Study skills for distance learners are very similar to those for classroom learners. For this reason, we recommend that you read the other information on study skills in addition to this section. Here you’ll find some extra information that isn’t included in the other sections that may help you improve your study skills.
Students often take courses through distance education because of the flexibility it offers. As a distance student you may have an extra challenge because you’re often juggling your courses, plus other responsibilities such as work and family.
Here are some suggestions to help you improve your distance learning skills:1. Be motivated As a distance student you’ll need to be a self-directed learner. To ensure that you can do this, you need to be highly motivated.
The best way to stay sharp is to have a clear goal in mind for what you want to achieve through your education. If you are working toward a degree, your goal may be to finish your degree and change careers.
2. Be confident
Your distance course
may be offered via downloadable video or in real time via Blackboard Collaborate. Before you take your first distance course, test drive out learning platforms and visit our practice sites. You should also be confident of other skills that are involved in university learning, such as reading university-level textbooks and writing research papers.
3. Learn time management
Time-management skills are essential in distance learning. Before signing up for your distance course, ensure you have enough time to spend on the course. A general rule is to allow two hours of study for every hour of class. For example, if you have 2 hours of class time a week, you should plan to spend about 4 hours studying, approximately 6 hours per week. Once you
know how much time you need to spend, create a schedule.
4. Set goals
A good way to stay on top of your work is to set goals. The more you do now, the easier it will be at the end. Break large tasks down into smaller parts. For example, if you have a paper due at the end of the course, break it down so you do part of it each week. Ensure that you accomplish the goals you set for yourself by the end of each week. When it comes time to pass in the paper, you’ll be glad you did this.
5. Review your courses
One great advantage of distance courses is that you are able to view and replay them all or in part as many times as you wish which will allow you to customize your notes and review more challenging information as often as you like.
6. Use our communication tools
It’s also a good idea to contact other students taking the course. You may be able to email each and go to chat rooms to talk. The more you communicate with others, the more you’ll feel connected. Using tools such as Moodle email, and the student practice site for group work in Collaborate which provides real time interaction, you will be able to share documents and work on projects together and it is available 24/7.
For more information on Distance Courses visit www.msvu.ca/distance
.