How to Be an E-Learner

Performance Learning PLUS is a monthly e-newsletter by Performance Learning Systems (PLS), a comprehensive educational services company that has provided a full spectrum of programs, products, and consulting services for educators and business professionals since 1971.

Summer is the perfect time to take an online course. It is easier and more fun than you might think. Below are ten tips for HOW TO BE AN E-LEARNER.

Tips

We generally know how to function as classroom learners. Yet many of us have little or no experience with e-learning (i.e., taking an online course). We may resist becoming e-learners because we don't know how to do it.

Here are ten tips to becoming an effective e-learner:

(1) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ONLINE AIDS.

Before diving into the content of an online course, find out what aids the course contains.

• Familiarize yourself with any online learning tools provided.
• Read directions carefully.
• Get comfortable with course navigation.

(2) MANAGE YOUR TIME.

Find the e-learning time frame that works best for you.

• Go at your own pace.
• Set goals for yourself.
• Build e-learning into your schedule so that it doesn't feel like "extra work."

(3) GET HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT.

If you're having difficulties,

• Find a tech support phone number and call it.
• Send an email requesting assistance.

(4) CULTIVATE A LEARNING COMMUNITY.

You don't have to work in isolation. In the absence of a classroom, you can create your own learning community.

• Find others who are taking the course, and talk to them regularly.
• Call or email a colleague and share what you learn — sharing knowledge with others reinforces learning.

(5) TAKE TIME TO REFLECT.

Through reflection, you can mentally process what you learn:

• Take notes.
• Keep a journal.
• Sit quietly and mentally review what you learn.

(6) STAY MOTIVATED.

Since much of e-learning is self-directed, keeping yourself motivated is a critical part of successfully completing an online course. Here are a few ways to stay motivated:

• Identify why you're taking the course, and regularly remind yourself of your goals.
• Acknowledge your progress and achievements throughout your e-learning experience with short, meaningful celebrations (e.g., having a cup of tea or listening to a favorite song).

(7) TAKE BREAKS.

Rejuvenate yourself by taking breaks — taking time away from an online course allows you to have a fresh start next time you return.

• Exercise (e.g., stretch, go for walks, ride your bike).
• Breathe deeply.
• Get a snack.
• Talk with a colleague.
• If you have a nice view, stand at your window a few minutes to enjoy it.
• Move on to another task and return to the course later.

(8) PRACTICE WHAT YOU LEARN.

Find ways to immediately apply what you learn:

• In your personal life.
• In your professional life.

Putting new knowledge into practice ensures that the time you take for e-learning is worthwhile.

(9) EXPLORE AND EXPERIMENT.

Explore the depth and breadth of an online course before settling into a sequential progression through it. You can also maintain this spirit of exploration during the course.

• "Push every button."
• Browse the Internet.

(10) BE AWARE OF YOUR PERSONAL LEARNING STYLES.

Different people have different learning styles and will approach e-learning in different ways. Find the e-learning approach that works best for you, based on your learning preferences.

• Identify your personal learning styles.
• Make e-learning work for you.

It's natural to want to avoid the discomfort of starting all over again as novice learners in a brand new learning environment. However, once this natural discomfort is overcome, we can begin to enrich our personal and professional lives with e-learning.

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