Getting the most out of your online study

Whether you are a first time online student or have done some distance learning previously, these practical guidelines will certainly help to increase the yield from your efforts.

1. PREPARATION

1. Familiarise yourself with all the technology and power of the online system. Go through and try out the various resources, communication channels and technical support.
2. Read up on the procedures for submission of assignments, exam registration, etc. Find out how these can be confirmed.

1. Start early in the course, as soon as you receive the password (to the module), access the materials. Look briefly through all the course materials to have a feel of the quantity and quality.
2. Acquire all necessary books quickly.
3. From the above, do up a schedule for studying. The schedule should be flexible but slightly compressed at the beginning of the module.

1. If you travel often, find out where you can access the Internet. Take maximum advantage of the power of online learning by logging into your module wherever and whenever you want. Many places have Internet cafes, which are likely to be open for very long hours.
2. You can also download or make prints of specific sections of the module notes. Make full use of those times when you have to wait for people or events.
3. Set aside specific times to study.
4. Do the module exercises and assignments in parts using word format. Simply attach these files when you need to submit the completed task.

1. Make friends in the virtual class. Form a study group and study together, virtually if you find it more convenient.
2. Do all exercises and assignments quickly, to get a feel of the direction of the module.
3. Take an active part in the discussion room, to keep pace with the better performers of your class.
4. Post your views and answers to let others analyse and critique them.
5. The best feature of online study is the ability to replay any discussion you may not fully understand the first time. Read and re-read the discussion until you can appreciate the points made.
6. Add on to discussion threads to keep the discussion alive even if your views may seem slightly wrong to you. Either way, your understanding of the material has been increased.

1. Pay attention to the direction given by the facilitators. These can be in the form of an article or when they give comments to discussions made.
2. Make use of the private mail to ask specific questions, especially if there are doubts about the materials or discussions.
3. Look up pass exam papers. Do them and compare your answers with members of your study group.

All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. Certain of the statements in this press release are forward-looking in nature and, accordingly, are subject to risks and uncertainties. The actual results may differ from those described or contemplated.

Copyright © 2002. All Rights Reserved. PurpleTrain.com Pte Ltd.