Strategies for Online Learning
Learning Objectives
In this section, you’ll be introduced to:
- What online and in-person learning have in common, and how they differ
- How this can have an effect on a learner’s ability to succeed
- What we’re doing here!
Learning online can be similar to learning in a physical classroom. You’ll still have assignments and due dates; you’ll still likely have a textbook to read and maybe have lectures to watch. More than that, you’ll still need to engage the same study skills that have helped you in face-to-face classes throughout your experience.
However, learning online can also be pretty different from in-person learning. Online classrooms don’t often provide the same amount of in-person access each week that you might be used to from a physical classroom. In some cases, you’ll “see” your classmates and professor less often than you did during on campus classes. Sometimes, though, you’ll hear from them more often.
One concern some learners have when they approach an online classroom is that they’ll have to “teach themselves” the content. The structure of an online class might make you feel like you’re making your own way through the class. A well-built online class will provide multiple ways for you to interact with the content, the instructor, and your classmates throughout, but it’s absolutely possible that much of your learning will happen on your own.
This is also one thing many people like about online learning. Instead of needing to attend a class at a certain time and in a certain place every day, you can engage with the content when you’re ready. You also won’t face the pressure that some people feel during an in-person course. If you’ve ever felt too shy to speak up during an in-person discussion, you may find that online discussions provide a chance to talk (write) confidently with your classmates.
But enough of the sales pitch for online learning. Let’s talk about the practical parts: What are the best strategies to support online learning? What can you do to make sure you’re successful in the courses you’re taking now (or thinking about taking in the future)? How can you make the transition from on-campus to online?
The following sections will help you form answers to these questions.
