Success Strategies for Distance Learning Students

Are you a distance learning student? Or are you considering becoming one? The quality of the education you can receive will depend on the strategies you utilize as a student. The rules are different, but the objective (namely, learning) is the same. Here are five tips to point you in the right direction.

1. Find a Place to Study

The biggest adjustment to make from traditional learning to distance learning (DL) is that you don't report to a traditional classroom. Distance learners often do their classes online - from the comfort of their own home. But this can be a major challenge. For my part, I find home too distracting, especially with two young children.

What to do? Figure out a set place to do your distance learning "class time" and assignments. A good study area should have a desk or table big enough to spread out books, notes, worksheets, etc. You do not want to make a mess, but you also do want to have ample room to work. Make sure you have plenty of light.

Internet access is preferable. Actually, it's mandatory and essential for most distance learning situations in this day and age, but you don't always need the Internet for every study session. If you plan out your study time effectively, you will probably only need the Internet for testing, discussion board participation, or set "live classroom" times. At other times, you may not even need your laptop. Just your books and a notebook. Planning is the key.

For myself, I like Panera Bread and the local library. Both offer Internet access and good table space. And with Panera Bread, you have free refills on your drinks.

2. Set aside a Consistent Time for DL Work

Discipline and time management are indispensable to the distance learning student. I know, because I struggle in both areas. The key is to set up a weekly schedule, and barring emergencies, stick to it! That weekly schedule should include a set amount of time each day for study time.

Depending on the nature of your work week and whatever family obligations you might have, you may not be able to dedicate the same quantity of time each day. That's fine. In my case, I take Monday and Thursday evenings - pretty much the whole evenings - and stay out to do my DL work. I try to be home the other nights of the week. And, of course, I have my job during the days. But I try to do SOME work each and every day. Otherwise, I pay for it later.

Determine how much time you can give to your DL work each day. Be specific. Be reasonable. And then stick to it.

3. Work on Your Concentration Skills

This is one of the hardest things for me, but learning to concentrate while studying and doing work is a skill that will be used for the rest of your life. The art of concentration is to eliminate any possible distractions and completely focus on the task at hand. Many students will read through material and discover that they have no idea what they have just read.

Some things you can do to help in this area is to, once more, be consistent with your set schedule. If you become erratic in your study habits and schedule as a DL student, your mind will also become erratic. Also, try to keep your chosen environment free from distractions. Earlier, I mentioned restaurants like Panera Bread as a good study place. Well, obviously, you have to be strategic as to when you go to such restaurants. Having a family with screaming kids next to you won't help you study.

When you need a study break, do something different from you have been doing, and in a different area. Get up and walk around in another room. Listen to music for a few minutes. Grab a snack. Try to take a break every hour for about 10 minutes.

Ask yourself questions about the material as you study it, which will help keep your mind focused. Take notes on your reading or in watching your videos or online presentations - even if you aren't required to do so.

4. Take Your Studies Seriously

This may sound like an obvious one, but DL students sometimes slip into apathetic and careless patterns or attitudes without even realizing it. Just because you are a DL student doesn't change the fact that you are a student. A DL student, working through a legitimate learning institution, is a real bona fide student - just like the student who is sitting inside the classroom. guard against thinking that you're a second-class student. You are a second-rate student only if you act and perform like a second-rate student.

One specific, practical thing you can do to keep a first-rate attitude and perspective is to, as stated earlier, stick to a consistent schedule. In addition, dress the part. You don't have to necessarily dress up, but go business casual at least. Don't sit around at home in your pajamas, without having even taken a shower, and then jump on the computer for your DL work. The only time you should do this is if you're sick! And, even then, maybe not. Take your student work seriously. You wouldn't go to a physical classroom in your pajamas - at least I would hope not. So, don't do it as a DL student.

These tips won't necessarily get you on the Dean's List - in and of themselves anyway. But they will, if applied consistently, put you in a position to do extremely well as a DL student and to succeed in your most important objective (learning).