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simple steps one can take to help break the cycle of procrastination.

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this article contains great tips for online learners.

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You have just enrolled in your first online course, but are you ready to study for it? Does it need more, less or the same level of commitment with the traditional instructor-led class you are used to? What are the best strategies for studying in online learning? In this article, I'll share 10 study tips for online learners that will help you succeed while studying for your online courses.

10 Study Tips For Online Learners

Taking online courses can be very convenient for many people. However, online learning requires time management skills, self-discipline, willpower, and strong motivation, as it may be challenging for online learners to successfully complete their eLearning courses. In this article, I'll share 10 key study tips for online learners, in order to help you stay focused and motivated when taking courses online.

1. Understand online learning practices and expectations.
The first thing you need to realize is thatonline courses are not an easier way to learn, but rather a more convenient one. To successfully learn online, you need to dedicate a significant amount of your time, consistently attend the program, be concentrated while studying, and fully commit to your learning process, just as you would do for a regular course. You should also have in mind that when you take an online course, you may be expected to:

Fully commit yourself and participate in the virtual classroom as required.

Be, or be willing to become, tech-savvy.

Work with others effectively.

Complete your learning tasks and assignments on time.

Be self-disciplined.
If you are not able or willing to do all of the above, you will probably not be a very happy online learner.

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2. Make sure that you have reliable internet access.
Technology glitches happen all the time. Imagine you are working in the middle of the night and your computer crashes. To avoid mishaps, ensure that you save your work repeatedly and backup regularly using cloud storage, for example Dropbox or Google Documents, in order to be able to access your previous work from your smart phone or tablet, if needed. Furthermore, ensure that you not only have a backup of your online course material and assignments, but also you have saved your instructor's or trainer's contact information in your cell phone or in your email. A reliable internet access will also give you the opportunity to check in, stay current with your eLearning course, and deal with sudden schedule changes.

3. Have a dedicated study space.
Whether you decide to study in your office or in your living room, ensure that this place is quiet, organized, distraction-free, and available for use at any time. Your study environment should be one of your main concerns when you are an online learner, so make sure that it enables your study routine. Furthermore, ask your friends, relatives, and colleagues to respect your "work mode" and consider turning off your phone and logging off of all social networks when studying; you will want to be neither interrupted nor distracted.

4. Identify your learning objectives and goals.
To stay on track with your online course, make sure that you always keep in mind what you hope to accomplish by the end of it. Thelearning objectives and goals of the eLearning course can be an excellent road map during online learning; read carefully your online course requirements, create notes that are closely related to your objectives, and make sure that you review them thoroughly every time you start an assignment, so that you stay focused on your goals. Finally, consider starting with the most difficult tasks, as this will improve both the effectiveness of your study and your performance.

5. Build a study plan.
An study plan is critical to online learning. Here are some tips to help you build it:

Plan ahead.
Never wait until the day before an assignment due date to start working on it. It will stress you and stress will prevent you from effectively completing the online task. Furthermore, knowing when all of your assignments are due until the end of the eLearning course will facilitate yourtime management; for instance, if you are going on vacation in the middle of the eLearning course, you can study ahead.

Have an effective calendar system.
Online learning needs structure; create a study calendar that will help you remember all important dates, like exams, or deadlines for submitting your assignments. You can save your calendar in your computer or in your mobile device, or you can even create a wall planner, which you can mark up and check every time you study.

Create to-do lists.
At the start of each week, make a to-do list of the tasks you need to complete by the end of the week. This is an excellent way to prioritize your study plan and stay on track with your studying.

Set time limits.
Before you start studying, estimate how much time each task will take to complete, whether it is a specific assignment or simply reading a chapter. Try to stick to your time limits, as this will help you develop your self-discipline. Furthermore, when you realize that despite your best efforts you cannot concentrate, consider stopping for an hour or for the night; it is better to wait until you are able to start afresh than to waste your time trying to focus.

