
If you reflect on why you signed up, learning online becomes easier. It is good to see how each course contributes to your long-term plan. One way to maintain motivation is by breaking up large tasks into smaller objectives.
Here are nine ways to stay motivated during online learning
- Establish a Routine
Establishing a routine is crucial to staying motivated in online learning. Set fixed times for waking up, starting classes, breaks, and completing assignments. It is important to see that you are consistent with your routine. It would help if you did not allow procrastination to make you break your streak.
This routine will structure your day, and keep you focused and motivated. More so, allocate specific time slots for studying each subject, ensuring a balanced approach to learning. It is more beneficial if you are taking a self-paced course online.
You can reach your goals in online learning by turning them into smaller, more manageable tasks. It alleviates the overwhelm factor. Dividing these large tasks into smaller steps means you can feel a greater sense of accomplishment more frequently, and will be encouraged to stay the course. These small tasks not only help maintain focus and motivation while studying;
they also give you specific targets to strive for.
This approach makes you move step by step toward bigger things and lets you come up with a more realistic schedule considering work duties, family obligations and reading time.
- Create a Dedicated Study Space
It is essential to create a dedicated study space that is solely for learning purposes. This space should be comfortable, well-lit, and free from distractions such as noise and clutter. Having a designated area for studying helps signal your brain to switch into a focused mindset, increasing motivation and productivity.
You can read our blog post on effective learning techniques
- Set Clear Goals
Setting clear goals is important for staying motivated during online learning. Define short-term and long-term goals, such as completing specific assignments or improving your grades in a particular subject at a certain time. Write these goals down and display them in your study area as a constant reminder. Moreover, a deadline fuels your desire to meet up with your goals.
Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, as this will fuel your motivation to keep pushing forward.
- Stay Connected
Online learning can sometimes feel isolating, leading to demotivation. You can fight this by staying connected with your peers and instructors. Participate in online forums, group discussions, and virtual study sessions.
Participation in group learning activities increases the depth of your understanding and also creates a sense of community and an environment for mutual support. This keeps you motivated to strive forward with your studies.
- Take Breaks
It is necessary to include regular breaks in your study routine. Sitting for long periods without breaks can result in fatigue and apathy.
Taking short breaks during study sessions is important. It allows the mind to rest and prevent mental fatigue and burnout. You can input quick breaks by stretching or closing your eyes for a few minutes.
Use your breaks to engage in activities that refresh your mind and body, such as walking, practising mindfulness, or practising a hobby. These breaks will rejuvenate your energy levels, enabling you to return to your studies with renewed motivation and focus.
Signs that show that you need a break include difficulty focusing, restlessness, and feeling overwhelmed or stressed. When you incorporate short breaks ensures a more focused and productive learning experience.
- Seek Support
Online learning can present unique challenges that require additional support, especially with assignments and projects. Some virtual programs require peer-to-peer collaborations. Do not hesitate to contact your instructors or teammates for clarification or guidance when needed.
Online learning uses online resources, tutoring services, and educational apps to supplement your learning experience. When you feel overwhelmed, speaking to friends and family about your challenges can provide emotional support and boost your motivation to overcome obstacles.
You can also improve your online learning experience by involving a study buddy to help keep you on track, break up study sessions, and provide companionship and motivation.
A good study partner can help you to learn better. They can spur you on, keep your feet to the fire and provide encouragement. A good study partner can make learning more fun and less overwhelming. If you are seeking a study partner, choose someone serious and hardworking; someone with similar academic objectives. Consider a coursemate to keep you accountable in your coursework. Working with a study partner can give you added encouragement, stimulation and new approaches to difficult issues. A good study partner can also help review and practice course materials. He or she can also provide emotional comfort during difficult times.
- Celebrate Progress
Celebrating your progress is essential for maintaining motivation during virtual learning. Recognize and reward yourself for your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. This could be treating yourself to your favourite snack after completing a challenging assignment or taking a day off to relax after a demanding exam.
By pointing out your achievements, you reinforce positive associations with your efforts, thus, cultivating a greater sense of motivation and success.
- Use Time Wisely: Set a Timer!
A timer can help you focus and manage time effectively. Setting a specific, short study duration can trick your mind into getting started on the task.
The Pomodoro Technique allocates 25 minutes for focused work and a 5-minute break. It is a popular time management technique for maintaining focus while studying. When you repeat this process you will be able to maintain focus and productivity, prevent burnout and increase productivity.
This reduces your study sessions into manageable portions and creates a sense of urgency. This method will prevent procrastination and increase productivity and better time management.
Setting time goals makes you more able to complete work on schedule. Using a study or work timer to break tasks into manageable time chunks works well.
Interrupting your study sessions with timed breaks helps avoid fatigue and maintain concentration. Adding an accountability partner and a timer can help you stick to your routines.
- Picture Your Success!
In online learning, setting and achieving small tasks can give students confidence in their abilities and keep motivation high. These small victories reaffirm their belief that they can accomplish greater tasks and productivity.
During online learning sessions, recharge and refocus by making a vision board. It visually shows motivators. As an exercise, it can be lots of fun thinking about the end product before you get there.
In conclusion, staying motivated during online learning requires discipline, structure, and a positive mindset. By establishing a routine, creating a dedicated study space, setting clear goals, staying connected, taking breaks, seeking support, and celebrating progress, you can overcome the challenges of online learning and thrive academically.
Motivation is not always constant but can be nurtured and maintained throughout your online learning journey with the right strategies.
