Online classes are nothing new, but they’ve come a long, long way.

Fun fact: the first-ever completely online course was introduced in 1985 through The New School in New York City. It was a master’s degree program in media studies.

Fast-forwarding to today, online classes are a core component of most curricula - integrated with the traditional classroom setting.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, virtual classes were primarily geared toward college students with busy work schedules or students attending alternative schools. The COVID-19 pandemic made online classes a norm for students across the country. As a result, many schools are adding more online courses and programs to their curricula.

The Online Classroom: What the Data Tells Us

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 75%, (11.8 million) of undergraduate students took at least one online class, and 44% (7 million), exclusively took online classes in the fall of 2020.

Opting for online classes, sometimes referred to as distance learning, mean you won't have to spend time commuting and – even better – you can take the class whenever it's convenient for you.

But there’s a catch: You have to meet online classes halfway. These virtual courses take a considerable amount of planning and discipline. As a company with years of experience providing educational support to adults and children, we’d like to discuss some tips for online classes – and how to make the most of them.

Let’s get into it.

1. Schedule Your Study Time – and Stick to It!

Distance learning has many benefits, and your first online class may give you a huge sense of freedom. The long semester looms in front of you, and you can do the work any time you want.

But take this freedom with a grain of salt.

The problem with this thinking is that, even if the class is 100 percent virtual, it will still be set up like a physical class. You'll get a syllabus that lays out expected work for each week, along with assignments that may have to be submitted at regular intervals.

All too often, online students embrace the” I’ll do it tomorrow” mentality with online classes. Then with only a few weeks left, they’ve got to play serious catch-up.

Of all the tips for online classes, devoting time blocks within the week to complete the workload is the best one.

Choose a time when you're free from distractions and can genuinely concentrate –  and mark that on your calendar as ‘class time’ once or twice per week. More importantly, stick to your schedule – and make sure you meet deadlines and complete all coursework.

Make a commitment, and don't deviate until you've completed the class.

2. Get – and Stay – Connected

Read through the class expectations as soon as you register, and make sure that you understand – and can meet –the technical requirements necessary to complete your distance learning courses.

In virtual classes, you don’t get the same level of face-to-face with your teachers. It helps to connect with your instructors/professors as soon as possible for insights on what is expected in the course materials – and stay in touch for guidance to remain on course throughout the semester.

Stay in touch with your instructors, participate in online discussion boards, and do your best to network with other students when/if possible.

If necessary, your teachers can point you to online study groups and other academic resources. For additional support, consider working with an accredited educational consulting company either in person or virtually to help you study for exams and stay on track with coursework.

Pro Tip: make sure you have high-speed internet access to properly use the online resources and course materials available to you.

3. Adopt a Year-Round Study Schedule

Traditional colleges have major semesters, plus extra summer classes.

Many students use the summer to take vacations or spend time with their families. Now, before we get into this tip for online classes, we want to make it clear there’s nothing wrong with doing this. Taking time off to recharge and reconnect with people is crucial to a good education – and avoiding burnout.

An online program can be a great way to stay engaged between semesters – without overdoing it. We strongly recommend taking one or two online classes over the summer. This is for a few major reasons:

• Most online courses in the summer are shorter than classes during the fall and spring semesters – and generally count for similar credits.
  

• They are a great way to keep your skills sharp. Taking months off at a time often disrupts your studying routine, making it difficult to get back into the groove in the fall.
  

• You can get ahead and have a lighter class load during the semesters.

The beauty of online classes – especially during the summer – is you can still travel and be with your family, and the time commitment is not as strenuous as a traditional class.

4. Research and Commit to Your Courses

As distance learning and virtual classes continue to rise in popularity, it’s important to thoroughly research any courses you’re considering and make sure they’re offered through a high-quality, accredited institution.

One thing is for certain: online classes are here to stay.

Unfortunately, there are predatory institutions out there that scam students. They typically offer “fast-tracked” online programs that don’t translate to real credits or degrees.

