Acquiring a higher education is a great achievement that helps you accelerate your career growth, meet personal goals and increase your income potential. Opting for online study has become more prevalent since Covid-19 and will only increase in the future for many reasons. 

Therefore, getting a degree is easier now than ever before, especially because of the availability of technology, the emphasis on work-life balance, lower tuition fees compared to on-campus classes, and saving commute costs. Moreover, online programs provide more flexibility when you can take the courses at your pace with recorded lectures, 24/7 online support and access to online resources on the university portal.

It is the modern way of studying that anyone from a high school graduate to a full-time professional can take. It removes many barriers to study and makes you feel included with flexible programs. You can enroll in accelerated degree programs, two-year programs, or a full 4-year undergraduate program with 100% distance learning. 

Therefore, no matter what stage of life you are in, remote learning offers many avenues. We have some useful study tips if you plan to enroll in such programs.

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1. Manage Your Time

With the flexibility of time comes responsibility. If your online program allows you to study at your pace, you must plan it accordingly. For example, if you want to enroll in an online masters in social work, you can choose part-time or full-time learning with three intakes in a year. Alternatively, if you possess a BSW degree, you may complete your masters in a year. 

Therefore, if you choose to complete your degree in a year, you must draw up a schedule with ample study time each day. A better way to manage your time is to access the course content you need to cover within a semester. Then, you can choose to study chapter-wise, case-wise, or take multiple study options simultaneously. 

As you continue studying, try to cover the material you find most challenging or hard to understand. Once that is out of the way, you can work towards mastering it. Moreover, set realistic goals for yourself with clear priorities each week and month and then break them down into doable steps. It will help you manage your time efficiently.

2. Take Advantage of Additional Resources

Online programs provide a library of online education resources with journals, articles, recommended reading, and additional case studies. Moreover, you can get access to videos, tutorials, and documentaries to make your studies enjoyable. Make sure that you make use of these resources to cement your concepts.

Most online portals also allow students to start a discussion board with their online class fellows. You can use it to discuss anything and form online study groups. You may also reach out to fellow students who can help you with a course. 

In addition, use the material from your textbooks to incorporate it with the lesson plans your teachers may post. Your teacher may or may not cover everything in your textbook. Alternatively, only some things in the textbook may be a part of the lesson plan. Therefore, you can use it to assess which course material is more important.

3. Be Proactive and Motivated

As online study requires solitude, you must stay proactive and motivated to stay on schedule. To make it easier, treat your online classes like your on-campus class. Set a time to attend lectures. If you have access to live lectures, attend them on time and ask questions to clear any ambiguities, even if you later get a recorded version. It keeps you on the same pace as others.

Also, avoid studying in bed or at night when you feel tired. Choose a time that best suits you for constant focus and concentration. Eliminate distractions as much as possible. Choose a study spot for yourself where you can focus better. Make sure you keep a pen and paper to take notes. It helps compile ideas and makes mental maps easier to understand. 

4. Establish a Routine and Stick to It

Establishing a routine with online classes is as beneficial as physical classes. It maintains your study discipline and helps you stay organized. It is useful, especially if you work full-time or part-time. If you have a day job, make sure to set aside time for study in the evenings or early mornings. 

It is useful to avoid taking advantage of your weekends and off days from work. It is an excellent opportunity to dedicate the day to your studies, especially if you are lagging or have upcoming exams. Alternatively, you can use the weekends to collaborate with your online class fellows and set up online study groups. You can use these groups to exchange knowledge and get to know your fellows.

On the other hand, if you choose an online program to spend more time with your family, it can be useful to study during your alone time. For example, if you have school-going children, you may incorporate your study time into your routine while they are at school. 

5. Communicate Actively

Online programs can be somewhat solitary. If you feel stuck or need clarification, feel free or use any time to reach out to your instructors. Your instructors have a stake in your academic performance, as it directly reflects their credibility. Therefore, please take advantage of available communication methods with them and discuss anything you need. 

They can recommend something personalized or help in any way you need. Remember that you opted for the program to learn as much as possible. Therefore, do not be afraid to ask questions.

Conclusion

Online degree programs have several benefits but may also pose challenges regarding self-study. You may counter these by following all the simple yet effective study techniques mentioned in this article. 

While Covid-19 was an unfortunate dilemma for the world, the only silver lining was the utilization of technology to make lives easier. Undoubtedly, online degrees have paved the way to success and career growth for those who lack the time or resources to enroll in an on-campus program. It is time to avail the benefits of remote learning to progress in your career without compromising your current work status and family life. Best of luck!

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