5 Tips For Successfully Engaging Yourself in an Online Course

COVID-19 has turned upside down the conventional ways with which the world functioned. It has greatly impacted, among many things, the operations of the education systems across the globe. Most of the universities have taken their operations online and are relying heavily on video-sharing software such as MS Teams and Skype. However, another fundamental question about these online courses is whether they are as effective as classroom education. Opinions are divisive over this issue, but we are not going to dwell on that. We are going to talk about how you can be a part of these courses successfully.

Whether or not we like it, we have to attend virtual classes. Social distancing is the norm, and very rightly so, but even while observing that, we can have an authentic learning experience if we used the available tools right. I do not generally prefer online classes over classroom learning, but you have got to admit that the accessibility of online courses can have far-reaching effects, especially during crises like the one we are going through presently. Given the opportunity to gain from these virtual classrooms, you should not let it slide or use it half-heartedly. There are a few ways you can successfully engage yourself in an online course about which I am going to tell you.

1. Consider these courses as your regular classes
   One of the first things you need requires attitudinal changes. Most of us take these courses lightly because they cannot be supervised as effectively as in real-time classroom situations. But, online courses may be virtual but they are classrooms nevertheless. You need to change your mindset and think of them as another way to extract information from your professors. It is not easy teaching an online audience, and if you could be a little considerate and act responsibly, you can help in creating an interactive and productive environment for everyone involved.
2. Make a timetable
   Whether or not the online courses are being conducted by your college or otherwise, you should make a timetable for them. Set out proper and achievable targets, preferably weekly, and keep track of your performance. If you have one already, make sure that it is not inflexible and allows you time to relax and chill. Having a timetable may help you develop a responsive approach toward online courses and provide you a better learning atmosphere.
3. Reach out to teachers
   Online instructors are usually accessible via email or videoconferencing. If your instructor is from your college, reaching out to her should not be a problem. But, if the case is different, then you may want to contact the instructor via other means which are usually available on the websites providing that course. Reaching out to teachers is important for many reasons: addressing queries, seeking better explanations, picking up assignments, and seeking a review of an existing assignment. By trying to establish a personal rapport with teachers, you can actually gain a lot of benefits such as suggestions on additional study materials and whatnot. Moreover, you will develop a good impression on the academician who may remember you at useful times such as research projects which can be mutually helpful.
4. A Study Station
   You cannot do without a study station of your own. Focussing during an online course could be tough; there are many temptations around us and warding them off could be a problem. For example, you can see your folks catching up with Money Heist on Netflix while you are stuck with an online course. You need to remove yourself from anywhere where there can be distractions like these. It is, therefore, suggested that you find a quiet place which you can re-design as your study station with all the necessary utilities. This is a good way to bolster your psychological responses toward online classes, and preparing your surrounding environment for them can be of great utility.
5. INVOLVE YOURSELF
   I have to highlight this point in block letters because this is one thing students fail to do. See, everything I just mentioned above can only be useful if you actually put in efforts to involve yourself in the online class. If you feel like not listening to a lecture, force yourself to not give up. Nothing goes into your head so ask the teacher to explain again. Make notes to keep track of studies. But, YOU need to mentally challenge yourself for anything that comes your way.

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