Online Learning Secrets Schools Don't Tell You

Online Learning Secrets Schools Don't Tell You

Learn the 10 best online learning secrets schools won't tell you. Learn tried and tested tips, secrets, and study hacks to help you make online education easier, faster, and more productive.

Introduction

Online learning is a big part of the educational landscape today. From collage courses to skill-based credentials, and with more options being created (and offered) every month, more people are learning online than ever before! Online learning is flexible, affordable, and convenient, but here is the truth: schools and other platforms may not always tell you the real secrets of how to succeed in online learning.

Many students struggle with focus, motivation, productivity, and social connection. Others spend too much money on a bunch of courses they may not need in addition to not utilizing any of the free or temporery free learning resources. Yet, with some handy online learning hacks, you can make online learning much easier, faster, and more productive.

In this article, we will share 10 online learning secrets schools don't tell you, simple and reasonable tips to enhance your learning experience in online course.

1. Free Resources Are as Good as Paid

Many schools and platforms sell expensive courses to teach you content, what they won't tell you is there is a ton of free quality learning resources.

There are many online resources like Coursera, edX, Khan Academy, and even YouTube that have the same lesson delivered for free by a top university. Additionally, if you have public library cards, you will often have free access to eBooks, journals, and audiobooks.

💡 Secret tip: Before you purchase any course, investigate free resources first. Usually you can cover 80% of the course without paying any money.

2. The Science of "Micro-Learning"

Typically schools design courses for extended lectures, but instead research has shown, longer lectures are not good and shorter, focused lessons (10-15 minutes) are much more effective. This is called "Micro-learning"

You can study the content of a long course or a long lecture, but instead of forcing yourself through 3 hours of content, study it in incrementally small doses. You will be able to absorb more, will be less mentally fatigued, and your brain will be more active and focused.

💡 Secret tip: A useful way to do this is to set a timer and study 20 minutes and then take a short break. This technique (which is similar to the Pomodoro Technique) makes learning feel much more productive.

3. The Environment Has More Influence on You Than You Might Think

Schools don’t emphasize it, but your study environment contributes a lot to your online learning success. Studying in bed or in a disruptive environment will adversely impact your concentration level.

A study space should be established, preferably spacious, as in a room well lit, a comfortable chair, and a sense of not too many distractions. Even small adjustments like putting your phone away can double your concentration level.

💡 Secret tip: A simple, organized desk can take your motivation and focus to the next level. You should treat your learning environment like your classroom - leeway in your own space.

4. Writing by Hand Helps with Memory

With online learning, many students will take notes on their laptops. But schools haven’t told you this - taking handwritten notes helps students remember content better.

Research suggests handwriting notes taps into more areas of the brain when compared to typing. If you love digital note-taking, consider handwriting notes and then summarizing digitally.

💡 Secret tip: look into the "Cornell note-taking method" - a notitional method that divides your page into areas.

5. Practice Tests Are Better Than Re-Reading

One misconception about online studies is that practice and testing helps with retention better than re-reading notes or rewatching videos yet again.

When you recall what you have studied you are effortfully remembering information which helps solidify long-term memory. This is why mock exams, flashcards and quizzes are so effective.

💡 Secret tip: After completing the module, write your own quiz questions. This challenges you into remembering and using knowledge instead of reobserving it.

6. Community is Your Secret Advantage

Online study often feels isolating, but one of the biggest secrets is that community learning or collaborative learning can accelerate your progress.

Looking to study groups, forums or Discord communities will offer support, accountability, and motivation. Furthermore, when we explain to others what we have learnt then we understand it better.

💡 Secret tip: Find a study buddy, even virtually. When you have accountability that is an even greater motivator to finish the course.

7. Certificates are Not as Valuable as Skills

When Schools promote online courses, they often sell it on the basis of the certificate. Unfortunately, in the applied world, skills are way more valuable than certificates. As an employer, I care about what you can do and not necessarily a piece of paper.

You should focus on doing things and applying what you learn in your real world projects, portfolios or even freelancing as you learn. Those skills will take you further than a certificate every will.

💡 Secret tip: as you look for courses, look to take courses that offer length or applied and experiential project work and learning. Being practical is way more impactful than sitting through lectures alone.

8. The Brain Learns Better With Breaks and Sufficient Sleep

Here is a disclosure that might surprise you: resting and getting your sleep is equally as important as studying. When you sleep, your brain organizes and stows away information drawn from the previous day.

If you cram for a test or at night, you will lose much more information than if you spread your learning out over the span of several days and got proper rest. I can tell you this, for my background, schools never promote this, but scientifically it is proven.

💡 Secret tip: Study with intervals with focused and tight time durations during the day, and a mindless revision just before, or as you fall asleep. Your mind will begin to process and solidify the memory (and feelings associated with that memory) while you sleep.

9.Learning by Teaching is a Hack

One of the quickest ways to learn a subject is by teaching it to someone else. You could also call this "the Feynman technique."

When you are trying to explain something in simple words, you will find out what you do not know. Schools don’t usually teach you this, but it is one of the greatest learning tricks.

💡 Secret Tip: Video yourself teaching a lesson, or teaching it to a friend. If you can teach it well, you know it.

10.Motivation is a Function of Systems, Not Willpower

Most students struggle with motivation, especially in an online learning environment. Schools will erroneously expect you to just motivate yourself, but the secret is that motivation is a function of systems, not willpower.

Instead of requiring motivation and motivation, build habits and routines. Create small, attainable goals, and reward yourself for completing them.

💡 Secret Tip: Use habital apps like Habitica, Todoist or Google Calendar to keep a track of your learning goals and to keep yourself consistent.

Conclusion

Online learning is one of the greatest resources available anywhere today. But signing up.