It is no news that education for all kinds of skills and professions is moving online. With constant innovation and investment in online learning, we are beginning to have access to tools that make online learning much more interactive and effective than ever before.
The pandemic has also accelerated the adoption of online learning, and as a result, many more people are embracing its potential. Certain professions, such as nursing, which was initially thought to be impossible to learn virtually, have since moved from complete hands-on learning to online learning. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, nursing programs offered at each degree level have seen more than 15 years of continuous enrollment growth.
However, the process of finding, applying to, and attending an online program can be daunting. Choosing the right program and learning effectively while still engaged in full-time or part-time nursing can be difficult for many. This blog post will explore online learning and provide tips for students on choosing the right programs, managing the learning experience, and making the best out of it.
What is online learning?
The internet has significantly and permanently changed the way we learn. Today, more and more people are turning to online learning as a viable and convenient option. There are many reasons for this — online courses can be undertaken from anywhere in the world, they often offer a variety of course options that cater to different learning styles, and they allow for a high level of flexibility when it comes to completing assignments and studying for exams.
But what is online learning, exactly? Online learning refers to any type of education or training that takes place via the internet. This can include everything from traditional college courses that are taken online to more informal learning opportunities like MOOCs (massive open online courses) and webinars. No matter what form it takes, online learning has become a popular and recognized way to gain new knowledge and skills.
The benefits of online learning
The popularity of online learning today is not just due to external events such as the pandemic and technological innovation. Online learning offers many benefits to students and tutors, making it an increasingly accepted mode of education. Below are some of the benefits of online learning:
- Increased flexibility.
- Ability to learn new skills quickly.
- Lower costs than traditional learning methods.
- A sustainable approach to education.
- Opportunity to learn from the best instructors in the world, regardless of location.
- Gain new perspectives from students in other parts of the world.
- Personalized learning experiences.
- Improved options.
- Increased confidence from succeeding in an online learning environment.
How to choose the right course for you
Depending on your needs, you can choose different types of online programs to enroll in. If you are looking for basic knowledge in a particular subject or field, opting for a free program on any Edutech platform is a valid option. This approach can allow you to gauge your interest in the subject matter and assess whether you want to pursue learning in that way.
However, these types of courses offer little or no barrier to entry, meaning anyone can develop such a program and put it online. Also, in this type of program, you will be required to do a lot of self-learning and individual learning, so such courses may not be recognized for career changes.
Suppose you are looking for training that you can use to pivot into a new industry or field, or improve your credentials for a new role. In that case, you should consider online programs that are offered by registered and reputable institutions that can offer you a recognized institutional certificate or prepare you for professional certification by the body accredited to provide such certification. In choosing the right course for you, you need to consider the following:
- Your objectives or goals
As stated earlier, there are different types of online programs for different situations. In choosing a program, you must select a program that will help you achieve your personal and professional goals. For example, suppose your goal is to become a registered family nursing practitioner, even though you already have an advanced degree in another field. In that case, you should consider enrolling in one of Rockhurst’s Post Master’s FNP programs to prepare you for this change.
- Time commitment
Online programs have different requirements and time commitments. While some programs will allow you to finish at your own pace, some offer maximum learning time, while others give milestones that must be completed within a given period.
- Budget
Online programs that will prepare you for a career change or professional certifications are more expensive than webinars and short courses for basic knowledge in a niche area. However, even within these broad categorizations, there are differences in financial requirements. You need to choose a program that suits your needs and offers the most value for what you are paying.
- Reputation
In some industries and fields, the reputation of your learning institution carries just as much weight as your skill level. This is true for the nursing field as well. You need to have an idea of the quality of the learning experience that you will be offered based on the reputation of the program.
- Delivery mode and format of the course
You need to consider the structure of the program when choosing it. By necessity, some programs must be as interactive as virtual learning would permit, while some require just minimal input from the instructors. You need to check for things like live sessions, project work, and group work that allow you to interact with course mates and get feedback from tutors.
Once you have considered all these factors, you will be better positioned to choose the right course for you.
Tips for managing your online learning experience
After choosing and enrolling in an online program, you must put strategies in place to allow you to make the most of your learning experience. One of the most touted disadvantages of online learning that many people focus on is that it is difficult to complete an online course.
The truth, however, is that many people struggle with online learning because they have not put mechanisms in place to help them make the most of the program. Below are some important tips for managing an online learning experience:
- Make a schedule and stick to it
One of the best ways to ensure you get the most out of your online learning experience is to create a schedule and stick to it. Dedicate specific times each day (or week) to your coursework and be sure to factor in enough time for breaks and snacks. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
If you are a working learner, you should schedule your learning times to coincide with your work breaks. You should also spend your free time watching your courses and working on assignments and projects. Suppose your coursework requires attending a live interactive learning session. In that case, you should try finishing up your deliverables at work before that period and, if you can, enlist the help of your colleagues and superiors to allow you to attend.
- Get organized
In addition to creating a schedule, it is important to get organized. Ensure you have a designated place to keep all your course materials, including textbooks, notes, and assignments. This will help you stay focused when working on your coursework and avoid any last-minute scrambles. If you are studying from home, get a designated study area, so you are not distracted while learning.