Stay on schedule.
Finally, stick to your study plan. Procrastination is the worst enemy ofonline learners, so make sure that you stay organized and you are not falling behind in your online class. If you are having difficulties submitting your assignments on time, contact your online course instructor and let them know, so that they can help you create a consistent study routine.

6. Ask for help when you need it.
While it may be constructive to look for answers to your online course-related questions independently, hesitating to contact your online instructor when you are stuck may be problematic. If you don't ask for help when necessary, you may end up falling behind, which may lower your self-esteem, as you may not be able to keep up with the online course. Build a relationship with your online instructor and avoid misunderstandings by contacting them regularly and informing them who you are, and how you could use their help. By asking your online instructors to clarify problems, you will also help them not only to evaluate learners' level of understanding of the online material, but also to get an idea of the overall effectiveness of the online course. Finally, due to the open nature of online courses, by asking a question, you also help at the same time your virtual classmates, in case they are having similar difficulties. Keep in mind that if you don't ask for help when you need it, your online instructor may never know that something is wrong.

7. Review, revise, repeat.
Regular revisions of the things you have already studied will not only improve yourmemory, but they will also help you better understand what you are learning. Create your own flash cards for your key notes and quiz yourself on the key concepts of the online course. Furthermore, consider having one or more study partners; working in groups will offer you alternative views of difficult concepts, motivation to achieve better results, and help in completing your online assignments more quickly by reviewing what you have learned. Share your study notes and habits with your virtual classmates and support each other throughout the online learning process.

8. Take study breaks.
Your performance will decrease if your are feeling tired or frustrated while studying. Integrate some personal time into your study routine and you will be able to work more effectively on your online course goals. When taking a break, make sure that you get away from your study space; you need to have a change of scenery. A mild physical activity, such as a walk around the block, will help you maintain balance, renew energy, and go back to studying with a clear mind.

9. Participate in online discussions.
Online learning doesn't necessarily mean learning in isolation. Connecting with your virtual classmates onsocial media or your online course's forum will enhance tremendously your eLearning experience, especially if you are an introvert and visual barriers hinder you in expressing yourself. Participate actively in online discussions and group activities, suggest study tricks, offer your input on the eLearning course, and in new ideas. Just ensure that you are mindful of your online tone; be respectful when you disagree with other members of your online group, and always write in complete and clear sentences to avoid misunderstandings and tone mishaps.

10. Stay motivated.
Finally, don't underestimate the effort needed to fully commit to your online course. To make sure that you staymotivated and engaged in your online learning experience, consider following these tips:

Feel free to create your study routine at your own comfortable pace.

Decorate your study space with inspirational quotes and pictures.

Never forget the reason why you took this online course.

Accept that you will have productive and less productive days.

Have healthy snacks nearby to boost your energy.

Reward yourself every time you complete a challenging task.

Make sure that you take some time for yourself from time to time.

Stay positive and keep your chin up.

Follow these study tips for online learners and you will be able to make your online learning a fun and enjoyable eLearning experience. If you are not sure about how an online course can fit into your busy schedule, read the article The Top 7 eLearning Benefits For Busy Adult Learners and discover a few of the many benefits of eLearning for busy adult learners who are always on the run.

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Getting The Most Out Of Your eLearning Course: 10 Study Tips For Online Learners

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You have just enrolled in your first online course, but are you ready to study for it? Does it need more, less or the same level of commitment with the traditional instructor-led class you are used to? What are the best strategies for studying in online learning?

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this article contains great tips that all online students could benefit from.

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There's no one secret strategy for becoming a successful student. In fact, the most successful students have had plenty of practice with study strategies, managing deadlines, and note taking, so they have fine-tuned the study habits and practices that work best for them. While every student has a different study style, there are a few basics strategies that can help you become a more successful student.

Every successful student has his or her fair share of stumbling blocks. Don't get frustrated when things don't go according to plan every time. Find a system that works for you and make adjustments as you go along. As long as you're committed to your academic success, you'll succeeded.

Get Organized...

