How to succeed in your distance learning courses

Taking synchronous courses is advantageous for many reasons! As a student, flexibility and accessibility are quite important criteria given the busy schedules with classes, work, friends, outings, and family!

While synchronous courses can be beneficial, they can also become chaotic for some. It’s clear that to succeed in these courses, one must develop a certain discipline and study and concentration strategies that differ from those used in face-to-face classes.

A supportive learning environment

You wouldn’t cook in your room, would you? Well, the same logic applies to online classes! So, take the time to set up a dedicated study space. Get yourself a large enough desk, a comfortable chair, high-speed internet access, a plant for a bit of greenery, some snacks, and a window to let in natural light. It doesn’t take much to make your environment more conducive to learning, and you’ll see, it makes a big difference!

Don’t hesitate to identify potential sources of distraction that could throw you off focus and take steps to eliminate them! For example, turn off your phone or put it in another room, use headphones to block out outside noise, and let your loved ones know not to disturb you during your study and revision time.

Unprecedented time management

A clear and realistic timetable

Let’s be honest, taking a course from home comes with its share of challenges, such as managing your time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by everything you have to do and by unexpected events in daily life.

To avoid losing control, here’s our tip: at the beginning of each week, take the time to create a clear, precise, and, above all, realistic schedule. Set aside time for your study sessions, but also for rest, for taking time for yourself, and for spending time with loved ones. By developing a structured study routine, you’ll be less likely to feel overwhelmed, out of your depth, or demotivated.

Establish short-term and long-term learning objectives

When taking courses with Cégep virtuel, it is perfectly normal to sometimes feel a lack of motivation and to ask yourself the question: “What’s the point of doing all this?”

Our advice? Set short-term and long-term goals, so you never lose sight of what you want to achieve. Each time you reach one, take the time to look back at how far you’ve come and measure your progress. This will help you remember why you’re doing all this and keep you motivated!

Active and engaged listening

Participate in discussions and ask your teachers questions.

Let he who has never felt like falling asleep during an online college class cast the first stone! We’ve all struggled to stay awake. The next time you feel drowsy, participate in discussions with your classmates, ask your instructors questions, and take notes. By staying active and engaged during your classes, you’ll find that time flies by!

Exchange with other students online via study groups

Don’t hesitate to overcome your shyness and connect with your classmates! Whether it’s to exchange ideas, collaborate, help each other, share tips, or simply make new friends, taking the time to get to know other students online has many advantages and makes your time at Cégep virtuel much more enjoyable!

Regular communication with your teachers.

Check your emails and course messages regularly.

Each day, take a few minutes at the beginning or end of your day to regularly check your emails and course-related messages. This will prevent the unpleasant surprise of finding 356 unread emails in your inbox! That way, you won’t miss any important information.

Seek feedback to improve your understanding.g

Since there’s always room for improvement, don’t hesitate to ask your teachers for feedback. They’ll notice your commitment and your constant desire to progress. Constructive feedback plays a vital role in the success of online courses!

A self-discipline worthy of mention!

Set rewards to motivateyourselfe

Earlier, we talked about goals, but what good are goals if there are no rewards at the end? Prepare rewards for each of your successes. Whether it’s a night out with friends, a relaxing hot bath and a face mask, a gaming session, dinner at a restaurant, or a movie night, the possibilities are endless. The important thing is to enjoy yourself when you accomplish something!

Remain positive and persistent in the face of challenges.

No matter what challenges distance learning throws your way, persevere! You’ll see, before you know it, your time with Cégep virtuel will be over, and you’ll look back on those tougher moments with a laugh. Hang in there, it’s worth it!

Action!

By following our advice, you’ll be fully prepared to overcome the challenges of distance learning. After all, mastering these challenges also means taking full advantage of the opportunities offered by online courses and facilitating the achievement of your academic goals with greater success.