- Ask for help when needed
If you are struggling with a particular concept or assignment, do not hesitate to ask for help. Many resources are available online, including forums, blogs, and even video tutorials. You can also reach out to your instructor or classmates for assistance. Additionally, if you know anyone, a colleague or superior who has been in the same program, ask them for help on assignments and coursework.
However, do not outsource your responsibilities as a student to other people. This is as good as not getting the qualification at all, and it always shows in the long run.
- Take advantage of technology
Several technology tools can help you improve your online learning experience. For example, many online courses now offer mobile apps that allow you to access course materials and submit assignments on the go. Additionally, plenty of great research and writing resources are available online, such as citation generators and online dictionaries.
Use technology as much as you can to make your learning easier. Remember, it is not the difficulty of your course that will determine your success — it is how much you can gain from the experience that matters.
- Set aside time for reflection
Once you have completed an assignment or a particularly challenging task, take some time to reflect on your experience. What went well? What could you have done better? How did you feel during the process? This reflection can help you further improve your skills and strategies for future success.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a positive and productive online learning experience.
- Find a study buddy
One of the best ways to manage your time and workload while taking online courses is to find a study buddy. A study buddy can help you stay on track with your coursework and can also be a great resource for help and support. Having someone to study with can also make the time you spend studying more enjoyable. You can bounce ideas off this person, and they also make you stay accountable when needed.
- Set personal milestones
Set personal milestones for each course to ensure that you are making progress. Your personal milestones should help you stay ahead in the program and stay motivated. You can set up a reward system for yourself every time you meet and exceed your personal milestones. This will help you stay on track and may even help you get out of your comfort zone.
- Do not procrastinate
One of the most important things to remember when taking online courses is not to procrastinate. Procrastination can lead to missed deadlines and a lot of stress. Make sure you dedicate enough time each day to studying and completing your coursework. Procrastination can lead to a lot of mental stress and take the fun out of your learning experience.
- Prioritize your assignments
One way to make sure you can manage your time and workload while taking online courses is to prioritize your assignments. Make a list of all the assignments you need to complete for each course, then rank them in order of importance. This will help you ensure that you focus on the most important tasks first.
- Manage your distractions
One of the biggest challenges when taking online courses is managing distractions. Many things can distract you from your studies, such as the internet, television, and friends and family. One way to manage this is to take time out to assess the biggest distractions in your life and set boundaries with family and friends so they do not eat into your study time.
If you find that social media is taking away a lot of your time, you can choose to keep just one social media platform, so you do not feel isolated and delete the others. You can also use social media as a reward for achieving your personal milestones, and for discussing the things you have learned, and sharing your experiences with colleagues online.
- Practice self-care
It is important to pace yourself when taking online courses to avoid becoming overwhelmed. Burnout is a real issue — if you do not pace yourself, you can quickly exhaust yourself mentally. Physical stress will also make you susceptible to falling ill. You need to practice self-care, whatever that means to you. However, you need to be careful not to feed your negative habits and addictions in the name of self-care. Exercising, eating healthy, taking time outside, and sleeping well can be ways to practice self-care.
- Delayed gratification
Taking an online course, especially if you have a day job or other commitments, can be a very intense experience. Leaving your learning tasks off until the last minute might be tempting or abandoning them halfway. Therefore, you must cultivate a culture of delayed gratification for yourself. This allows you to focus on the bigger picture when things get tough.
Time management tips for online learners
Time management is an important skill that many of us struggle with. Fortunately, this is a skill that can be learned by constant practice and making proactive choices. There are many ways to manage your time, and what works for one person might not work for another. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Use to-do lists and other time management resources.
- Use prioritization techniques.
- Concentrate on one task at a time.
- Practice self-discipline.
- Identify obstacles and plan for them.
- Replace bad time habits.
- Use dead time actively.
- Track progress.
What to do if you are struggling with an online course
If you are struggling with online learning, your first reaction might be to give up. As beneficial as online learning has proven to be over the years, the average completion rate is less than 10%. But you can be one of the lucky 10% if you apply the above tips to your life.
Many people struggle with online learning for different reasons, from lack of access or the right learning tools, to family obligations and sometimes personal life issues such as divorce, mental health disturbances, financial issues, and grief. Whatever the reason, it is important to understand that you are not alone and that there are ways to overcome your challenges.
If you find yourself in any situation that might make your learning experience more difficult than usual, try to find out from your institution if you can take a break from your coursework for a specified time period instead of dropping out immediately. Reputable online programs interact with their students well, so you can easily get in touch with the student affairs officer and get help.
However, suppose you do not have access to a student affairs officer. In that case, you may seek out support from others who are going through the same thing or professionals who can help you stay committed to the program within that period. You can join a learning forum and meet up with its members for regular discussions to help you catch up on missed lessons.
Lastly, you should try to review the program and find out what specific things you are struggling with. It might be that you do not enjoy some of the courses you have enrolled in. If that is the case, find out if there is an opportunity to change some courses or electives and enroll in new ones you think you might enjoy.