Whether you use an "old school" paper planner or a leverage the power of the Cloud, set up and maintain a single calendar. Make sure you include all class information, including when reading assignments are due, exams, and projects, as well as any personal or work-related events and deadlines. By streamlining your life on one calendar, you'll be able to see everything in one place and adjust accordingly.

Attend Class...

Sounds like a no brainer, but it can be easy to skip a class now and again, especially when life starts to get busy. Whether you are learning in a classroom or online, make an effort to attend any lectures when they are live, watch all videos, and participate in any calls, forums, and discussions. Skipping classes and events will put you further behind in the long run, and you may miss the valuable information that comes from a lively discussion.

Make Time To Study...

When managing your class schedule, be sure to budget enough time to study. Schedule specific and dedicated study times in your planner and make sure to honor those commitments. Don't just caffeinated to stay awake and study, it's important to get your sleep even when you're in a time crunch!

Set Goals...

Whether your goals are to read 90 minutes of assigned reading every day, or score a perfect 4.0 for the semester, set and record your goal, This will hold you accountable to yourself and help you benchmark your progress and work.

Prioritize Taking Care of Yourself...

Make sure you're eating and getting enough sleep. Burning the candle at both ends can leave you short towards the end of the semester, so organize your time so you have a little room to eat, sleep, exercise, and have some fun.

Reduce Distractions...

Successful students know what kind of study environment works best for them, whether they need complete silence, or a little background noise. Figure out where and when you study best and make a commitment to that study style. If you have children and a family, you may need to find a space away from home to study, so make that a priority.

Review, Review, Review...

Start each study session with a brief review of the material, including class notes, discussion questions, and any points you may have thought of since the last time you cracked the books. This keeps information fresh, builds a solid foundation, and helps you decide where you need to spend most of your time.

Utilize Your School's Resources, ALL of them...

Office hours, language labs, tutoring, all these services are available for you if and when you need them. Take a little extra help when you need it, before the issue becomes complicated and convoluted. Successful student know when to reach out for a little extra help.

Do Your Toughest Assignments First...

You'll feel better if you finish your hardest, longest, or most challenging projects and assignments at the beginning of the week. Think how accomplished you'll feel when you get to cross that big project off your to do list. In addition to that sense of accomplishment, you will also ensure that nothing - work deadlines, sick kids, soccer practice, gets in the way of meeting your school commitments.

Leverage Your Experience And Experiences...

You may not have graduated from the school of hard knocks, but successful students know how to translate their life experiences and lessons learned into academic success. Be sure to reference any work experiences, life lessons, and overall perspective in your assignments. Your professors will get a chance to see you beyond the page, and your work will be more authentic and effective.

It takes time to get adjusted to your schedule and a new routine down. It's normal to struggle, but don't forget to ask for help!

If you're an online student, here is an interesting article to check out Study Tips for Mastering Online College Courses.

If you are interested in learning more about ECPI University or any of our academic programs, contact us today! It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

DISCLAIMER - ECPI University makes no claim, warranty or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.

For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.

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10 Best Study Habits of Successful Students | ECPI University

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There's no one secret strategy for becoming a successful student. In fact, the most successful students have had plenty of practice with study strategies, managing deadlines, and note taking, so they have fine-tuned the study habits and practices that work best for them.

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tips on taking notes in a more efficient manner.

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good, general study tips that ALL students should follow.

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Essential Study Tips for the new year || back to school series

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organization tips that can be applied in and out of the classroom.

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It is so easy to become a disorganized mess when life gets extra busy.

I know that for me, it only takes one day of not staying up on my usual organizing habits or chores and then all of the sudden it looks like a bomb hit our house and I feel completely overwhelmed by everything.

I've learned that even though I don't necessarily want to prioritize organization when life gets busy, it's usually key to maintaining my sanity during those tougher days or seasons of life.

Sometimes it's the smallest habits in our days that make the biggest overall difference in our lives. Making small changes to your daily routine can help you stay more organized and allow you to feel more in control so that your busy schedule feels less overwhelming to you.

