How to Be More Productive in Online Classes

Pursuing a course online has become even more beneficial than it once was, owing to advancements made in technology in recent years. Although the idea of online education was realized much earlier than you think, it is only recently that colleges and universities have started to see it as a primary mode of instruction. From an outsider’s perspective, taking a course online may seem to place the student at a disadvantage. Detachment from a social circle and the lack of a formal educational experience might appear to be drawbacks, but students are compensated in other areas quite well.

For students unable to get a traditional college education, stemming from geographical location, health, or personal issues, online learning is a way to get the same education much more conveniently. People who are working in a fulltime position, or those having to raise a family likely wouldn’t have the time or energy to attend classes at a college. In these cases, an online degree is just what they need to move ahead in academics, without impacting their personal and professional lives all that much. The degree obtained can be used to enhance their profiles considerably and open up new opportunities for the future.

Although online classes are much more convenient than traditional courses, that doesn’t mean you can put in minimal effort and call it a day. Regardless of the medium of instruction, academics are academics, and academics needs dedication. Any negligence in your routines and schedules can make a significant impact on your grades, and since your progress will be monitored by a real and alive human professor, it would paint you in a bad light. This can be avoided altogether by getting your stuff together, and focusing on maintaining and improving your productivity.

Productivity isn’t about increasing your effort but rather streamlining your processes to the point where you don’t have to work as much to obtain the same result. Here are some tips you can use to be more productive in earning your online degree.

Make a schedule, and stick to it

Once you have enrolled for an online course, the first thing you need to be doing is to make a study schedule. Now, depending on your daily activities and responsibilities, you need a slot of at least two hours to dedicate to your studies, and some more time to do any homework or assignments you may receive. Having the commitment to stick to this schedule is mandatory, as even the slightest bit of negligence from your side can spiral into procrastination, which is the poison of productivity. Instead, you need to assign a reasonable amount of time to your studies and adjust the period according to your grades and performance.

Keep it formal, not casual

Although you may be studying from your bedroom, it doesn’t mean you can take it lightly and forget about academic discipline. Just as all schools, colleges, and universities have a strict code of conduct, the same rule applies to online learning as well. Academics require you to be serious, and despite the interactive nature of online degree programs, you still need to adopt a formal approach to the task. For instance, you might believe that studying in your bed would be comfortable. However, the constant yawns and slouches are going to prevent you from learning anything. It is much better to work on a desk with a comfortable chair, as it would keep you alert and awake.

Start slow, and speed up

At the beginning of your course, you are highly unlikely to work at your maximum effective level, as it will take some time for your mind to adapt. It might be difficult to adhere to a new schedule, but once you get the hang of it, the routine would take charge. Therefore, trying to pressurize yourself from the start and assigning more work would only work against you. A better alternative is to assign a reasonable amount of work initially, and increase the amount every week or so. Just keep in mind that your grades serve as vital indicators, and you may need to adjust your workload accordingly.

Distractions are your enemy, seriously

You have scheduled your studying time in the afternoon, as you are finally free. You grab your laptop and open the web portal for your course, and are ready to work for the day. However, your TV is blaring in the background, your neighbor is outside mowing his lawn, and your sibling is blaring his music in the adjacent bedroom. You decide to wear headphones, but the sounds still manage to seep through. This situation is all too common and is the best way to distract yourself from your studies. You need to pick a time when you can study in peace, and be able to absorb information.

Ask questions, and ask some more

Most online learning platforms feature chatboxes, which can be used to clear any doubts you may have about the course. Other platforms may also feature live chats with your professors, which may include video or audio calls. These modes of communication are there for a reason, and it would be in your best interest to use them completely. Keeping in touch with your professors is important as it demonstrates diligence and shows your resolve to achieve more. Also, your teachers would be aware of the progress you are making and would be able to recommend additional material and offer guidance.

Talk to students, outside of class too

Despite its lack of an actual social circle, online learning courses typically feature forums and virtual dorms where you will be able to socialize with other students. Although you may be busy with things such as your career and personal life, it is a good thing to be in touch with your academic peers. Now, this definitely doesn’t mean that you tell them to Take My Class Online, but they can be reached in case you are confused. Not only will you be able to ask them questions pertaining to the course, but would also be able to form a meaningful connection that would take away the loneliness of an online degree. Who knows? This may be the start of a long, reliable friendship. 

Eat healthily, and make it a habit

If you are a person who cannot work without coffee, even if your life depended on it, then it would be a good idea to cut down on your caffeine intake. Eating healthy is a great way to increase your productivity, as a balanced diet allows your body to work at its maximum potential for much longer. As compared to a diet rich in sugars, you will be able to not only study with greater focus and energy, but the benefits would be extended to your professional career as well. However, help yourself to a slice of pizza every once in a while to treat your taste buds.

Think critically, but don’t overdo it

Critical thinking is the hallmark of an academic, as it allows you to see things that would usually be ignored completely. When reading a piece of literature, or doing your assignment, you need to be able to form your arguments and suitably present them. Remember, you are not just looking to earn a degree, but learning the details of your course and adapting them to your career. Sometimes, you may need to use out of the box solutions to get ahead, and there is nothing wrong with that.