4 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Online Courses

By Nate Desmond

Classes While CLEP and DANTES tests may well be the best distance learning option, they normally only cover the general credits. As you progress into your actual major, you will most likely need to take a few actual classes. Then again, maybe not.

As the academic world begins to move into the technological age, many schools, including Harvard, have reformatted some of their classes for online use. Tackling these online courses, you can still achieve the benefits of distance learning during the final phase of your degree.

Use these techniques to make the most of your online classes.

1. Become a computer power user

While you are probably already familiar with basic computer use, online classes will take a few more skills than browsing Facebook. Depending on the topic, you will be able to perform better in the class if you have a solid understanding of your web browser (hopefully Firefox or Chrome), general computer shortcuts, and possibly Word or Excel. By becoming familiar with the online format before your class starts, you will be able to concentrate more fully on the material.

2. Learn to read quickly

One of the major advantages of distance learning is the opportunity to learn at your own pace rather than that of the slowest common denominator. On the flip side, however, this also means that most online classes will have less lecturing and more reading. Hopefully you have already learned how to speed read and will just need to brush up on your skills. If not, now might be a good time to start.

Particularly in mathematical courses, though, you might find that speed reading isn’t quite as effective. If this is the case, revert to normal reading, but don’t neglect opportunities to improve your speed and comprehension even slightly by listening to classical music, applying basic speed reading techniques, and taking notes.

3. Perfect your writing skills

Unlike most CLEP tests, online courses often assess your knowledge through written assignments and group discussions. You have hopefully already learned basic writing skills, but you will still profit from a quick review of your grammar and writing skills. Whether you need a full course through Andrew Pudewa’s Advanced Communicating Series or a basic review through Purdue’s OWL site, make sure you are prepared for the writing portion of your class.

4. Manage your time

Depending on the course, you might have set deadlines and completion dates or you might simply have a period of time to finish the class at your own pace. Either way, set your own deadlines well in advance of the actual times. Also, keep in mind that many “online” courses will involve mail delays on proctored exams and even some assignments. Plan a realistic schedule and stick with it.

Conclusion

Online courses provide a terrific way to earn credit from home, but they do require a different set of skills. You will need to be self-disciplined and motivated, but, in the end, it will be worth it. Enjoy this last lap of your race to a degree!
Nate Desmond I'm a Christian young man working on my BSBA in Accounting and writing blog posts in my spare time. I enjoy learning how to do things faster and better... whether through new keyboard shortcuts, world record holding shoelace knots, or motion study.

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