1. Try to act as though it were a face-to-face class

It’s tempting to take online classes less seriously. Depending on the class size, the teacher may be unable to see or hear you. This means you might feel the compulsion to divert your attention to something like your smartphone. If you want to get the most out of your online class, treat it as a real class, as though you were sitting in front of the teacher and they could see you.

2. Create a dedicated study space for your online classes

Some people think an online class means they can take it while in a coffee shop, sitting on the sofa, or even lying in bed! The best thing to do is to create a dedicated study space that you use exclusively for your classes. Find a quiet spot with a comfortable seat and a large, mostly empty desk or table space where you can feel comfortable spreading out your books and notes. You may not believe in positive energy, but there is something about a well-set-up study space that spurs creative thought and academic diligence.

3. Remove any distractions

The world of 2020 is one seemingly built entirely of time-wasting distractions — smartphones, social media, Netflix, video games, and endless notifications — that are steadily sapping the productivity of societies everywhere. Your study space should be as clear of distractions as possible. This means no smartphone or television in the room and no unrelated materials on the table. Close the door to your space if you can to block out any noise from family members or classmates in other areas of your home or school.

4. Prepare well for class

Online classes are harder for both students and teachers. Many facial and social cues we take for granted during face-to-face encounters evaporate completely in an online class. All of this means that you have to prepare for class especially well. Pre-read the materials if you can, review any previously learned materials, and get up to speed on any difficult terminology or concepts.

5. Master the functions of your online classroom

Finally, the online classroom typically comes with various teacher and student functions. If you’re taking an online class, be sure you know how to use these. Such functions might include raising your hand, submitting a written message, taking control of some free-draw, or other functions — it depends on the software. Take time to explore the functions and become an expert in being a student in that online space.

“Online” class should never mean “Inferior” class

There’s no reason an online class shouldn’t be as productive and fulfilling as a traditional one. Follow the tips above to get the most out of online learning and experience the many benefits that it can bring you.