Since the start of the pandemic, online learning has become mandatory in many schools, universities and educational institutions. And online courses have popped up even more. How do you get the most out of an online course, and more importantly, how do you not bail out midway through? How to enter the very 7% who reach the finish line? We have collected the most valuable instructions in 6 steps.

1. Set a goal

Let’s remember that at the beginning of any action we should ask ourselves a question: why? What result do you expect to get from it? The goal should be based on the SMART principle:

  • time bound
  • specific
  • measurable
  • measurable
  • relevant

Incorrect Goal: I want to become an Internet marketer after I complete the course.

Correct goal: I want to finish the course “Internet Marketing” by the end of 2021, to learn the basic tools of Internet marketing, while working on my first project.

The goal will help us to see in our heads the result of our endeavours and understand the practicality of the knowledge.

2. Choose one course

If you are a versatile person who is interested in everything from whether the Aztecs worshipped corn and what Khrushchev had to do with it, to what the Higgs boson is, think about it, perhaps one more course on art history when you take a course on programming – you can’t handle it. Based on your goal, determine which knowledge is a higher priority for you. Taking several courses in one period of time is not a good idea. In the sense that you will have to divide your time between courses and absorb a lot more information.

3. Regimen and discipline

Choose a clear time when you will open your laptop and engage exclusively with the course. This should be a pre-scheduled time in your calendar or diary that you will not miss. It will be hard at first, but then it will become a habit that you won’t want to break. Also, it’s worth asking yourself: will you even have time to study?

Lack of time is one of the reasons why people don’t finish a course. If you know you already have a lot on your plate and the course will keep you busy, then be prepared not to finish it.

4. Choose a pleasant atmosphere

Yes, a definite plus point of online learning is that you can take it anywhere. On the way home, in a café, on the train – anywhere at all. But is it worth it? If our goal is to complete the course efficiently, then no. It’s still worth treating online learning as a learning experience, not a game.

So, keep a few tips for comfortable learning:

  • Choose a quiet, peaceful place where you won’t be distracted by anything. But not a bedroom, be prepared that the cot will tempt you to sleep artfully. Better a little crowded place, and the most ideal option in general will be a library. But, here already to whom it is convenient.
  • Remove all unnecessary things from the table, and especially the phone, if you work at a laptop or computer. Leave on the table only what you need to study the material.
  • Turn off the notifications. Everywhere. Remember when we said there should be a set amount of time set aside for studying? Don’t break the discipline.
  • Put water or any other drink and a snack near you so you don’t get distracted during the allotted time.
  • Check all technical aspects: wi-fi connection, sound quality, microphone. It is unpleasant when you have prepared everything and at the most important moment something starts not working.

5. Mentor

We need mentors in any endeavour. If the course does not have a mentor, try to find someone who might know more than you or is an expert in your chosen field. Usually, specialists love to share their knowledge and show their expertise. So, open Instagram, Linkedin or Facebook and start looking. Nowadays, almost everyone lists their job title in their profile.

*We have tested this method and it really works. The expert discounted us materials for beginners, answered all our questions and gave us a direction to study this field. So don’t be afraid to reach out for help, go ahead!

6. Create a social circle

Your social circle often determines the vector of your learning. After all, when you are surrounded by like-minded people, it is much easier to learn and develop. Try to join a chat room created on the course, if there is one, or find people who are also taking the course. This way you can find answers to questions faster, look at the material in a completely different way and notice things you haven’t noticed yourself.

Another option would be communities of interest. There you will be able to ask a question and receive it from experts (in a way — mentorship).

Tips on how to learn

You can read much more about effective learning methods in the book “Think Like a Mathematician. How to solve any problem faster and more efficiently” by Barbara Oakley. For now, let’s go over them briefly.

1.  Get enough sleep

Good advice for studying, right? In fact, a lot depends on the quality and quantity of sleep. Perception and memorability of information in the first place, proved by British scientists:)

There is a good book on this topic “Why we sleep” by a professor of neurobiology — Matthew Walker. Well, you’ve definitely heard various facts and studies about how sleep affects our lives, so we won’t repeat ourselves. And does that make sense? Better snuggle up with a blanket and take a 20 minute nap to prove that you have learnt the material from the article 🙂

2. Get plenty of rest

Another great tip. Give yourself time to do nothing. This doesn’t mean sticking in your Instagram feed or TikTok feed. It means doing absolutely nothing. You can meditate, or just make tea or cocoa and enjoy the view out the window. Allow yourself to relax and de-stress from everything.

* A good way to learn and memorise is intervals. Try using the Forest app for interval learning. Also, you can use it for work too.

3. Start learning with a positive attitude

Emotions help with learning in two ways:

  • the stronger the emotion of the information, the better we remember it;
  • emotion leads to the activation of the amygdala, which signals to our brain that this information is important to us.

And a very fun fact. Our brain perceives brain change as a threat. And therefore, so does new information. So, create the most comfortable and stimulating learning environment for yourself. It’s important!

4. Reward yourself

For the 3 lessons you have completed, make a promise to give yourself something you want, such as a book. And for the whole course — something bigger and more important for you. You are trying and developing, so you deserve to treat yourself.

5. Measure your progress

Keep some kind of record of what you have learnt. If you have learnt a topic or lesson – find out how you can apply it in practice or just think about how it can be useful and important to you. This way you’ll have an immediate understanding of what to do with the information you’ve learnt and why you need it.

Apps for learning:

1. Notion

2. Forest: Stay focused

3. Google Calendar

4. YourHour

So, to summarise.

What you need to effectively complete the course:

  1. Purpose
  2. Concentration on one course rather than multiple courses
  3. Regimen and discipline
  4. Learning atmosphere
  5. Mentor
  6. Discussions and like-minded people

Tips on how to study more effectively:

  1. Get enough sleep
  2. Rest
  3. Start studying in a good mood
  4. Reward yourself
  5. Measure your progress