When you think ahead about attending college, it probably is not via a laptop from your bedroom. However, virtual learning has been growing in popularity. Thanks to technological advancements and wider broadband access, there has been a huge acceleration in online learning over the past decade.
While you won't be sitting beside your friends in a large and noisy classroom, virtual learning does have many advantages to offer. There are pros and cons to everything of course. Regardless of whether virtual learning was your plan all along or if you are switching gears last minute, here is a breakdown of what to expect.
There Are Many Pros To Online Learning
Learn From Any Location In the World On Your Time
Do you work full-time or part-time? Are you an insomniac? Perhaps, you have a baby or two...Imagine being able to learn wherever you have a reliable internet connection. You can take your courses whenever you prefer without having to commute to a physical campus.
This will offer you extreme flexibility and save you copious amounts of time. Certain classes may require that you log on "in person" at a certain time; however, your schedule will be much more open compared to traditional school attendance.
Meeting People From All Over the Globe
In-person colleges work to accumulate a diverse student body; however, virtual classes will definitely bridge people together from numerous experiences and backgrounds. It is fun and exciting to learn alongside people from all over the world and every corner of your country. You will hear a huge range of perspectives and ideas. It is conducive to an enriching and rewarding atmosphere.
Gain Real-Life Experience
Virtual work is becoming more popular with regular offices and post-secondary institutions all over the world. Virtual presentations, Zoom meetings and sharing videos and conferencing are common applications in daily life. You can master these issues by connecting with your classmates and taking classes online. You will become familiar and proficient with all these platforms and understand virtual collaboration and digital etiquette.
Online Schooling Challenges To Be Aware Of
Self-Motivation Is Required For Success
To succeed, you need to be self-motivated. There is no one looking over your shoulder or holding you accountable during class time. It may be tempting to search the web and procrastinate or hide behind your computer screen. Before you realize it, you will be slacking off on assignments, falling behind and feeling overwhelmed.
To avoid these issues, consider setting a daily schedule for yourself. Include positive work habits like stretching, reading, quizzing yourself, taking notes and drinking water. Be sure to schedule a lunch break and have healthy, protein-rich snacks on hand.
Establishing a positive work routine will help you manage your workload accurately. Give yourself breaks so that you can check emails or the internet for some downtime but set a timer so that when your 15-minute break is over, you can get back at it. This will help you avoid going down rabbit holes and becoming distracted.
Ensuring You Are Participating Effectively
Typically, you are kind of forced to participate when you are sharing physical space with your fellow classmates. During online learning, it may feel like you are not required to engage on the same level.
However, note that professors greatly value and often require class participation. There may be group activities and commenting or working with others that become part of your mark. Even if it feels a little annoying, use your message boards, chat rooms and additional classroom features wisely to obtain full marks. You will get more out of the class content by exchanging ideas with others.
Staying Organized
Staying organized will help you prepare for exams instead of cramming last minute. Perhaps, you would like to spend a few minutes Sunday night getting your next week outlined.
By tracking your study sessions, lectures, team collaboration schedule and assignments, and meetings, you will be ready to tackle each item. Try to set your alarm to get up at the same time each day so that you can have time for waking up, exercising, having a coffee, breakfast and a shower before you log on to be at your physical and mental best.
Socializing Opportunities
It is fun to exchange ideas with others and meet new people. You will develop friendships and mentor relationships throughout your college years. These options will still present themselves with online learning. You just need to have the right tools to access your peers.
Utilizing platforms that connect you with classmates and professors is essential. There will be virtual office hours to take advantage of. You can organize your own virtual study groups via Zoom or additional video meeting platforms to use for socializing as well.
