Online learning has brought education to our fingertips, offering a world of knowledge and opportunities.
I remember when I was in high school, I dreamed about a US university. I would have never thought that in 10 years I’d have the opportunity to study at one of the world's top universities without ever physically being in the US.
But with the convenience of online courses comes the challenge of staying focused in the digital age. According to recent studies, the average attention span has declined to a mere eight seconds, highlighting the need for effective strategies to maintain focus during your online learning journey. As a graduate student pursuing my degree in Applied Data Science at the University of Michigan and a co-founder of Saima, I understand the importance of staying focused, and, in this article, I’ll share some practical tactics I use to get the most out of my classes.
1. Understanding common distractions in online learning
Distractions are everywhere, and in the world of online learning, they come in all shapes and sizes. Social media, email notifications, household chores, and even family members can divert your attention from your studies. To overcome these distractions, you must first recognize them. Identify your personal distractors and find ways to minimize their impact. My worst distraction was my phone, and everything connected to my phone: Facebook, LinkedIn, and emails. And I found a solution very easily: I never keep my phone in the same room where I study. Simple right?
2. Setting goals and creating a schedule for online learning
Set Specific, achievable goals for each study session and create a daily or weekly schedule that allocates time to each subject or task. This approach provides a sense of purpose and helps you manage your time effectively. A well-structured schedule will help you stay on track and prioritize your learning tasks effectively.
I started my degree at UMICH at 25, when I was already a very busy executive at a public office and had a strict working schedule from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. I developed my own schedule (nothing could distract me from it) and I knew that I had to study from 8-11 p.m. all weekdays and do 4 hours of repetition on weekends. Believe me, this helps a lot. A working professional with a 3.98 GPA here 👨🏻💻
3. Creating a dedicated study space for online learning
Your physical environment plays a significant role in your ability to focus. Designate a dedicated study space that is comfortable, well-lit, and free from distractions. When you sit down in this space, your brain will recognize that it's time to concentrate.
Make sure no one enters the room where you’re studying during your study hours. In my case, it is the living room. Yes, my whole family was not entering the living room from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. every single day. I know this might be hard, but hey, we’re talking about studies that are supposed to lead you to a better future. In my case, I developed Saima.
4. Managing time effectively in online learning
Time management is a skill that every online learner should master. Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for a set time (e.g., 25 minutes) and then take a short break, can help maintain concentration and productivity.
Example: Use a timer or specialized apps to implement the Pomodoro Technique. You'll be surprised at how much you can accomplish in short, focused bursts. I just use my phone timer.
5. Utilizing technology tools for online learning productivity
Now this is one of the most important ones. In the digital age, technology can be both a blessing and a curse. I was having a hard time finding the best video speed for my studies and I kept playing with the playback speed button. As a result, I was always distracted from my studies and had to watch everything again. This is when I started thinking about developing a technology that would automatically tailor the speed to my comprehension. Leveraging productivity tools like Saima (and many others, of course) can significantly enhance your online learning experience. Saima optimizes video speeds, removes distractions, and ensures a consistent and clear voice, reducing cognitive load and enhancing comprehension.
My suggestion on this is to install the Saima Chrome extension and let it seamlessly enhance your online learning sessions on platforms like YouTube, Coursera, Udemy, and more.
6. Implementing effective study techniques in online learning
Experiment with different study techniques to find what works best for you. Summarization, note-taking, self-testing, and spaced repetition are scientifically proven techniques to boost your recall and understanding of the material.
Old School pen and paper summarization is an absolute must for me. I write it down during the classes and simply go over my notes over the weekend.
7. Building a support system for online learning success
Online learning can sometimes feel isolating. Sharing your experiences, challenges, and tips with others can be highly motivating and help you stay focused. For me, this is not very hard, as we have a Slack channel at the University where you can get help or guidance or talk about any topic you wish. If you’re not doing a degree program where you have access to Slack, simply connect with fellow students through online forums, discussion boards, or social media groups. Engage in peer-to-peer collaboration, share resources, and seek assistance when needed.
Having a network of like-minded individuals can provide encouragement, motivation, and valuable insights.
8. Physical and Mental Health
Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for staying focused. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness practices like meditation can improve concentration and reduce stress.
My absolute MUST is a 30-minute cardio and 30 minutes of weightlifting every morning before work. I don’t think I’d be able to work or study without working out.
9. Emphasizing Consistency
Consistency is key when it comes to effective online learning. Establish a routine that aligns with your natural rhythm and stick to it. Over time, this consistency will help improve your focus and productivity.
Consistency can be as simple as starting your study sessions every day. Yes, it can be hard, as you’ll always have a friend who’ll invite you to grab some beer, or you’ll be invited to go hang out with your friends. This is where you should think that you can’t give up your future for a beer and always think to yourself “This is not the last beer in the world, and I’ll always be able to drink it tomorrow”. Nevertheless, don't forget to balance study and life or work and life. Otherwise, burnout will be around the corner. After all, it is all about time management.
10. Seeking Feedback and Iteration
Don't hesitate to seek feedback from instructors or peers. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your learning strategies. I always reach out to my professors for guidance on my study methods and ask for suggestions to enhance my learning experience. Believe me, they are always more than willing to listen and assist.
Final words
I hope I was helpful and I’m sure that with these proven strategies, the assistance of innovative technologies like Saima, and the wisdom of fellow learners and successful graduates, you can conquer distractions, stay focused, and thrive in your online educational journey.