Online Learning Platforms: 6 Tips to Make the Best Out of Them

The upside to having video explanations is that, unlike a lecture, you can rewind it and strengthen your weaker areas of understanding the material.

Online learning platforms have become increasingly popular throughout the years, especially due to the pandemic, which forced people to study and/or work remotely. This showed us, more than ever, that learning online is a viable option to learning. Online learning platforms are used worldwide, due to their efficiency, convenience, and affordability. I mean, you’re gaining a new skill from the comfort of your own home, at a much more affordable price than physical courses. Honestly, what’s not to like?

Even companies have embraced the usefulness of online learning platforms, with IBM reportedly saving 200 million dollars by switching to eLearning. The benefits are countless, but it’s still up to you to make the process even better, with these 6 simple tips!

1. Manage your time wisely

This means scheduling time for learning (no peeking at your phone!) and scheduling breaks to help you get refreshed for the next round of learning. Try to set a time of day dedicated to learning and do your best to not stray from this schedule. Keep in mind, consistency is key when learning, so it’s best to establish a routine that involves studying, breaks, eating healthy snacks, and even stretching, walking, or exercising to help you get back in the zone.

2. Take breaks

Take breaks in between your study sessions. Do something you enjoy. Maybe you can watch an episode of your favorite TV show, eat a healthy snack, go out for a walk, or maybe even take a power nap! You could try the famous Pomodoro technique, which is designed to help you get the most out of your time management, by including small breaks within your studying intervals. Do whatever makes you feel energized. Remember, rest and breaks are actually productive!

3. Repetition is key

Repetition is key. That’s how you get things inside your head. And because your learning material is easily accessible whenever you want, you can practice until you ace your quiz. Most online learning platforms have methods of evaluating your knowledge, so make sure to quiz yourself so that you know where you’re at. You can’t repeat a physical lecture, but you can view an embedded video that is part of the platform as many times as you like.

4. Reward yourself

Try to focus on small victories, and reward yourself for each small learning goal you reach. Take yourself out when you learn something extra complicated. Rewarding yourself will help keep you motivated, and make the process enjoyable, as you will have something extra to look forward to, on top of gaining new knowledge! Remember, small successes add up, and you will learn a lot more than you would if you focused on bigger goals. Keep in mind that it is your responsibility to keep yourself motivated, and rewards are a great way to achieve that!

5. Pause

If you’re using an online learning platform, chances are you will be able to pause the material, whether it be a video or something else. Whenever you don’t understand something, pause the video, try to see the issue from different angles, look up help online, or just take a note so that you can later ask a friend. The upside to having video explanations is that, unlike a lecture, you can rewind it and strengthen your weaker areas of understanding the material.

6. Utilize exam preparation guides online

Online learning platforms have revolutionized education by providing convenient and flexible ways to acquire knowledge and skills. These platforms offer a wide range of courses and study materials that cater to diverse learning needs. Whether you're preparing for academic exams, professional certifications, or specialized assessments, online learning platforms have got you covered.

Many reputable platforms offer exam preparation guides that are specifically designed to help students succeed in their exams. These guides provide comprehensive content review, practice questions, and interactive resources to enhance understanding and retention of the material. For instance, in the medical field, there are online platforms that offer dedicated exam preparation resources for various medical exams, such as the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), and MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). These platforms provide a wealth of study materials, including practice exams, video lectures, targeted content review specifically tailored for medical exams to help aspiring healthcare professionals excel in their respective exams. Utilizing online resources for exam preparation, for example Osmosis ultimate NCLEX-RN guides,  has become increasingly important, as they offer the convenience of self-paced learning, access to expert guidance, and the ability to track progress, ultimately increasing the chances of achieving desired exam results.

7. Ensure reliable internet and technology

Depending on the course, the technology you might need for learning is going to be different. Check your laptop or computer, has it had any bugs? Can you easily navigate with your trackpad? What about your PC mouse? Taking these small steps to ensure you don’t have broken technology can help you in the long run, as you will not lose time dealing with issues like this.

To sum up

Now, there are countless ways to improve your e-learning experience, but we’ve outlined a few things that are important for your learning journey. Online learning platforms can be a great way to gain new skills and learn new stuff, or simply boost your knowledge! But with a wide array of options, choosing the best one can be tricky. Taking a few steps to assess your own needs and expectations can help you make a more informed decision.