Thanks to the rapid advancement of technology, online learning has become a part of many lives. Online learning is the newest and most popular form of distance education today. Within the past decade it has had a major impact on postsecondary education and the trend is only increasing. But what really is online learning?

What is online learning?
Online learning is education that takes place over the Internet. It is frequently alluded to as “E-learning”. However, online learning is just one type of “distance learning” the umbrella term for any learning that happens across distance and not a traditional classroom.

Why is it important especially to the current state of Cameroon?
The whole world was caught by surprise around December 2019 when the corona virus came. Since then, it has taken thousands of lives around the world, with Cameroon not being exempted. This pandemic rapidly called on the government to shutdown schools and other public areas. The socio-political unrest within the country has not helped things as well. Despite the civil unrest and the corona virus, people are finding ways to still study. It is at such moments when we saw see the necessity of online learning.
These study tips below will help you to set yourself up for self-coordinated learning and to keep your study propensities on target.

1. Familiarize yourself with online learning practices and expectations.

Many individuals hop into online courses with a lackadaisical attitude. On the off chance that you adopt that approach, you’ll cheat yourself out of important contents. Approach online courses and studying just like you would in case you were sitting in a study hall, directly under an educator’s nose. Then, sort out what you need to help you finish your course. You realize you will focus, study, and approach the course in a serious way. Also, Write down your goals on a piece of paper for later review. As you sort through your options for online courses, you can figure out if your goals and the course material match up.

1. Create a dedicated study space
You do not need to replicate your physical classroom in your home to participate in online learning. However, you need a comfortable place to work. When choosing a place to study, look for an area where there is sufficient light. Avoid areas with distractions. Let your family know you’re taking an online course. You can even ask them not to bother you while you study so that you can work on your target. Finally, before you even sit to study, get all the supplies you need so that you do not get interrupted.

2. Identify your learning objectives

Read as much as you can about the course before you sign up. If necessary, contact the instructor to find out about the material’s objectives. You can then make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you. Once you know your goals and objectives, write them down—preferably in a place close to where you’ll work. Review them every day before you sit down to go through course material or to study your notes. Keep them in mind as you progress through the program.

3. Leave room for mistakes
Something might come up in the middle of a course, such as an unexpected deadline at work. However, try to leave yourself a little room in your schedule to accommodate unexpected setbacks such as poor network.

4. Set time limits
Online studying can lead to eye fatigue, so those breaks in study sessions will give them a rest. Plus, you can work out any stiffness in your muscles and clear your head before you return to the material.

5. Stick to your schedule
Try not to let yourself off the hook when it comes to studying. A life-threatening emergency is one thing, but the latest “movie” episode doesn’t qualify as a valid excuse for skipping your study time.

6. Learn to take breaks
To avoid these consequences, give yourself plenty of breaks. If possible, get away from your study area. Go outside for a walk or to sit on your veranda and just watch people walk by. Grab a cold beverage and a snack or nap for a few minutes.

It should be noted that, nearly over 6 million students are enrolled in online courses through colleges or universities. To grow a career in any area, you need to keep up with the latest trends and be well-prepared to adapt to the rapid changes in the world. The flexibility that studying online offers allows you to balance work and study in a way that benefits you both professionally and academically. Why not give it a try?