How to Study Online Courses Effectively

Plan, prepare, participate, persistence and note-taking

With the uncertain times of the present age, the inherent risks with everyone’s jobs and the increased awareness about up-skilling; it is no wonder that folks are starting to turn heavily to online courses to improve their skills and expertise.

Online courses, MOOCs, remote boot camps, virtual learning, digital certifications- the paths are many but the method is similar. Learning via technology all from the comfort of your own home or personal space.

They are useful, valid and increasingly popular with social distancing becoming the new normal and the easy availability of even Ivy League education at one’s fingertips. If you need more convincing in the benefits of MOOCs, read this:

But learning online is no easy feat.

People are so bought in by the advantages that they forget that it comes with its own set of challenges. Attrition rate is high in online courses and completion rates abysmal.

As someone who has completed more than a dozen courses from different platforms over the years, I am sharing here my strategies for learning effectively in remote classes.

First and foremost, make sure you read the prerequisites as well as time needed for both viewing, practicing, and studying the materials.

Plan accurately for all these activities involved and also factor in buffer time for any contingencies.

Chalk out approximately when you will devote this time and set reminders for yourself. Pencil in this time in your calendar and add it to your to-do list.

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