Online Classes: Virtual Learning Tips: 1. Get Set Up for Success

If your school or college is on hold, or you’re switching to online classes, make sure you’re set up for effective virtual learning. This is especially true when your career plans involve nursing, dentistry, medical, ophthalmology, or the doctor of chiropractic.

Here’s the thing: You’ll want to be as close to 100% efficient in your online classes as you are with the on-campus environment you’re accustomed to. Whether you’re in college now, working on your bachelor’s degree, or in high school, this blog series will help you get the most out of your virtual learning situation.

Encouragement for Considering Online Classes: It’s Effective

Maybe you prefer on-campus classes, which many students do, but take comfort in how new technologies are closing the gap (if there is one now) between online and in-class formats.

Did you know at least 33% of students in college take an online class? That percentage goes way up for students who work part-time or have obligations at home.

 How to Set Yourself Up for Success

1. Dedicated Space is Best

Experts say to take the time to figure out the home setup that works best with your learning style. A dedicated space to that’s quiet and comfy for you is best because it takes you away from distractions that often occur on a normal day.

2. What a Dedicated Space Looks Like

Many students find they don’t need a typical desk and chair, but if having adequate support for your back, or at least a lap desk will keep you focused on what’s being presented. Semi-reclining on a bed or opting for soft, cushy chairs that make you slouch can lead to neck and back strain throughout an hour-long online class or test review session.

Sitting upright, having the right lighting, and adequate physical space for a laptop or tablet will keep you focused and your energy levels high. Try a few scenarios before the heavy classwork begins.

3. Attention On, Distractions Off

Attending class online may require you to reduce the amount of time you spend in “away from school” activities. In this digital age, you and your friends might see multi-tasking is as a badge of honor, but it rarely works well for online classes. That’s because of the amount of information you’re expected to absorb and how fast it’s being presented.

To get good grades, you’ll have to ratchet up your self-discipline. How to do that? Here’s what online class experts recommend:

• Turn off your cellphone, or at least put it on silent. An “I’m in class message should keep friends and family from calling back.
• No TV – the moving images will pull your eyes and mind away from the task at hand. A research study by Ohio State University said watching television while studying may deliver emotional satisfaction, but will reduce academic performance. Some background music can help you to relax, but loud music can overpower your ability to concentrate.
• Establish “office hours” and tell your friends and family these are “do not disturb” times.
• Use a dedicated planner to plot assignments, to-do lists, and due dates for papers and tests. Some visual learners may find a planner book works well, and color-coding notes helpful.
• A whiteboard near your dedicated workspace is a good way for jotting down acronyms or reminders about due dates.

Welcome to Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been on a mission to create a healthier world. It’s a mission where we’re seeking to deliver everything we do at a higher level.

As a university specializing in the chiropractic and health sciences, our degree programs range from an associate degree in biological sciences to associate degrees in healthcare support professions like radiologic technology and occupational therapy assistant to the doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree. Many of the prerequisite classes for CUKC degrees are available as online classes.

For more about important topics beyond tips for taking online classes, check out our blog posts.

Discover the right CUKC academic degree program for you today by visiting us at Cleveland.edu, or by connecting with an advisor here.