Preparing for a brand new online school year can be a little daunting. Things might seem all the scarier when you are a newbie in the world of online education. There are several measures that you can take to lower your anxiety. You might consult with senior students who are taking online private classes and gather first-hand information. Else, you can directly speak to the school authority and research more on the study environment offered by the school.
You need to be responsive, diligent and alert. When it comes to online schooling, smart work leads you to your goals faster than just hard work. However, online schools are certainly not a short-cut towards getting an accelerated graduation. It demands commitment and consistently good performances from the student.
Here are the basic tips to start an online school on the right track:
- Build a schedule
Constructing a schedule marks the starting point of an online course. The schedule should be in the best interests of you and your family. It should match your learning style, pace and grasping ability. It has to be made step-by-step, that is, one week at a time and one class at a time. It can be made with simple pen and paper. One that inspires you in flip seconds, is a genuinely smart schedule!
- Get all the technical pre-requisites ready
Online schools require minimal technical arrangements. All you need is a functional computer-system and a high-speed internet connection. However, make sure you have a power backup and internet connection back up. Also, make sure your computer is fully-equipped with all the major software programs, as per vital for the online course. Browser and Anti-virus software should be in their updated form.
- Familiarize with your tools
Online schools shower an elaborate set of virtual tools and resources upon you. Absorb knowledge about all of these technologies and campus resources. This shall make you technically stable. The course typically offers online tools and resources such as online libraries, audiobooks, video lectures, discussion boards, online debates, group discussions and many more. These tools are immensely smart and effortless in handling. You need to proactively experiment with these tools in order to have an idea of their respective utility.
- Develop Time-Management skills
The most significant skill that you need to learn is how to manage time efficiently. Online school courses give you a lot of flexibility. Flexibility always comes hand-in-hand with a lot of responsibilities. Many of you might need to juggle your professional work or family responsibilities with your daily course-work. It is not that easy but not impossible as well. With proper management of time, you can make your boat sail. While preparing your schedule, keep all your non-school related engagements in mind. Also, you need to keep a vigil on the assignment deadlines and mark those dates on your personal calendar. You might not be an expert on the first day but with practice, you are sure to develop this skill. It shall help you throughout your life in various spheres.
- Form rapport with teachers
Building connections with your online instructors are very crucial. There is no face-to-face interaction with the teacher here. So, your bonding solely depends on your communication skills with your teachers via different online platforms, be it e-mail, live interactions or any specific communicator. It is your loss if you do not interact enough. Your teacher can come to know about your concerns only when you address them yourself to him or her. Remember, none of them are masters of telepathy! They can help you only if you keep them informed.
- Bonding with peers
Online teaching is often disapproved by the older generation as it does not involve face-to-face socialization mode. However, online platform provides multifold options to socialize virtually. Activities such as collaborative projects, group discussions, debates, discussion boards promote the forming of bonds amongst the members of the online community. You should avail such opportunities to get to know other like-minded students.
- Maintain an organized workplace
The need to have a specific workplace for your course-work is not as frivolous as it sounds! You certainly cannot study non-stop in the drawing room which might be filled with visitors every now and then. In fact, you should dedicate a particular area of your bedroom solely to do your course-work. Choose a quiet place with a good internet connection, access to power and negligible distractions. You need to keep this place really clean. Organize your files and label them in a way that helps you in maintaining your learning system. It might not be a technical requirement but impacts the student’s mindset.
- Avoid the habit of piling-up work
Never keep your work pending for the eleventh hour. It would be the gravest mistake of all! If you have queries, research on them then and there or address them to your full-time available online teachers. After all, that is the beauty of taking an online course. You can pause the moment you do not sense clarity. Never get into the habit of skipping your doubts, else it will harass you in the final hour. If not daily, at least make a vow to get all your queries resolved within the end of the week. Maintain a record of all your doubts pointwise. Tick those that have gotten resolved.
- Take initiative
You cannot remain passive while taking an online school course! Even if you are an introvert, you need to take the initiative to be the group leader in Group assignments or actively participate in the discussion boards. After all, there is no face to face interaction, so half of your tension is resolved! Such activities also cultivate the sense of ownership and leadership in you. This is crucial for your future career as well.
- Be ahead of your course
No matter what, be one step ahead of your schedule. It is one of those “success mantras”. Being little ahead boosts your confidence and reignites the drive within you.
Following these smart tips, you are sure to attain an early success.
