You’ve been struggling with digital learning. How can you turn things around?

1 Assess your situation

The first step to improve your digital learning is to identify the root causes of your struggle. Is it the content, the format, the platform, the instructor, or something else that is making you feel stuck or confused? Be honest with yourself and try to pinpoint the specific areas that need improvement. You can also ask for feedback from your peers, mentors, or instructors to get a different perspective on your performance and progress.

2 Set realistic and specific goals

Once you have a clear picture of your situation, you can start setting goals that are realistic and specific. Realistic goals are those that match your abilities, resources, and time frame. Specific goals are those that have clear criteria, deadlines, and outcomes. For example, instead of saying "I want to learn more about digital marketing", you can say "I want to complete the digital marketing course by the end of the month and get at least 80% on the final exam". Having realistic and specific goals will help you stay focused, motivated, and accountable for your digital learning.

3 Plan your schedule and routine

Another key strategy to boost your digital learning is to plan your schedule and routine. This means creating a calendar or a timetable that shows when, where, and how you will study, complete assignments, and attend online sessions. You should also establish a regular routine that includes breaks, meals, exercise, and sleep. Having a plan and a routine will help you manage your time, avoid distractions, and maintain a healthy balance between your digital learning and other aspects of your life.

4 Use effective learning strategies

When learning digitally, you need to adopt different strategies than traditional learning. To be successful, you must be self-directed, active, and collaborative in your online courses. One way to do this is by reviewing the course syllabus and objectives before you start. It's also important to take notes, summarize, and highlight the main points of the online materials. Additionally, it's beneficial to ask questions, participate in discussions, and seek help when needed. Furthermore, applying what you learn to real-world situations and projects is a great way to enhance your understanding. Before submitting any work, it's important to review and revise it. Finally, reflecting on your learning outcomes and feedback can help you identify areas for improvement.

5 Seek social and emotional support

Digital learning can be isolating and stressful, especially if you are facing challenges or setbacks. That's why you need to seek social and emotional support from your friends, family, or other online learners. You can join online communities, forums, or groups that share your interests, goals, or challenges. You can also reach out to your instructors, mentors, or counselors if you need academic or personal guidance. Seeking social and emotional support will help you cope with your emotions, build your confidence, and enhance your digital learning.

6 Celebrate your achievements

Finally, you need to celebrate your achievements, no matter how big or small they are. You can reward yourself with something that makes you happy, such as a treat, a hobby, or a compliment. You can also share your achievements with others who appreciate your efforts, such as your peers, mentors, or instructors. Celebrating your achievements will help you recognize your progress, appreciate your strengths, and motivate you to keep learning.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?