How to get the best out of online learning

04 Jan 2022

Love it or loathe it, virtual studying is here to stay. Here’s how to adjust your mindset and get the most out of online learning, wherever you’re at in your learning journey.

Over the past two years, online learning has become normal for all students, whether you’re at school, college, university or doing a professional qualification. For some, it’s been a welcome change: learning whenever, wherever and however works best for you certainly has its benefits.?

But if you find online learning challenging, you’re not alone. Your constant interaction is with your computer - it can all feel a bit lonely and leave us lacking in motivation. Plus, when you’re relying on self-motivation, it’s easy to procrastinate and put studying off until later. And let’s not even get into the long list of potential distractions if you’re studying from home.??

To get the most out of virtual studying, you need to be prepared, disciplined and have strong willpower. Here are five things you can do to improve the way you study online – and get the most out of your learning.

1. Get your home study space sorted

Sitting in bed with your laptop might be tempting but, let’s face it, it doesn’t create the most motivating study set up. A better idea is to carve out a dedicated space – somewhere to sit and learn comfortably and peacefully. It will give you a sense of structure and purpose to your study sessions.

Three tips for creating the ultimate home-study mindset

• Get organised. Have essentials to hand, like stationery, your calculator, a water bottle and any books you need
• Log off. Put your phone on flight mode so you won’t be interrupted or distracted
• Get dressed! Studying in your pyjamas may sound like the ultimate home-study perk but showering and changing will prepare you physically and mentally for your studies (we promise).

2. Have a definitive schedule

Online learning calls for structure — so having a study plan is critical. Not only is a plan an excellent way to prioritise and stay on track, but it can also help you stay motivated.?

At the start of each week, create a to-do list of the tasks you need to complete by the end of the week. Don’t forget to plot in any personal commitments and build in some non-study time too.?

Everyone has a different approach to study but short, frequent study sessions are usually most effective.? You can build in time after each session to tackle a few questions – it’s a more active way of learning which will help memory and recall, as well as establishing whether you’ve understood what you’ve just studied.

Tips for effective study

• Stick to your study plan and stay organised so that you’re not falling behind
• Review your progress at the end of every day and adjust your study timetable accordingly for the rest of the week.
• Ask your family members, friends and colleagues to respect your study time

3. Finesse your learning techniques

If you’re studying with a tuition provider, you may have online lectures. It can be hard to stay focussed during these, so it’s a good idea to take notes as if you were attending a lesson in person. It’ll help keep your attention on the lecture, enhance your understanding, and support memory recall. Keep listening or watching pre-recorded material without pauses, to keep the momentum and avoid distractions. You can always go back and clarify anything later on.

Three golden rules for online lessons

• Read the relevant materials beforehand and practice homework questions
• Ask questions if there is anything you aren’t sure about during or after the lesson
• Step away from your laptop every hour or so to keep your mind fresh and body active

4. Be active in your learning community

Studying alone can be isolating, so social contact – even the virtual kind – is a must. If you’re studying with a tuition provider, you can reach out to your course mates, even if you can’t meet in person.?

Having a group of people to chat to and rant with will 100% enhance your online learning experience. Plus, if you are an introvert who normally finds in-person interaction a bit awkward, you’ll probably prefer this kind of virtual communication.?

If you’re choosing to self-study so don’t have course mates, make sure you join the CIMA Student Facebook group for interaction and support from your peers.?

How to make the most of your learning community

• Plan what you are discussing beforehand and try to stick to the topic so that the discussion remains productive
• Set up study groups with course mates so you spend some time discussing ideas, and swapping study tips and help
• Check your online portal daily for updates and other learning support

5. Think about your life outside study

Mental and physical wellbeing is important, especially when you’re an online learner. So we can’t stress this enough: have a clear cut-off point when you finish studying. If you can, pack up your study materials so that you can relax in your downtime.

3 ways to keep your wellbeing in check

• Do something you enjoy in your spare time – you deserve it
• Get out at least once a day and do something physical, even if it’s just going for a walk
• Look after your mental health – meditation apps are brilliant, or simply spend time with family and friends

Studying the CIMA Qualification online

You can study the CIMA Qualification in lots of different ways, including via online learning. It’s all about finding the learning style that works best for you. CIMAStudy is the official CIMA online learning platform, run in partnership with tuition provider Kaplan.?