The whole COVID-19 situation forced people to switch to remote learning. Since then, it has shaken things up in the education industry. And we must say, it’s been quite a game-changer. Now, quality education has become more accessible to those who may not have had the financial means to attend conventional schools. Plus, it has given people the freedom to pursue their dream careers from anywhere in the world.
However, a new problem arose. When you invest money in a course on any online learning platform, you expect to receive quality education and have a seamless learning experience. Yet, not every platform lives up to your expectations. That’s why you need to learn how to leverage the full potential of online learning platforms. All in the name of making the most of your money.
Whether to maximize your learning experience on Coursera or make the most out of the paper writing service for USA students, it’s important to understand how to use these platforms effectively. In this article, we’ll share some tips to help you leverage the full potential of online learning platforms. Keep reading to find out more!
Table of Contents
What is an online learning platform?
An online learning platform is an all-in-one digital space designed to provide educational content to users remotely. With its help, students can access lectures, e-learning resources, assignments, tests, and virtual discussions from anywhere, at any time. Online learning platforms are also a convenient tool for monitoring student performance through analytics and tracking systems.
Some popular examples of e-learning platforms include:
- Google Classroom,
- Coursera,
- Udemy,
- Skillshare.
Top 10 proven tips for leveraging the full potential of online learning platforms
- Ensure a stable internet connection
While technical glitches may occur on the online platform you’re using, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen on your end. A lot of students rely on their school’s Wi-Fi or public Wi-Fi, which can be unstable and slow. However, if you won’t be able to keep up with lectures, quizzes, and discussions due to a poor Internet connection, you may miss out on important information and fall behind in your studies.
To avoid this, seek a reliable Internet connection. Also, close any unnecessary applications or browser tabs. They can also affect the stability of your Internet connection. This way, you’ll have a seamless learning experience, allowing you to fully utilize the potential of the online learning platform you’re using.
- Set clear goals and objectives for your learning
To go through life, we, humans, need a purpose. It helps us not give up when things get tough and keep us motivated to continue. The same applies to online courses. In order for students to successfully complete them, they need to set clear goals and objectives. Simply put, what they want to get out of these courses.
Depending on the student, the goals may differ. Some want to pass a certain number of modules, while others dream of getting a certain grade. No matter what your goal is, it will motivate you in moments when watching your favorite TV show will seem more attractive than spending another hour in an online class.
In addition to motivation, you also will be able to track your progress and evaluate your growth more easily. Because if you don’t have a purpose, how can you measure your progress?
- Create a perfect environment for online studying
Just because you’re allowed to study at home doesn’t mean you have to neglect creating a proper workspace. You need to dedicate a space in your house for studying, just as you would in a traditional classroom. Having one can help to switch from home to learning mode. On top of that, you’ll be more focused on your course and less likely to get distracted by the comforts of home.
To create a perfect online learning environment, do the following.
- Find a place where you can hide away from noises and distractions.
- Make sure it is well-lit by artificial or natural light to avoid straining your eyes during long study sessions.
- Keep your workspace organized and clutter-free to avoid distractions.
- Customize your study area with plants, posters, or other decorations to create an inspiring atmosphere.
Once you dedicate a specific place for remote learning, you’ll see how much easier it will be for you to focus and move forward with your studies.
- Develop a study plan
Your e-learning course will include a course program with module titles and detailed explanations of what topics will be covered and when. Pay attention to this data, as you can create your personal study plan based on it.
A study plan is essential to stay organized, maintain a consistent study routine, and make progress with your course. If you include homework and deadlines in it, you can avoid stress connected with last-minute assignment submissions.
Also, creating an all-in-one study plan can help you declutter your mind. If you put everything down on paper, you’ll free up space in your head for other important tasks and information.
- Free up time for learning
Make sure you have enough time to devote to your online class. For effective and productive learning, you must be relaxed and able to focus. Chances are, you’ve signed up for several courses that may interfere with each other. This can easily become a stress factor for you.
If you can’t keep up with your studies, don’t be ashamed to ask for help. You can hire a top essay writer to lighten your workload a little. For example, you can outsource the research for your essay or editing and formatting of your paper. This way, you’ll save a lot of time that can be spent on other, more enjoyable things.
- Use the platform regularly
To make the most out of your online learning platform, you must use it regularly. It’s the best way to benefit from it without any additional effort. After all, you’ve already paid for it. That’s why it’s important to take advantage of all the resources and opportunities it offers.
You can also develop your discipline and strengthen your time management skills by using the platform regularly. On top of that, it will help to stay up-to-date with all the changes or important announcements related to the platform or your course.
- Use the available resources and tools provided by the platform
Thoroughly browse the platform to learn all its features and familiarize yourself with the available resources and tools that the platform offers. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a discount for a useful learning tool or free access to other courses.
By leveraging the resources and tools provided by the platform, you can enhance your learning experience and make the most out of your time and investment. Interactive quizzes, discussion forums, and live webinars are all additional resources that can help you grasp complex concepts more easily. So, go search for them before your course ends.
- Automate processes if possible
Check to see if the platform you’re using has some automation features. They will allow you to use it to 100% capacity and save your valuable time. For example, you can automate some repetitive tasks, like setting a reminder about a class. You can schedule all your study sessions upfront and don’t worry about it ever again.
Some platforms can offer the ability to collaborate and share notes with classmates. So, if you missed something important, you can ask your fellow mates to share it within the platform. This way, you’ll store all class-related materials in one space and avoid switching between messengers to find the necessary note.
- Participate in virtual discussions
While taking the course in isolation will yield some results, participating in virtual discussions can double them. By communicating with your peers, you can gain insights on the course material and find out about other useful learning resources. Furthermore, you can share your experience of understanding the subject and get tips on how to learn the material faster.
- Communicate with your teacher
The reason you have enrolled in a class is to receive the advice and guidance from a professional. Otherwise, you would just search for the same info online and learn through random YouTube videos.
For the same reason, you shouldn’t be afraid to approach your teacher with questions and seek clarification on any topics you find challenging. At the end of the day, it’s their job to teach and guide you through the course.
Also, actively engaging in an online class can show your teacher that you value their knowledge and expertise. Therefore, they will be more motivated to go above and beyond to help you succeed in the course.
Bottom line
Summarizing all of the above, here are some key takeaways that will help to make the most out of online learning platforms as a student.
- Start any course with a clear goal in mind to maximize the outcomes.
- Don’t neglect the environment you’re studying in; it can affect your productivity and focus.
- Eliminate any technical obstacles that may interfere with your study session.
- Create a study plan to enhance your learning experience.
- Take advantage of the resources provided by the platform.
- Explore the platform’s features to simplify the learning process.
- Reach out to your teacher to better comprehend the material.
- Connect with your classmates for collaborative learning opportunities.