So today I'm going to share some habits that I've found to be super helpful when it comes to staying organized even when life feels a bit chaotic!

Tips to Stay Organized When Life is Busy:

1. Create a morning routine

As a former night owl, I have to say that creating a morning routine has been key for me to start my day off on the right foot, especially when I'm busy!

I took Crystal Paine's Makeover Your Mornings course two years ago and it completely changed how I view mornings and taught me that the way we approach our morning routine can make such a positive impact on our lives. Creating a morning routine is a great way to start each day off less chaotic 🙂

Related: 15 Ways to Make Your Mornings Happier

2. Use lists for everything

Instead of relying on your memory to remember to complete any to-dos you think of throughout the day, simply add them to various ongoing lists. I have typically have running lists for groceries I need to get, urgent tasks, non-urgent tasks, etc.

Instead of using precious brain power trying to remember all of these things on my own, I just add to my various lists throughout the day so that I can then move on with the rest of my day knowing that I won't forget any to-dos that I've thought of! The notes app on my phone is usually where I store them.

Related: 9 Ways to be Insanely Productive

3. Use the "one minute" rule

If a task is going to take you a minute or less to complete, then do it now instead of putting it off for later. A few tasks that come to mind are things like hanging up your coat when you walk in the door, putting away items from your trip to the store when you get home, and clearing off your plate and putting in the dishwasher right away after you finish a meal.

It's usually easiest to tackle these small tasks as they pop up instead of allowing them all to pile up so that you'll need a bigger chunk of time to complete them later on.

Related: 25 Ways You're Wasting Time on a Daily Basis

4. Do what you can with the time you have

Maybe you keep putting off tasks like doing a thorough cleaning of your bathroom because you simply don't have the time to do the full deep cleaning you want to do. Instead of trying to do all the deep cleaning at once, perhaps you have time right now to just scrub the toilet, and then tomorrow maybe you will have time to clean the bath tub, and then the day after that you will clean the mirror and vanity.

Sure, it might not be ideal or time efficient to clean the bathroom this way, but the important thing is that it's all getting done eventually and you are breaking the bigger task of deep cleaning your bathroom up into bite-sized chunks that are more manageable for you right now.
{for more time management tips, sign up for my free 4-week Simplify course}
5. Stay on top of the little things

Make sure your car is filled up with gas so you don't have to make a last minute stop at the gas station when you're already running late to get somewhere. Or stay on top of your laundry so that you don't have to hunt around in the morning as you're running out the door trying to find a clean shirt!

Related: Productivity Habits to Streamline Your Life

6. Make decisions quickly

If you're typically indecisive about even the simplest of decisions in your day-to-day life, it could be causing you a lot of unnecessary stress and sucking time away from what's most important.

If you struggle with indecisiveness, make an effort to start making decisions more quickly so that you can get on with your day and not waste your energy on the things that don't really matter (i.e. what to wear for the day or what you want to eat for breakfast).

Related: 11 Things to Do When You Feel Overwhelmed

7. Make sure everything has a home

It's tough to put things away and keep everything neat and tidy if you don't have a dedicated place to put it all. Make your life easier by dedicating a place for everything in your home so that it's quicker to clean up and stay organized!

Decluttering the amount of stuff in your home can also be a huge help in staying organized and on top of things. In my Clutterfree course, I share an actionable step-by-step plan to declutter every room in your home and help you feel less overwhelmed by the process!
Are there any other ways you like to stay organized when life is busy? Share with us in the comments section below! There are affiliate links in this post. If you choose to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I love myself and that I think would benefit you too. Thank you for helping to support Embracing Simple in this way!

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7 Tips to Stay Organized When Life is Busy - Embracing Simple

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It is so easy to become a disorganized mess when life gets extra busy. I know that for me, it only takes one day of not staying up on my usual organizing habits or chores and then all of the sudden it looks like a bomb hit our house and I feel completely overwhelmed by everything.

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easy ways to improve time management skills.

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tips on everything from time management to test-taking strategies.