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How to Succeed in Learning Online

How to Succeed in Learning Online

Online learning is a no brainer for busy students who prefer to work from home and study on their own schedule. Learning online has become more popular primarily due to its popularity amongst millennials, but that doesn’t make learning online easy. Self-discipline, organization and motivation are the key requirements to doing well in an online learning environment. Below are some tips and strategies for not only surviving, but succeeding in your online experience. 

1. Check Your Tech
Before any online learning can take place, make sure your computer has enough hard drive memory and RAM. Make sure you also have access to a reliable and fast internet, because buffering a lecture might be the most painful experience of the 21st century. You should also find out if there's an optimal browser for your course, in Wize courses we recommend students use Google Chrome for the best experience. You don't want to be in a position where you can only access the online course on a school computer. That defeats the purpose entirely. 

2. Keep a Physical Calendar
There is nothing more satisfying than striking an X through a completed task: psychologists have proved it. David Allen’s bestselling productivity book “Getting Things Done” makes the sound argument that writing tasks down and sorting them methodically forces the brain to remember them. As soon as you receive the final copy of your syllabi, mark down every due date on a clean calendar and begin the ritual of eliminating tasks. Using a wall calendar from the discount store is our go-to!

3. Reward Yourself
University is tough and learning online is supposed to alleviate some of that stress. Make it a point to reward yourself after completing a challenging section or the most mundane requirements for your online course. We are a long ways from Ivan Pavlov and his dog, but classical conditioning still holds very true when considering completion rates. The greater the incentive, the more likely your brain will want to remember to do this week’s readings and the subsequent online discussion post.

4. Participate in the Online Discussion Forum
The best way to succeed in learning online is to take part in the class discussion forum. Reading and commenting on your peers’ threads will offer valuable notes and perspectives that will not only help your understanding but also help you build a connection to your online peers. If you feel at all deflated and unmotivated, reach out to your instructor through the course chat. Professors are all former students who have been through what you're going through. They know from experience that midterm and final exams season can be filled with despair, and will certainly have helpful strategies for getting through it. 

5. Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions
The mark of a successful university student is their resourcefulness through difficult times. The same holds true for an online student as problems are more likely to arise when you least expect them. As expressed in “Success as an Online Student: Strategies for Effective Learning” by Kevin J. Fandl and Jamie D. Smith, initiating contact with your professor and other classmates is a priority. Taking online courses may feel like solitary experience, however there are resources ready to assist you at the drop of an email. If you are having a difficult time understanding a theory, reach out to your instructor for further clarification. Remember, they are there to support you in your online learning and will look forward to engaging with you.


Online learning can be a rich and rewarding experience, but if you are not in the right mindset success may seem impossible. Do not become a victim of forgotten deadlines or missed opportunities. This type of learning is a real chance to boost your GPA and have a meaningful learning experience. 


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