There are countless advantages to a digital school setting. For example, many families are happy building their child’s education around their lifestyle, not the other way around. Many students quickly take to digital learning, while others may find they struggle slightly at the beginning. It’s also true that study and homework times are completely flexible and therefore up to the student and their family to establish, but it’s important to not lose focus, motivation, or make procrastination a habit.
If you’re a student who is interested in attending a digital academy or have recently switched to this type of learning, what do you see as an advantage or a challenge, and how do you get the most out of online learning?
What’s Your Learning Style?
One of the main reasons why digital learning has seen such positive popularity over the last few years is the fact that students outside of a typical school setting can pay more attention to how they learn. Every student learns differently. It isn’t uncommon to find you have greater focus at different times of the day, lack focus inside a classroom setting, or lose motivation as you progress faster or slower than your peers.
Figuring out what your learning style is can help you create a personal guide to when and how you’re likely to learn. As you’re doing your coursework, pay attention to how you’re likely to take in information and how, in turn, you can use it with full understanding. What tactics do you use? Do you tend to process new concepts easier when you:
- Recite information out loud like an Auditory Learner
- Write information down like a Reading/Writing Learner
- Process information in forms of charts or graphics like a Visual Learner
- Have a hands-on experience like a Kinesthetic Learner
These are four basic ways to look at your studying methods. Utilize those styles that work for you and get the most out of your study time.
Set Personal Goals
Setting goals for yourself are vital, regardless of what your school setting is. As a student, think about what your short-term and long-term goals are in regard to your education and your happiness. Is there a particular subject you want to excel in? Is there a grade point average you’re aiming for? Or with long-term goals in mind, is there a specific college you’d like to attend? Or a particular career path you are interested in pursuing?
Write down each goal on a two-columned list. Add or edit those goals as you see fit and make sure to keep your list in an easily seen place. Just remember, stay true to whatever is on that list as you continue to learn.
Stay Organized
Some students thrive in a messy atmosphere, while others are only distracted by clutter. Whichever category you fall into, make sure the tools you use for schooling stay organized. There’s nothing worse for a student than losing an important folder containing an important paper on your computer. If your desk and computer are also used as your personal desk and personal computer, make sure you keep your important school items separated. It can be easy to muddle the two, and lacking organization can mean huge headaches for you later.
On your phone, computer, and on your virtual school, make a “to-do” list. Rank the items in order of urgency. Keep in mind both the time and effort necessary for your schoolwork or studying time, making sure that you finish items that will take significantly more time and effort earlier in the week.
Use Your Time Wisely
Digital learning can be tricky if you’re unable to manage your free time. It’s easy to get distracted while working on tasks if you’re perusing social media content, or watching your favorite TV series on a streaming site. What was meant to be a 10-minute break turns into an hour. It’s bound to happen every once in a while, but it’s important to never let it become a habit. Limit your distractions when you’re “in class” and while you’re studying. Designate a time limit for your breaks and stick to it. Do the same with your school tasks.
Overcoming Frustration
No matter how well we set ourselves up for success, each student is bound to experience a normal amount of setbacks in their studies. Some days of learning will result in you taking great steps forward in your education, while others will keep you at a standstill. Maybe you feel stressed after receiving a poor grade, getting into a fight with a friend or parent, or maybe you feel defeated because there never seems to be enough hours in a day. Remember to try and view every hardship and setback from a different perspective than your own. Is there anything you can change currently, any responsibility you need to accept, or any behavior that might be keeping you from further personal growth? Make a plan for future hardships. How will you handle future moments of frustration? Don’t let those frustrations get in the way of future success, and work diligently to achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself.
Keep In Mind
Your schooling years will be full of your greatest triumphs as well as a few trials of difficulty now and again. Self-motivation and determination are key elements to successfully navigate a digital education. Mountain Heights Academy can help you achieve all of your educational goals, as well as help you build your confidence as you make greater connections with your studies.