3 Strategies for Studying Through Distance Learning

Although distance learning as a form of education has existed in modern society for some time, the whole world has had to accept it as the new normal only in recent years, in connection with the adjustments that the Covid-19 pandemic has brought into our lives. This experience shows that remote learning is not only possible but also productive, provided it is implemented in a well-thought-out way. Pupils and students alike were forced to accept restricted access to school premises and reduced contact with peers and teachers, yet this period has fostered independence in learning and provided valuable insights into which strategies to use in education to make distance learning a success.

FORCED BY CIRCUMSTANCES

When almost everyone in the world had to adapt to life at home, which reduced physical contact with others to a minimum, there was, of course, understandable confusion not only in education but in other areas too. The rapid development of events fuelled misunderstanding and chaos, which made remote learning a complicated task. For this reason, many have understandably formed a negative opinion of distance learning; however, judging by the development trends in education, this form of learning is not expected to be left in the past. All the more so because this experience has provided countless lessons on how to organise distance learning processes in a productive way.

SCIENCE SEEKS ANSWERS

In the last couple of years, several studies on the productivity of remote learning and the strategies that promote it have been carried out. However, adapting to a greater level of independence and applying resource management strategies in the everyday learning process is not so easy for every learner. It requires self-discipline, control over one’s motivation, the ability to seek help and a certain level of competence in technology. Distance learning is not an ideal solution for everyone, and there are also fields in which it is not possible at all, for example, driving lessons. Nevertheless, researchers have gained valuable insights into how to support a successful online learning process by using various strategies that anyone can apply.

IT ALL STARTS WITH A PLAN

Researchers agree that one of the most important factors affecting the quality of remote learning is the ability to plan one’s time independently. Some people are used to planning their time down to the minute, while just as many prefer to go with the flow, tackling the most urgent and important tasks at any given moment. There is no single ideal time management mechanism that suits everyone, so it is up to each individual to find the method that works best. One of the most popular ways to organise tasks is a simple to-do list, which brings clarity to your thoughts and helps you weigh up priorities. However unusual it may sound, leaving things until the last minute is also a time management method, because for some people the tension that comes from knowing they might miss something is a great motivator. This approach does not suit everyone, though, and is used most successfully by people who, working in this way, regularly feel relief at having overcome the difficulties they created themselves. Besides these two methods, there are, of course, many, many other ways to plan your time, so the task of evaluating them and adopting them in your learning process rests on each person’s own shoulders.

YOU HAVE TO PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER

Particularly important for a successful learning process is individual self-discipline. Although many assignments may not seem compulsory, especially when there is no teacher nearby to keep reminding you about them, it is important not to lose focus and the motivation to achieve high results. One of the most difficult aspects of self-discipline is accepting personal failures and using them to improve future results. Many people think that self-discipline is about never making mistakes, and that could not be further from the truth. Quite the opposite – it is the ability to learn from your own mistakes independently in order to achieve the goals you have set.

MAKING LEARNING EASIER FOR YOURSELF

Somewhat smaller but still important details for completing distance learning successfully include, for example, setting up a separate study space wherever new knowledge is being acquired. The environment plays a major role in a successful learning process, so it is important to study in a place free from distracting stimuli in the surroundings – noise, unnecessary information, physical discomfort and other influencing factors. When it comes to the necessary tools, a calendar must certainly be mentioned, as well as, preferably, other time management aids. Of course, the technical tools used in the learning process must also be easy to use and available when needed. An integral part of distance learning is a stable internet connection and a device that makes it possible to complete all assignments. It also serves as a means of communication between teachers and learners. This aspect is especially important not only for learning the subject matter, but also for maintaining the social life that every person needs so much, even in a remote learning format.

Just as at school or any other educational institution, when studying at home you must not forget to take breaks between study sessions. Spending several hours a day looking at a screen causes significant eye strain, which prevents you from taking in information and, of course, also damages your eyesight. Researchers recommend taking shorter breaks more often rather than longer breaks less frequently. For example, it is better to switch off from what you are doing for 10 minutes every hour than for half an hour every three hours. Ideally, everyone would be able to choose these breaks individually, but if this is not possible, simply getting up from your chair and doing some neck stretches will also help you regain your alertness.

These are just a few of the strategies that can help anyone adapt to distance learning. In education in particular, a one-size-fits-all approach is not possible, so remote learning is a great opportunity for everyone to get to know themselves and the methods that boost their individual productivity. As trends show, the importance of distance learning in education is only growing, not only in the context of lifelong learning but also in basic education, so methods that increase its productivity are constantly being developed.