As more institutions join the world of online learning, students are required to adapt their style of learning while still maintaining a heightened level of commitment and self-discipline.

From our experience of preparing students for the IELTS Exam online, we would like to share these tips to help use your time more effectively for remote study.

1. Drawing clear boundaries. When you’re not entirely at home nor entirely at school, you’re in danger!

This can lead to procrastination. Arrange a working space and set yourself a study schedule. Choose an area that is quiet, clutter-free, and with zero distractions.

2. Switch off your phone, your mail and messaging when it’s time to work.

Distractions severely impede productivity. When you work from home, distractions are even more compelling than when you’re in a class. They can rob you of focus and mental energy.

3. Connect early with the organization and ensure you understand their requirements and deadlines. Failing to read instructions and missing assignment deadlines could cost you points.

4. Set your deadlines ahead of your assignment due dates. Also, leave plenty of time to seek clarity on questions.

5. Online work requires discipline and commitment. Break the coursework into manageable sections and handle one at a time.

6. Prioritize your tasks. Set yourself goals and reward yourself for meeting the goals.

7. Set aside ten minutes at the start of the week to review progress and to set timelines for the week ahead.

Determine your requirements and deliverables at the start of the week.

Also, understand that taking regular breaks (10 minutes in the hour) will help learn better.

8. Use your calendar to make sure that you stay ahead of all due dates.

9. Check in with your learning organization from time to time to keep up to date.

10. Find a learning partner. Working with someone and combining your goals offers a level of social accountability which is a great driver of success.

11. Even if your course is online, there will be deadlines. Many online students believe that the coursework can be done according to their own discretion. Strictly observe the deadlines.

12. Don’t leave assignment completion to the last minute. Missing early assignments is especially problematic where assignments build on one another. Missed due dates for assignments can be costly and subsequent assignments may depend on the feedback from your earlier ones.

13. You don’t have to do everything alone. If you’re stuck reach out to the institution responsible for the online learning.

14. Make careful and deliberate use of the feedback received from your tutor.

15. Attend all the online lectures and watch any extra material they provide. Well-made videos can offer some of the best learning material available.

16. Understand the technology and know how to use it. Make sure to look at your different options for virtual team communication and understanding how to use the application.

17. Make adequate use of all the resources supplied with your course. Do the tests, read the assignments carefully before starting them and pay attention to the feedback.

18. If you do miss a deadline, reach out to your online tutor and make a plan to catch up.

19. Online learning limits the interaction between the tutor and the learner, but videos can compensate. Many students who battle to pay attention in class have no such attention problems when it comes to videos. It’s why YouTube has become so popular. This is one of the best benefits of online learning.

20. Make use of networking opportunities by reaching out to classmates and tutors.

21. Take a break when you’re tired or confused but set a time limit and make sure that you return to your desk promptly.

Remote learning requires some adjustment, but it allows you to learn at your own pace and saves the time it would take to get to the place of learning. It is also very rewarding when you finish what you set out to do and you walk away with your degree, diploma or certificate.