Online Classes: Tips for SUCCESS

Summary

In this insightful video, the presenter explores the realities of online education, discussing both its benefits and challenges. Drawing from personal experience and extensive research, she highlights that while factors like cost and institutional prestige don't guarantee course quality, motivated students thrive in online settings. Key advantages include flexible scheduling and the comfort of learning from home. However, issues such as high dropout rates and distractions at home pose significant challenges. The presenter offers practical strategies for success, emphasizing self-motivation, effective time management, and the importance of setting achievable goals to foster long-term success in online learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Online education offers flexibility, allowing students to control their schedules and attend classes from home.
• 😀 Course quality is often unrelated to cost or institutional prestige; free courses can be of high quality.
• 😀 Student motivation and participation are crucial for success in online classes.
• 😀 Many students appreciate the ability to learn at their own pace and revisit lecture materials as needed.
• 😀 Home distractions are a significant challenge in online education, often leading to procrastination.
• 😀 Understanding the brain's reward system (dopamine) is essential for managing distractions during online learning.
• 😀 Successful online learners are typically self-motivated, organized, and enjoy reading.
• 😀 Time management techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique, can help improve focus and productivity.
• 😀 It's important to separate study time from class time to effectively manage workload.
• 😀 Focusing on small, achievable goals can help maintain motivation and progress toward long-term objectives.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video discusses online education, strategies for success, and whether online learning is suitable for individual students.

What experiences does the presenter share about online education?

The presenter shares their experiences from a year spent taking various online courses, both paid and free, including MOOCs, and conducting research by engaging with peers.

How does the cost of a course relate to its quality?

The presenter notes that the cost of a course does not predict its quality; some free courses were among the best they took.

What are the two main factors that affect the quality of an online course?

The two main factors affecting online course quality are the instructor's effectiveness and the level of student engagement and motivation.

What are some reasons students prefer online education?

Students appreciate the control over their schedule, the ability to attend classes from home, and the flexibility to manage caregiving responsibilities.

What challenges do students face in online education?

Challenges include high dropout rates and distractions at home, which can lead to procrastination and a lack of focus.

What is 'temporal discounting' and how does it affect online learners?

Temporal discounting is a psychological concept where immediate rewards are valued more than distant rewards, making it harder for students to stay focused on long-term goals like completing a degree.

What strategies can help improve success in online education?

Strategies include maintaining self-motivation, being organized, separating study time from class time, and utilizing techniques like the Pomodoro Technique for time management.

Why is reading ability important for online courses?

Students who struggle with reading may find online courses challenging due to the extensive reading required, as much of the learning happens through written material rather than lectures.

What is Covey's Time Management Matrix, and how should it be applied?

Covey's Time Management Matrix helps prioritize tasks; students should focus on important tasks that are not due soon to work towards long-term goals, rather than merely urgent tasks.