7 Tips To Get The Best Online Training
Education has changed dramatically with the advancement of technology. Now, more than ever, online training programs have increased in popularity, with many budding professionals preferring flexibility over tradition.
There are many advantages to online courses; they allow you to learn whenever, wherever, and however works best for you. This makes it easy to pursue a degree, all while balancing work and family commitments. Online classes are affordable, and they still provide quality education without sacrificing your engagement.
Online classes can present unique challenges, however, if you’re not prepared. But if you develop skills for effective online learning, you’ll find the courses can be an excellent alternative to a traditional classroom setting. Here are some tips for online learning to ensure you get the most value out of your next class.
1. Determination
Like all things in life, you must be determined and committed to your goals if you want to meet them. Think about why you want to gain additional education and use this as your motivating force. This will also help you push through the harder or more challenging times.
Treat your online course as you would an in-person commitment. Set aside time to make daily or weekly progress. Remember, to get value out of your class, you will need to hold yourself accountable.
Determination is a resolved or fixed attention to overcome obstacles. If you are determined, then you are willing to face and overcome challenges in order to reach the end result. Make yourself more determined by repeating positive, encouraging statements of truth to yourself.
2. Resources
Online career training programs provide students with various tools and resources that are required to study online. You can download apps to a mobile device, initiate chat sessions with student service staff, engage in online discussion forums with faculty and other students, or browse the additional videos/links within each student center for supplementary tools or references. By using the resources offered, you will maximize your experience by gaining the knowledge the course offers.
Educational resources are used to strengthen your learning environment, and act as a supplement. Similar to stretching before a workout, taking advantage of preparatory resources can only improve the value of your program, so it is best to take advantage of what each course offers.
3. Tech-Savvy
Obtaining an online degree means you must have the proper equipment and knowledge to use it. As a student, you should be able to navigate the internet, send and review emails, and edit documents in a word-processing program. If you are less computer savvy, do not worry!
Blackstone Career Institute (BCI) provides a tutorial video for students to watch that shows how to access coursework and more. This tutorial will help limit your frustration and stress levels so you can fully enjoy your online course. Each of our courses also include a helpful “Read This First!” guide. It breaks down class expectations and provides instructions for online resource access.
4. Managing Time
Online education gives you the benefit of flexibility. There are no deadlines or due dates for course work in any BCI program. Additionally, we offer open enrollment, which means you can enroll at any time and set your own graduation date and goals! Our education is designed to fit into your schedule and your lifestyle.
To help manage your time, our Student Handbook provides a breakdown of a recommended study schedule based on the number of units and exams in your course. Maintain this schedule on your computer or smartphone by setting reminders to help hold yourself accountable.
We understand that life happens. If you fall off-track, or we haven’t received an assignment in some time, we send reminders to our students. This “motivation” encourages students to follow through with their commitments, and helps shape our culture of achievement.
5. Proofread
Distance education requires students to submit the coursework online. Exams are taken through the online student portal and are graded immediately. It is a great habit to double and triple check your answers before hitting “submit.” If your course includes homework assignments, we recommend using programs like Google docs, Word, or Outlook. These programs help proofread your work using spelling and grammar checks. If you are looking for advanced proofreading softwares, some research can help you determine what you need for your respective career.
This habit also prepares you for the professional world. Many positions require some experience in writing, and a careful eye can help improve your hireability.
6. Stay Connected
Today, online courses offer many options to connect with your instructor, our staff and other students. We recommend taking advantage of these opportunities to stay on top of your coursework and assignments. Blackstone Career Institute courses offer discussion boards, chat options, and we regularly promote our students’ achievements on our social platforming. Education is more than career preparation; it also acts as a networking opportunity.
7. Downtime
Oftentimes, you may find yourself with some time in between submitting coursework and receiving access to the next unit. Use this time wisely by reviewing previous course material or by taking a short break from your studies. Both of these options increase your ability to retain information long-term. As important as studying is, it is equally vital to take time off so that you aren’t overworking yourself.
