Online learning has made education more accessible for people with busy schedules or remote locations. A 2020 report found that 75% of undergraduate students had taken at least one online course, highlighting the growing shift toward virtual learning. While online classes offer flexibility, they also require good habits and strategies to succeed. Whether you’re attending your first online class, pursuing a degree, or completing a certificate, these practical tips can help you achieve your goals.
How to Prepare for Online Classes
Getting ready for online learning is the first step to success. Spend some time going through your syllabus and marking important deadlines like assignments and tests on a calendar. Having a clear plan helps you stay ahead of your workload.
Organize your study area to reduce outside distractions. This could be a quiet room in your home, a library corner, or even a specific desk. Make sure you have good internet access and all the tools you might need, like a laptop, headphones, or any required software.
Learning how to use your online platform is just as important. If you’re unsure how to join a class, submit homework, or access materials, practice before your course starts. Bookmark helpful links and familiarize yourself with the platform so everything runs smoothly when your lessons begin.
Key Strategies to Excel in Online Classes
Online classes can take some getting used to. It’s not just about logging in and ticking off assignments; it’s about finding new rhythms and tricks that help you stay ahead. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, these practical tips can make your online learning experience smoother and more successful.
1. Master the Art of “Preloading”
Think of preloading as setting up for success before the week even kicks off. On Sunday night or your designated prep day, skim through the weekly syllabus, glance at lecture topics, gather reading materials, and make a quick to-do list. Knowing what’s coming helps you mentally prepare and spot any tricky tasks early. Bonus points if you organize files into folders for each class to avoid digging around later.
2. Build Your Own System for Note-Taking
Digital learning requires a whole new approach to note-taking. Try tools like Notion or OneNote to organize your notes by topic, date, or even project type. Experiment with a format that works for you—for example, jotting down questions as headers while you watch lectures, then filling in the answers from readings.
For an upgrade, color-code notes based on importance or your level of understanding. Need to review? Focus only on the sections marked “urgent” or “confusing.”
3. Turn Recorded Lectures into Study Weapons
Recorded lessons aren’t just for missed sessions. Use them like study guides by replaying key parts at 1.5x speed for quick revision. Don’t just passively watch; pause regularly to summarize what the professor just said in your own words.
Pro tip? Use software like Transcribe to create captions for lectures. This way, you can highlight key sections in text and refer back to them without rewatching the whole video.
4. Create a “Distraction-Free Bubble”
This isn’t just about turning off your phone. Make your workspace work for you. Invest in a great chair, get blue-light glasses to avoid eye strain when staring at screens, and use browser extensions like Cold Turkey to block time-wasting websites.
Got noisy surroundings? White noise apps or sound-dampening curtains can help create a calmer space. Portable organizers or rolling carts can keep all your materials handy without cluttering your desk.
5. Treat Yourself Like a Project Managers Would
Big assignments can be overwhelming, so think of yourself as the project manager of your own education. Break down assignments step by step, set hard deadlines for each milestone, and hold yourself accountable.
Use something like Google Calendar and assign specific times for those tasks. For example, instead of saying, “Work on essay Thursday,” write, “Draft intro paragraph on Thursday 3–3:30 pm.” This way, there’s no room for procrastination.
6. Use Peer Accountability Wisely
Making friends in online classes isn’t always straightforward, but it’s worth the effort. Find 1–2 classmates willing to partner up for weekly accountability check-ins. Share your progress goals, and update each other midweek.
If you find group chats chaotic, create a smaller, focused group via apps like Signal or WhatsApp. It doesn’t need to be large; even a duo can keep you motivated.
7. Skill Up with “EdTech” Boosts
Lean into tools designed for online students. Grammarly can save your life for essays, while voice-to-text tools like Otter.ai can help you jot down points on the go. Need study help? Sites like Course Hero or free online databases in JSTOR or Khan Academy can offer insights beyond course materials.
For tricky subjects, check out virtual tutoring platforms or even YouTube creators who break down concepts in unique, bite-sized ways.
8. Master the Art of “Mindful Multitasking”
Okay, yes, multitasking is generally bad, but there’s a way to do it well in online learning. Pair lighter cognitive tasks with other low-effort activities. For example, you can review flashcards or listen to a podcast relevant to your lecture while on your daily walk.
Or, double-dip by summarizing readings into bullet points while waiting for a download or while attending low-engagement virtual meetings.
9. Prepare for Tests Like a Strategist
Stop cramming the night before. Prepare strategically. Create your own test questions while studying, simulate a mini-exam, or practice pacing by timing yourself.
Check if your course allows open-book exams. If so, organize your materials early by grouping notes into clear, labeled categories for fast reference. This way, you spend time answering—not searching.
10. Track and Reflect on Progress with Gratitude
Every Sunday or after assignments are submitted, take 10 minutes to track what worked for you that week. What distracted you, and what motivated you? Adjust your strategies accordingly, but also take the moment to celebrate small wins—even if it’s just watching every lecture or passing a quiz.
Adding gratitude to this routine can refuel your energy. Try something as simple as jotting down, “I’m thankful that today I had the focus to finish that assignment.”
Fuel Your Drive to Succeed
Staying inspired throughout online courses can be challenging. Keep your goals in mind—whether it’s earning a degree, advancing your career, or learning something new. Write these goals down and place them where you can see them daily.
From my experience, staying consistent has always been the hardest part, but I found that keeping a journal with small daily goals made everything more manageable. And honestly, treating myself to a nice coffee after a tough week kept me going! Remember, success isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up and putting in the effort. You’ve got what it takes to make it happen; just take it one step at a time. Keep pushing forward!