Talk to your guidance counsellor about whether or not eLearning is the right choice for you. If you are interested in learning more about what courses are offered through eLearning, you can visit here for course offerings.
ELearning is an excellent opportunity for students. However, it's not the right decision for every student.
Success in eLearning can be difficult. Students should consider carefully whether eLearning courses are suitable for them.
Student Traits
A few traits can help you determine whether or not eLearning is the right choice for you. If you do not possess these traits or qualities, consider how you may be able to compensate if you do choose to enroll in eLearning.
Students should be able to work independently. In an eLearning course, you do not have a teacher physically present to monitor whether you are working. You need to have the ability to work independently and monitor yourself.
You also need to have the ability to find answers. While you can email instructors with questions, you will have to wait for a reply. Knowing how to keep moving forward is essential in these circumstances.
Have or develop time management skills. As you track your time and work in an online course, you need to know how much time you need for tasks. Knowing how much time you need and making the time for your courses is essential.
If you know that you're more likely to end up lost in the latest computer game when you should be working, you need to find ways to address these barriers, or you will not be successful in eLearning.
Know when to take a break. When you spend all day staring at a computer screen, it can be tiring. As a student, you need to learn to balance breaks and work time.
One popular method that helps with balancing work and breaks is called the Pomodoro Technique. This technique can also help you with time management if you tend to procrastinate.
Students should be self-motivated. In an eLearning course, you will take charge of your education. This is a unique opportunity for students; however, students will need to be proactive.
As you begin eLearning courses, you need to be willing to ask questions and keep learning.
Tips for Success
To ensure success in your eLearning courses, there are a few steps you can take. Adopting good habits surrounding your eLearning courses will also support you in the future, whether you attend college or not.
Set up a workspace. When you are attending school from home, it is easy to get distracted. You may notice your brother or sister doing something, or a pet may decide that it is time to play.
Setting up a space to work in that will be free from distractions will help you get work done. Students can work with parents to determine the best locations.
Consider time management apps or parental controls. The internet is full of fun things to do. It can be easy to get lost down an internet rabbit hole when you are trying to do your online work.
However, there are apps that you can download to assist with this. Whether you choose an app or parental controls depends on the level of trust you have in your own willpower.
Use a calendar. Whether you choose a digital calendar, paper calendar, planner, or something else, just use one. One thing you might want to consider is a paper calendar posted on your wall in your workspace.
This will be a visual reminder of what needs to get done. It will also offer you the opportunity to visibly check off what you have completed.
Implement a "school time." When you are engaged in eLearning, it can be very easy to say that you will get to it when you have time. However, before you find that time, you find yourself pulling an all-nighter in order to get your work done before the deadline.
Not only will your work not be as good a quality as it would have if you spent the time, but that's stressful. Pick when your school time is and stay consistent.
Learn the system. Engaging in eLearning courses requires that you have the ability to navigate technology with ease. If you do not know the D2L system and how to work it, you won't be able to complete your courses.
Take the time to learn the system and learn what functions different tools offer.
Remember to ask questions and clarify. Ask your teacher questions, and be sure you know what is expected of you. If you do not understand, ask more questions.
You cannot meet expectations if you do not understand expectations.
