Tips for Successful Online Learning: Overcoming Challenges and Succeeding

For students, about successful online learning Lect. Ioana Cre u, PhD

Learning online can be challenging Let s get real but not lose heart!

Learning online can feel more different for each student than when we are together for reasons as simple as our environments (desk, bed, kitchen ) is rather like a roller coaster of experiences, challenges, emotions cool and exciting on day 1, overwhelming on day 2, then pretty much okay overwhelming on day 1, okay-ish on day 2, then quite cool and exciting etc... SO THIS IS IMPORTANT! If you feel lonely, forgotten, deserted, it is essential that you communicate! If you feel overwhelmed, overworked, behind, then get organized! Get help! If you feel annoyed, frustrated, fed up, then take a break, do something you like and put things in perspective!

Learning online ...can prove challenging from many other points of view. Think about them in practical terms and not lose heart.

02 Attributes of successful online students About responsibility, motivation, perseverance or patience

Successful online students ARE RESPONSIBLE As in... they own their decisions, big and small, their actions and inactions, and take responsibility for the inherent consequences they think for themselves when to stand by and when to step in they do not need constantly pushed, propped, supervised

Successful online students ARE MOTIVATED As in... they have defined their reasons for choosing to study a certain subject/field, not only for others, but mainly for themselves They get going and get busy following their inner drive and motivation

Successful online students ARE PERSEVERANT As in... they start from the belief that they can do it / it can be done they give things a try, and then another or explore other ways without giving up easily they do not let failure, mistake or frustration overwhelm them they ask for help AFTER they have tried, if they cannot manage

Successful online students have many more attributes which may serve them well in an online learning situation, and I invite you to consider them: open-mindedness inquisitiveness honesty creativity ...

03 Competences of successful online students Knowledge and skills related to organization, learning and communication

Successful online students GET ORGANIZED As in... they first get informed about requirements, resources, deadlines they choose the most appropriate methods, tools and resources before getting busy studying they put together a realistic plan for study, relaxation, socializing they are disciplined: reading when it s time to read etc. they create a healthy, enjoyable environment that helps them study they take time to relax and socialize in meaningful ways instead of wasting time online and giving in to distractors they adapt when necessary

Successful online students ARE INDEPENDENT As in... They are able to study or research a topic on their own They know their own learning style visual, auditory, reading/writing, kinesthetic, social They use study resources, tools and techniques that are compatible with the studied field as well as themselves They self-manage (monitoring, assessing, adjusting) They do not hesitate to ask for feedback, suggestions or help, because learning independently does not mean being alone

Successful online students COMMUNICATE WELL As in... they use official sources and accessible communication channels They express themselves clearly, logically, using appropriate language They signal when they lack the knowledge or ability to complete a task They understand the asynchronous nature of some online communication methods and exercise patience until their interlocutor is able to respond They do not overload communications with countless messages They do not subscribe to gossip, rumor, bullying or inappropriate language They respectfully explain their frustrations if this may contribute to a better understanding and solution to a problem They use their common sense and their sense of humor, knowing when to stop

Successful online students are able to do many other things which can prove useful in an online learning situations, such as... using technology ?

04 When alone = together About online learning and collaboration

Successful online students TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES, as in... they make time for themselves, for reflection, for friends, for their passions and hobbies they make sure they stay physically and mentally healthy they reach out when they need compassion and support they know when to let go and cut their losses

Successful online students TAKE CARE OF OTHERS, as in... they appreciate that it is in everyone s best interest, including their own, to make sure everyone, students and teachers alike, have a positive experience they are receptive to the others needs, styles and preferences they volunteer to help and support others, including teachers they send out positive energy and do not aggravate a difficult situation further

Successful online students ...know that people and things are not always what they seem online, and that the same is true for themselves. Therefore, all things considered, successful online students do not expect their circumstances to ever be ideal in order to learn.

05 Ok, but why are you telling us these things? And who are you to speak?

Well Given the current situation which forces you to become online students without much preparation, I thought it might help if I shared these tips that I learned and experienced myself back in 2019, when I took part in TESOL s online professional certification program called, that s right, Developing an Online Teaching Program (more details here and here). Lect. Ioana Cre u ioana.cretu@umfiasi.ro

Thank you! I wish you all a successful online learning experience!