Taking an online course is a great way to strengthen your personal and work-related skills. However, it is a significant commitment that requires considerable patience and a resilient attitude.
If you’re lacking motivation or find it hard to stay focused, there are ways you’re able to study more efficiently and get the most out of your course. Here are some ways to stay productive when taking an online course.
1. Schedule Time to Work on Your Online Course
Scheduling time for your online course in your calendar will help you stay consistent and avoid falling behind. It can also help youavoid online distractionsby setting your brain into work mode. To maintain steady progress, you can use the time-blocking feature in Google Calendar, which includes a recurring events option.
Hit theplusbutton (+) from the homepage, then selectEvent. Add a title, then select the circular arrow icon to enable the reoccurring feature. You can make the event repeat daily or once a week. Alternatively, you can hit theCustombutton to manage your own customized recurring event.
Download:Google Calendar forAndroid|iOS(Free)
2. Use Focus Sessions for Maximum Productivity
Taking an online course from the comfort of your own PC welcomes many unnecessary distractions that can harm your productivity. Luckily, Windows has introduced Focus Sessions to help you work efficiently. The feature is an extension of the Windows Clock app, including aPomodoro timer, a progress-tracking tool, and Microsoft To Do integration.
Rather than setting a regular timer, Focus Mode manages your attention better by muting notifications and hiding app icon badges. If you alreadyuse Microsoft To Do for better task management, you can add tasks to fix to your display. This is helpful for writing down key assignments or milestones for your online course, so you know what you’re working towards. If you’re a Mac user, you canexplore focus modes in macOS, which offer similar features.
3. Use a Note-Taking App to Record Your Knowledge
Taking notes is one of the most effective ways you can retain and better understand information. This barely takes up time, especially if youlearn to take notes fast, and it will massively benefit your productivity in the long run.
Our pick of a great all-around note-taking app is Notion, due to its simple and flexible approach to writing. The app offers a unique way to keep your notes organized and accessible and offers time-saving features such as backlinks and file uploads.
If you need to link different ideas in your online course, you caneasily link pages in Notionto understand related concepts. Need to upload a PDF from your course? Notion’s command-based editor means you’re able to upload a file using a single command. To see how note-taking can enhance your productivity, you can follow ourtips to get the most out of your note-taking app.
Download:Notion forWindows|Mac|Android|iOS(Free, subscription available)
4. Test Your Knowledge Using Flashcards
Apps that use spaced repetitioncan help you to retain information for longer by reducing the effects of the forgetting curve. Sending information to your long-term memory means you don’t have to constantly review chapters in your online course.
Anki offers a brilliant way to learn information faster using its digital flashcards. you may group similar flashcards in Decks, which can help you categorize information across your course.
To develop a wide understanding of what you learn, Anki uses a smart algorithm to display only topics that require further attention. Adding media is another strength of Anki. You can add images, videos, and audio clips to enhance your learning,whatever learning type you are.
Download:Anki forAndroid(Free) |iOS($24.99)
5. Take Regular Breaks for a Healthy Workflow
Online courses can be long and demanding. Rather than bulking up content for hours at a time, it’s important to take regular breaks. There are many ways totake an effective breakthat prevent your productivity from plummeting when studying for long hours.
Pomofocusis a productivity tool inspired by the Pomodoro technique to maximize your focus and provide beneficial breaks. Whether you need five minutes to stretch or a little longer to fully recharge, Pomofocus offers a short break and a long break timer.
Reviewing your productivity levels is simple—theReporttab shows you detailed insights into how long you’ve focused and a daily streak counter. Taking occasional breaks is essential if you want to get the most out of your online course and look after your mental health.
6. Stay Committed With a Habit Tracking App
Starting something new can be challenging, especially if you have a busy schedule. Using a habit-tracking app, you’re able to stay committed by viewing your progress and rewarding yourself.
Loop is a habit-tracking app to help you stay motivated while working on your online course. You can add a simple Yes/No habit to mark if you’ve worked on your course on a specific day.
For a more detailed measurement, you may add a measurable habit, with the option to enter a frequency (such as how long you’ve spent working on your online course). If you struggle to stay motivated for long periods, downloading a habit-tracking app is a must.
Download:Loop forAndroid(Free)
Download:Habit Tracker foriOS(Free, in-app purchases available)
7. Join a Community to Ask Questions
Online courses are great for learning lots of information at once. However, with the vast majority of courses being pre-recorded, they aren’t the best for asking questions or receiving one-to-one feedback.
The good news is, there is somewhere to ask questions to people studying your subject.Quorais a great platform where you’re able to post questions and respond to others for free. All you need to do is find a Quora space that aligns with what you’re studying, then post any questions you have.
Alternatively, you may search Quora for answers first. To ensure you’re receiving credible feedback, you can hover over a profile name to view someone’s credentials.
Master Your Next Online Course Using These Tips
Taking an online course requires consistent motivation and a strong mindset, which can be challenging. With a few simple steps, you may transform how you approach your course to learn faster and be more efficient. Get the most out of your online course with these easy tips.
