For students who work full-time or have other personal commitments studying online is a great way learn and create pathways to higher education. If you are a student interested in studying online, or a student commencing online study, take a look at this online study guide to E-Learning for helpful tips and advice:
What is E-learning?
E-Learning is the delivery of an educational program or course by electronic means. Commonly referred to as online learning, E-learning involves the use of electronic technologies to communicate educational content or material to students. Students typically use a laptop, PC or mobile phone device to access E-learning material that is presented in multiple forms including online lectures, tutorials, webinars, interactive forums, info graphics, videos and audio recordings.
This method of study has a number of benefits including lower costs, flexibility and convenience. For students with outside commitments (example: work, hobbies, carer responsibilities) studying online is a popular option. Studying online is also a great option for students who live remotely.
What Do I Need?
If you are enrolled to study in an online course, make sure you have access to these fundamental resources before commencing. Having access to these things will ensure a smooth start to your learning journey without any frustration, confusion or misunderstanding:
– Your student number
– Your login details to your E-Learning portal
– A PC or laptop
– Basic stationary for note taking including pens, paper and textbooks
– Your course coordinators name and contact details – just in case you need help!
– The contact details for student support services
– A positive, can-do attitude!
What Should I Expect?
To be in charge of your own learning. Students who choose to study online are independent, self-sufficient and extremely motivated. Why? Because at the end of the day, there are no set daily lectures or classes to attend. You must take initiative to log on to your E-Learning portal and work your way through course material. You must keep up with key course dates and assessment deadlines. Many students enjoy this independent style of study, being able to juggle work and other commitments at the same time.
What Things Should I Have?
To maximise your online learning experience follow these quick top tips!
– Establish a safe and secure internet connection
– Ensure your electronic device (PC, laptop) is reliable
– Set up a dedicated ‘study area’ in your house. This may include a desk with stationary
– A study plan to help you stay organised and on track with assessments and course deadlines
– Your course work booklet and any relevant learning materials for reference
Pro tip: Consider creating an online study group for you and your peers. This way you can ask each other questions, help each other study and share useful information.
Strategies to Stay Motivated While Studying From Home
Every student has good and bad days. To stay motivated on days you find difficult, follow these easy strategies to stay inspired and on track:
– Decorate your ‘study area’ with inspirational quotes, images or icons from your industry
– Write out your study goals or dream careers. Put this on your wall as a constant visual reminder
– Subscribe to industry news and updates for inspiration. This could be via email, social media notifications or magazines.
– Network with industry leaders and front runners to build real world connections
– Remember to take study breaks. You don’t want to burn out!
– Keep your study area a distraction free zone. This means no TV, phones or music.
– Eat healthy snacks such a fruits, vegetables and nuts to boost cognitive functions and memory retention
Top Online Tools to Help You Study!
Studying online gives you great access to online learning resources. Use these top 3 study apps to help beat any study slump!
1. Evernote
Price: Free
Evernote is the perfect app for students who want to take organised notes. This app allows students to create multiple notes, with file attachments that can be edited, shared and annotated at any time. Students can also take notes in a variety of formats including text, sketches, photos, audio, videos, PDF’s and saved web clippings. It’s a digital notepad for all your thoughts during class.
2. myHomework
Price: Free
Never forget an assessment due date again this easy to use student planner! This app is useful for students who have difficulty remembering the due dates of all their assignments. Students can monitor their course schedule, manage upcoming assignments and receive assessment reminders all at once. Designed in a simple calendar view with assignments sorted by due date, students are able to click on any particular day or time to see a listing of their scheduled tasks.
3. Flashcards +
Price: Free
Revise and be prepared for any quiz with this fast, fun and free flashcard maker! Designed to help students learn things quickly in order ace their toughest unit, this ultimate online flashcard and notecard tool for students can help you pass any quiz, exam or test. The Flashcards app also lets students add images to their notes (perfect for visual learners!).
Tips for Online Safety
Cyber safety is paramount for students studying online. Follow these top tips for protecting your identity and personal information online:
– Install a PC virus protector to monitor or block viruses
– Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks you do not regularly connect to. These networks are considered unsecure and accessible by hackers who may steal private information including bank details, password and personal documents
– Beware of phishing scams and viruses sent via email. Block these senders and report them.
– Don’t click on unsafe links as they may take you to site that infects your device with malware or spyware.
– Make sure your computer has a good virus protector
– Create a unique password that others can’t guess. This should be a mix of capital letters, numbers and symbols. Do not share this password.
– Change password 4 times per year (every 3 months)
– Ensure your social media accounts are set to private
– Never click ‘Remember Me’ as hackers may use this to steal personal information and data
– Do not leave your PC, laptop or mobile phone unattended in public places
Time Management and Organisation
As previously mentioned, studying online means there are no set daily lectures or classes to attend. For this very reason students need to take a great deal of responsibility when it comes to their own personal learning. Here are some tips for staying organised:
– Make online studying a part of your weekly routine by creating a weekly study schedule E.g.: Monday, Wednesday and Friday are dedicated study days. On these days work your way through a single online unit. On Sundays revise previous topics and build your study notes each week.
– Ensure you have a great work vs. life balance
– Set realistic study goals
– Buy a diary and enter important due dates of assessments, quizzes and vocational placement
– Keep your ‘study area’ organised
Communication and Online Learning
Students studying online need to be able to freely and openly communicate with trainers, course coordinators, student services and peers. This assistance will enhance a students learning outcomes. Follow these 2 pieces of advice:
– If you have a question, or need help during anytime of your course, it is important to contact your trainer or course coordinator via email, phone or even in person! Don’t be shy! They are ready to help and provide guidance.
– Remember student services are available 8:30-5pm Monday – Friday to help students reach their academic and professional goals. Give them a call on 07 3221 1626!
Moodle as an E-Learning Platform
Students enrolled in online courses at Queensford College use Moodle as their E-learning platform. Moodle is a learning platform designed to provide educators, administrators and learners with a single robust, secure and integrated system to create personalised learning environments. It’s versatile, easy to function means students at Queensford College can access course material 24/7, and continue their studies anytime.
Become a qualified chef, aged care worker, business manager or accountant at Queensford College today! Take a look at our range of nationally accredited courses here. Or if you prefer to speak to a Course Advisor, call us on 1300 236 364.