1 . Tips for online learning

Online learning has the same basic elements as face-to-face learning. The major difference is that instruction is delivered online. Many of the strategies for effective face-to-face learning also apply to online learning.     1     Here are some strategies we recommend:

Create space to learn. Invest some time to understand your needs and preferences as a learner, and what an effective study environment looks like for you. For example, you might need a quiet place to study, or you might need to listen to classical music. Consider what equipment you might need. Wherever you study, try to minimize distractions.     2    

Manage your time effectively. Spend some time getting familiar with your online courses, understanding what is expected of you, mapping out key deadlines, and planning study time.     3     Research shows that learners gain more information if they spread their study over multiple days or sessions. Make sure your routine works with your other commitments so you’re more likely to stick to it.

    4     Just as with face-to-face learning, mental energy matters: take time to reflect on whether you have understood the materials, try to remember and sort the information you have learned to aid memory, test your understanding, mix different concepts and skills into the same study session to build connections and fluency, ask questions, participate in class discussions, and try teaching concepts to others.

Ask for assistance! In an online learning environment, you may need to ask lots of questions and take ownership over shaping the learning experience so that it meets your needs.     5    

Finally, if you’re facing specific challenges such as illness, mental health, accessibility, balancing childcare responsibilities, etc., it’s important for you to reach out to your instructors or the relevant student support services for discussion and creative problem-solving.

2 . Online learning is a term used to describe distance or correspondence courses that are offered over the Internet.     1    

There are two types of online course access: open and restricted. Open access allows virtually anyone with an Internet browser to view the course material.     2     This initiative removes the barriers to advanced knowledge and allows anyone with the interest to learn. The other type of online courses are restricted access courses, which limit the class to registered students. These courses offer instructor interaction and require grades upon completion.

It is more efficient for both sides to access course materials online.     3     The recurring cost is for marking and moderating the class communications. This greatly reduced the staff time and costs. Online courses also allow students to complete coursework from a wide range of locations and remove the time restriction to access course lectures.

The material for online courses provided by educational institutions has been carefully reviewed and approved before the course is offered. Many introduction and intermediate courses do not change.     4     Due to the reduced expenses for online courses, the fees are sometimes lower than a standard instructor-led course. Additional savings like transportation make online learning the most cost-effective learning method available.

    5     These tools include mobile audio and video viewers, improved online interactive tests, and tool and course management software. The continued development in this area will further enhance the quality of online courses and encourage more people to further their education.