It’s no surprise that distance learning is on the rise! According to Babson Research Survey Group, who researches and publishes an annual report containing distance education facts and stats, online student enrollments are up for the 14th consecutive year, equating to more than 30% of total higher education enrollments in the U.S.!
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already taken – or are considering taking – an online course yourself. It’s undeniably tempting, given the many perks distance learning boasts: convenience, flexibility, ever-expanding choices and availability, affordability; and – well, you know – Biochemistry in your boxers while nomming on pizza?! 
The bennies are unrivaled, it’s true. The advent of distance learning – as we’ve now come to know and love it – in the 1980s literally changed the face of higher education for millions of Americans. For many, in fact, it’s the only road to a college degree, given our teeming lifestyles and responsibilities. But, despite its many advantages, many first-timers and even determined DL diehards are often thrown off track by the unique challenges this avenue of learning presents.
If this knells, The DL on DL is our gift to YOU! Herein our list of the most common distance learning obstacles, and an arsenal of down-and-dirty tips and tricks designed to help you get armed and ready for that next class!
THE DL (Down-low) on DL (Distance learning)
Expectations: Be reasonable and realistic in them, especially if this is your first online course, or you were disappointed the last time you tried it. Beware of self-imposed judgments and criticism. Reframe inner dialogue as often as necessary. Consider writing a simple mantra or mission statement that you can use to reaffirm, reaffirm, and reaffirm again each and every time you sit down to study.
Technology: It goes without saying (or does it?), you’ll need to equip yourself with a fully-functional desktop, laptop, or notebook, at the 
very least. Frayed charger? Outdated software? Intermittent internet service that you meant to call about last week? No battery? NO DICE! Make no guesses or assumptions on this one! Double-check the technology requirements for the course in advance. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident in using the required software and/or applications. You WILL thank yourself at the end of the day/class. Planning to “wing it” on your smartphone? You WILL likely scold yourself at the end of the day/class.
Fuel: Both your body and your mind. A barking belly only stifles critical thinking; and a screaming noggin shall surely drown the muse – every. single. time. One cannot learn on lattes alone! Check out this list of brain foods published by Harvard Health Publishing, and keep your frig (and backpack/bag) well-stocked! Additionally, there are some other important nutrients you may have never considered: sunlight (Vitamin D), proper rest, R&R with family and friends, time spent in nature, yoga or other forms of physical exercise — essentially, making time for down time, no matter how busy you are!
Time and Productivity Management (HUGE): Know your most productive time of day and use it to your advantage as much as possible; but especially for online classes! Not really sure exactly when that is for you? Here’s an exercise that might help:
*Note: this is an awareness practice. Avoid judging, overthinking, “but’s” or excuses as you move through the process!
In the coming days, simply become more aware of the natural ebb and flow within you throughout the day, and jot down your observations. You might be surprised by your findings!
For starters — during what period of most days do you reach your peak level of:
- energy?
- creativity?
- clarity?
- concentration and ability to stay on-task?
During what period of most days do you experience more:
- physical or mental fatigue?
- frustration or impatience?
- disinterest or become easily distracted?
If you aren’t able to pinpoint any patterns at first, try focusing on just your physical body. The body never lies!
There are a wide variety of helpful online tools designed for this purpose as well; but the central component is always going to be awareness — paying attention to the signals your mind and body are sending you!
Note: you may have more than one key productivity time! For example: 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Armed with this info, you can now begin the process and practice of implementing some scheduling shifts! This may take a little time and ingenuity, but don’t give up without even trying. Even seemingly small or insignificant changes can have considerable impact when it comes to activities that require the best concentration and comprehension skills. Here are just a few examples, to help get you started:
Example 1: Work full-time and at your best between noon and 2:00 pm? Ask your boss if you can come in a little earlier or stay later and take a longer lunch break so you can seize that midday “prime time” for a couple of study hours. You could be surprised at how much you get accomplished!
Example 2: Working with a study group? Get your vote in early for meet-up days and times!
Example 3: Planning a visit to the virtual or on-campus tutoring center? Shoot for a time that’s not only convenient, but also congruent with your new findings.
Determining and using your own personal key productivity time(s) can truly be invaluable when it comes to arranging your class and study schedules; but it’s also useful in other life areas as well! Think things like: spending time with family and friends, planning your workday (repetitive tasks that don’t require much thought vs. tasks that require laser-focus), physical activities, mealtimes, and so on.
Starting to see the value?
Environment: It may sound positively fabulous (and effortless) to just hop online and listen to a lecture before you’ve gotten out of bed, or even opened your eyes. And, that may work in a few cases, for a few students; but not for the vast majority. You probably already know which kinds of classes require more of your attention. You probably also already know that jotting down essay questions on a used napkin before putting your contacts in rarely ends up well; and, that “studying” for an exam in the family room with young children competing for your attention probably does precious little for your final grade. Set yourself up for success! Create (or locate) an environment that lends itself to optimal efficiency and your key times. For some, this means leaving home and going to a local coffee shop or library. But, bear in mind: 1-2 hours of quality work beats 4 hours of waste, any day. And, using your study time wisely actually frees up more time for other things you might rather be doing!
Blocked? Overloaded? Overwhelmed and exhausted? Insomuch as routine and structure are integral to successful learning, we all experience spells where it just seems like nothing we do works and nothing we try helps. Self-doubt start creeping in. Alarm bells clamor and clang. White flags go up! Instead, we recommend you:
- Don’t panic!
- Breathe!
- Clear the brain fog!
- Try switching things up a bit. Move to another room. Take an alternative walking or driving route. Find a video for an entirely different kind of exercise you’ve never tried before.
What’s working for YOU? We’d love to hear!
