Staying Focused in a Virtual Learning Environment
To get the most from the course material, you want to know your weaknesses and any obstacles that can block your online learning journey.
1. Know Your Personal Obstacles
Everyone gets stuck sometimes. That’s why it helps to know what trips you up and leads to lost productivity. To figure out your personal struggles, or obstacles, think about the things that make it hard to stay focused. These might be interior barriers like anxiety or external like time restraints.
Doing a personal SWOT analysis can be helpful. SWOT, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, helps you see where you should make changes in your learning style. For example, you might be good at problem-solving, but you get anxious about exams and tend to procrastinate with assignments. To overcome these bottlenecks, look for opportunities. You might turn to a new study method like spaced repetition or the protege effect.
2. Help Yourself Out
Taking actions to give yourself a little bit of an advantage, or simply setting yourself up for success can make a world of difference in your online education. For example, if you get anxious, you might face a window and take deep breaths or enjoy a five- to 10-minute break listening to your favorite song or podcast. You could also separate the learning material according to difficulty, setting aside the most difficult for when you’re refreshed.
3. Get Rid of Digital Distractions
Digital distractions are common in virtual learning environments, so getting rid of them takes practice. While it’s tempting to keep refreshing your social media pages, hours can slip by without accomplishing anything productive. To start, set your phone to silent mode and turn it face down on the desk to prevent visual distractions. Alternatively, you can move your phone out of sight, perhaps in a bag or under some books.
You could also try digital wellness apps that let you set timers. These programs are useful for blocking the apps you use a bit too often. When you aren’t able to hop on your favorite game or social channel, you’ll find it easier to focus on studying your course material.
4. Try Time Management Strategies Like Time Blocking
Effective time management can make a big difference in staying focused on your MedCerts program. From time blocking to the Pomodoro method, these strategies help you stay focused on your MedCerts program.
Time blocking: Divide your day into blocks of time where you only do one task. For example, set aside 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. to review material you’ve already learned. Then, use the next hour to learn new material. To give your mind a rest after all that learning, pencil in 15 minutes for email and social media, or relax with a fun phone game.
Pomodoro method: With the Pomodoro method, break your day into 25-minute tasks followed by short micro-breaks. After completing four 25-minute sessions, take a longer break of 15- to 30 minutes to recharge and refocus.
By implementing these time management strategies, you can maintain a steady pace and truly make the most of your study sessions.
Find Success With MedCerts’ Virtual Learning Opportunities
Virtual learning is a flexible way to broaden your knowledge and skills. It can also require more self-control. With strategies like time blocking, SWOT analysis and digital distraction cleanup, you can keep yourself in check and take pride in what you’ve accomplished. Little by little, you’re making progress in your education and career goals.