Determining if a school is accredited is crucial for ensuring the quality and recognition of your education. If you’re not sure if a school is accredited, follow these guidelines:

I. Look at the School’s Official Website

Accredited institutions usually display their accreditation status prominently on their website, often on the homepage, in the footer, or under an "About Us" or "Accreditation" section. Look for specific accreditation information, including the names of the accrediting bodies and the types of accreditation the school has (regional, national, or programmatic).

II. Search Accrediting Agencies’ Databases

Identify the accrediting agency listed by the school. In the United States, for instance, regional accreditors are among the most recognized, alongside specialized accreditors for programs like business, nursing, and engineering.

Additionally, visit the accreditor’s official website and use their database to search for the school. Accrediting agencies maintain up-to-date lists of institutions and programs they have accredited.

III. Use the U.S. Department of Education’s Database

For schools in the United States, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) offers a database called the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs where you can search for accredited schools and programs.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be on the right path to making the most of online classes and meeting your goals – both educationally and professionally.

5. Create a Dedicated Learning Environment

This is a big one that tends to get overlooked - especially in online college classes. If you’ve ever worked from home, you can probably empathize with this.

Establishing a specific area in your home where you study and attend classes is crucial to avoiding burnout. For instance, if you’re taking a full load of online classes, having your study space in your bedroom can be more taxing than you assume.

Think about it: you spend roughly 7-9 hours per day sleeping in your bedroom.  If you’re spending another 8-10 hours each day attending online classes and studying, you’re spending most of your life in the same room. This may not sound like a big deal, but it can wear and tear on you over time – as it can feel difficult to disconnect and recharge.

Now, we understand this may not be possible given your living situation. But if you can, try to dedicate a separate space as your online learning environment. Once you’re done, you can unplug from it and have some separation.

This space should be quiet, organized, and free from distractions. Having a dedicated study environment can significantly boost your concentration and efficiency, making it easier to engage deeply with your coursework.

Treat this space as your personal classroom, where learning is your primary focus.

6. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Online classes are fueled by technology – do your best to leverage it in your favor for online learning success.

One of the best tips for online classes we can offer is to prioritize your organizational skills.

Fortunately, we live in a time with all sorts of great online tools to keep your schoolwork in order. These include apps and online platforms for time management, note-taking, and organization to make the most of your study process.

Platforms like Evernote for note-taking, Trello for task management, and Google Calendar to maintain your schedule can be instrumental to stay organized, complete assignments, and meet deadlines.

When you get into the workplace, you’ll quickly notice that the most successful people are very, very organized. If you can get into a rhythm and find what works best for you while taking online classes, you’ll be in great shape when you enter the job market.

7. Practice Self-Care and Maintain a Balanced Routine

Like working from home, online school tends to blur the lines between academics and our personal lives. This tends to accelerate burnout. We mentioned having a separate place in your home to study and attend classes. We also recommend setting boundaries for study time and allowing yourself to take breaks.

Make time for hobbies, physical activity, and socializing with friends. The ability to disconnect is more difficult than many assume with online learning. Giving yourself separation to stay healthy and motivated is key to sustaining the energy and focus needed to get through online classes.

Let’s Talk About Earning an “A” in Your Next Online Class

Online classes are here to stay – and will likely take on a larger role in curricula as time goes one.

By incorporating these strategies into your routine and study practices, you’ll be a good position to get your degree and enter the professional world the right way.

The flexibility of virtual classes doesn’t lessen their seriousness or potential impact on your future. Stay disciplined, connected, and proactive in your journey through distance learning. For more insights and guidance on excelling in virtual classes, reach out to us at Score At The Top Learning Center and Schools. We’re here to support you in surpassing your educational goals.

For additional tips about succeeding in online courses, contact Score At The Top Learning Center and Schools. We’ve helped thousands of students reach – and surpass – their goals, and we can help you, too.