6 Essential Dos and Don’ts For Successful Online Learning

For many students, studying online might be boring and passive. But, most of this passive experience actually generates from some mistakes that they unintentionally end up doing. If the instructors can guide the learners to make them more disciplined towards learning, eLearning can prove to be a very fruitful experience.

That is why, today, we are going to discuss some important do’s and don’ts that will prove instrumental in implementing successful online learning. But, before that, let’s take a look at some important reasons why eLearning is growing at a rapid pace.

eLearning: The Future of Education 

There was a time when classroom learning was the only norm. But, during the COVID-19 pandemic, eLearning rose to prominence. In the beginning, there were mixed opinions about online learning. Some thought that it would be quite comfortable for students to learn from home. While, some others questioned its efficiency.

But, with time, people started understanding the different aspects of eLearning. And with time, the biggest benefits and drawbacks of eLearning also started coming to light. Accordingly, the e-Learning services providers have now devised multiple tools and technologies which makes online learning simpler.

With the help of these tools, eLearning becomes effortless, and much more efficient. For example, experiments can now be performed in virtual labs, which use AR/VR for simulation. Also, many eLearning platforms allow the use of whiteboard videos, media-rich content, which helps the students to understand the topics more clearly.

But, only technological advancements are not enough. The students and instructors should follow certain do’s and don’ts to maximize the efficiency of online learning. Let’s have a look at some of them.

6 Tips to Improve eLearning Experience

So what are the things that YOU can do to improve eLearning? And what are the mistakes that can make it worse? We will discuss all of them in detail.

#1 – Do Take Breaks In Between Studies

Sometimes, sitting in front of mobile phones, tablets, or computer screens for hours can have adverse mental and health effects. So, it is often advised to take breaks in between online classes.

Instructors and eLearning companies play a big role in it. They should keep sufficient time gaps between the two classes. It will help the students to take short breaks without missing any lesson.

Taking breaks help to break the monotony of studying online. Also, it gives rest to your eyes and brain, by breaking the screen time.

#2 – Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Your Doubts

Interacting in online classes is quite different from interacting with teachers in the classroom. We all must have experienced it sometimes or the other. In the classroom, we could easily raise our hand, and ask our questions. We do not have to wait for the instructor to complete their point to courteously interrupt in between!

And even the interruption is quite odd. Sometimes, if the instructor does not like the interruption, he might go rudely, “Who is this?”

But, it does not mean that you should not speak even if you have doubts! Nowadays, there are many eLearning and video conferencing apps that have hand raising options.

Also, the instructors should also understand the limitations of online learning. So, they must listen to the students politely. The least they can do is avoid asking names multiple times, when the name is already visible on screen. Instead, if they take the name of the students directly and encourage them to speak, then the students will be much more comfortable sharing their views.

#3 – Do Make A Well-Planned Schedule for Learning

The biggest mistake that a learner makes is not making a schedule for eLearning. They think that since eLearning is flexible, they can complete their lessons anytime. And this leniency sometimes becomes troublesome.

That is why, it is better if the students prepare a time table for online learning. And they should follow it religiously. It will help them complete all their lessons in time.

#4 – Don’t Stop Reading Books

Learning online does not mean that you stop reading the books. Reading books has multiple advantages.

• Firstly, it will complement your online lessons.
• Reading books regularly also helps to improve your concentration power, and forms a strong habit of reading.
• If you want to develop a good hold on language, reading is one of the best methods to do so.

Also, online learning materials are sometimes quite short, and include only precise information. Reading books will give you detailed knowledge on the topics.

And nowadays, you don’t need to buy physical books. eBooks are available online, and these are quite engaging and interactive too!

#5 – Do Ensure A Good Network Connection

For seamless online learning, strong internet connection is mandatory. Without a good internet connection, the learners might face issues while taking online lessons. Frequent loss of connection might make the classes irritating.

Same goes for the instructors as well. If their internet connection is not good, then the learners might not be able to hear them properly. So, they will not be able to understand the topics.

That is why, it is always good to have a strong wifi or broadband connection at the place from where you conduct or attend online classes.

#6 – Don’t Keep A Negative Attitude Towards eLearning

Many students take online learning negatively. They miss classroom engagement, interacting with their peers. Due to these reasons, they often get bored of online learning. But, they never try to analyze the positive side of online learning.

Online learning allows the learners to learn from the comfort of their home. They do not need to travel to distant places to attend the classes. Hence, it is a time-saving, affordable, and comfortable mode of learning for the students. So, instead of thinking of the negatives of online learning, analyze its positives first!

Making eLearning Interactive

One of the biggest issues with eLearning is lack of interaction. The eLearning companies keep trying different strategies to make eLearning interactive. While some theories work, some do not. These random experimentations often result in waste of time.

In recent times, many eLearning services providers have come forward to help the client companies. They help the companies to design interactive course content. Such course content often includes animated PPTs, animated videos, immersive content, interactive assessments, and more!

Such interactive courses are highly popular amongst the students. They find the courses engaging, interesting, and enjoyable.

Final Words 

To improve eLearning experience, the students must follow the following do’s and don’ts.

• They should take breaks in between studies.
• They should keep reading books.
• They should schedule their online lessons appropriately.
• They must have a good internet connection for attending the classes.
• They should not be afraid of asking doubts.
• They should take online learning positively.

Apart from these, the eLearning companies should also make their courses as interactive as possible. Only then, they will gain maximum benefits from online learning.