Study Tips

Are you looking to expand your knowledge, improve your skillset and get trusted information on your chosen subject? Yes? Great, you are in the right place.

1. Know how to contact us

eCollege tutors and staff are on hand to guide you through your learning journey. Note how to contact your tutor when you log into the learning environment and use course forums to ask questions.

2. Find out the technical requirements

Review the hardware requirements for your course and be aware that most exams are designed to be taken on a PC in a test centre. While most of the content is suitable for any device, you may need a laptop or PC to access practice exams, as they replicate the test conditions.

3. Check your internet speed

Your online learning course requires high-speed internet access to work smoothly, as will practice tests and exams.

4. Have a designated study space

It is very important that you have a comfortable place where you can study. When choosing a suitable space for studying, there are many factors to consider:

  • Lighting: Ensure there is adequate lighting in your study space. A dark space will lead to eyestrain and fatigue. If natural light is not an option, adding a desk lamp to your workspace will be of great help.
  • Good Ergonomics: It is very important that you set up a comfortable and ergonomic workspace. Therefore, it is best to set up at a desk and a comfortable chair, as it will be easier to focus on the material when comfortable.
  • Set the right atmosphere: Some people can study in a crowded room or a busy café, but this is not for everyone. Try out a few different study environments, e.g. listening to music or having complete silence, and figure out what suits you best.
  • Eliminate distractions: If you live with other people, it is wise to let them know when you sit down to study, to avoid unnecessary distraction. Another good idea is to put away your phone, or turn off notifications.

Prepare yourself well before studying: This preparation can be as simple as getting a pen or paper to take notes, or have your laptop charger easily accessible. It is also a good idea to have plenty of water and snacks prepared in advance, if you plan to study for a long period, to avoid having to leave your study space too often

5. Identify your study goals and objectives

You will have your own reasons for doing an online course, so make sure you review the objectives of the course to make sure it is suitable for you.

It helps to put your objectives and goals for the course in writing. Have a look at these every day as you are about to undergo a study session and ensure to keep these in mind as you make your way through the course.

Set yourself realistic and achievable goals and objectives for the course. Your eTutor can help you do this or keep you on track with them throughout your studies. Be realistic with your goals and don’t be too hard on yourself!

6. Set a Learning Plan

At the start of your studies, sit down and plan your study schedule.

It is more beneficial to study regularly, and your eTutor can help you with your study plan.

Here are some useful tips for setting your learning plan:

  • Make sure to leave some room for error: Leave some wriggle room for completing your studies and don’t forget to include time to review and revise.
  • Allocate study time on your calendar: Whether online or physical, put your planned study time in a calendar.
  • Keep to-do lists for your study purposes: Enjoy ticking off each task that brings you one step closer to your goals.
  • Set yourself time limits for studying: This will differ from person to person, but most people benefit from a defined period of study.
  • Stick to your learning plan as much as possible: Things come up, but try to stick to the plan.

7. Ensure to take regular breaks from studying

You are going to work hard to concentrate on your studies, so make sure you take regular breaks. Make sure you at least step away from your PC/Laptop between study sessions, and get some physical movement. Consider having at least one day a week where you take a break from studying.

8. Look for help when you need it

When doing an online course, you can easily get stuck with the content and may not look for help as easily as you might in a classroom based setting. However, it is important that you look for help from your eTutor/course peers when you need it.

Due to the nature of an online course and that students will be at different stages of the course at any one time, do ensure to provide as much information in your queries to your eTutor. Therefore, provide details such a topic name/number, name of the video in question etc. This information will help your query to be answered correctly.

9. Engage on the online forums

The course forums are a great way to keep up with the latest news or updates relating to your course, as your Tutor/Admin will post here regularly, but it is also a great way to engage with other learners on the course.

If you know the answer to a question posted on the form, do respond and help out that student.

10. Make sure to stay motivated and reward yourself for doing so

You have taken the hardest step by getting started, so remember that you are doing great, and reward yourself along the way.

If you need someone to boost your motivation, talk to your eTutor.

Happy Studying!

More Resources

To read more into online learning as well as looking after your health and wellbeing, look at the two links below.