Remote Learning Tips: Succeeding in Online Classes
Whether you're taking a fully online degree, hybrid courses, or just a few remote classes, online learning requires a different skill set than sitting in a lecture hall. These proven strategies will help you stay on track and perform at your best.
Setting Up Your Environment
Create a Dedicated Study Space
Your brain associates environments with activities. If you study in bed, your brain thinks it's time to sleep. Designate a specific spot — a desk, a library carrel, a coffee shop corner — as your "classroom."
Essential Setup:
A reliable internet connection (consider a backup hotspot)A comfortable chair and proper desk height to avoid strainGood lighting (natural light is ideal)Noise-canceling headphones or earplugsA second monitor if possible (one for the lecture, one for notes)
Minimize Distractions
Use website blockers (Cold Turkey, Freedom) during study sessionsPut your phone in another room or use Do Not Disturb modeClose all unnecessary browser tabs and applicationsLet roommates or family know your class schedule
Time Management for Online Learners
Treat Online Classes Like In-Person Classes
Block out the scheduled class time in your calendar and show up. Don't let the flexibility of online learning become an excuse to skip or multitask.
Create a Weekly Routine
Monday: Review the week's assignments and deadlinesSet specific days and times for watching lectures, reading, and assignmentsFriday: Review what you accomplished and plan aheadWeekend: Catch up on anything that fell behind
The Pomodoro Method Works Especially Well Online
25 minutes of focused work5-minute break (stand up, stretch, look away from screen)After 4 cycles, take a longer 15–30 minute breakThis prevents the "screen zombie" effect of endless scrolling
Staying Engaged in Virtual Lectures
Active Participation
Turn your camera on — it keeps you accountable and connectedAsk questions in the chat or unmute to speakTake handwritten notes (research shows better retention than typing)Summarize each lecture in 3–5 bullet points immediately after
When Lectures Are Recorded
Watch them at scheduled times, not at 2 AM the night before an examUse 1.25x or 1.5x speed for review, but never for first viewingPause frequently to process and take notesDon't let recordings pile up — falling behind in recorded lectures is a slippery slope
Communication Is Everything
With Professors
Introduce yourself via email in the first weekAttend virtual office hours regularly — fewer students go, so you get more timeAsk questions early; don't wait until the night before an assignment is dueUse professional email etiquette (subject line, greeting, clear question, signature)
With Classmates
Form virtual study groups using Zoom, Discord, or Google MeetExchange contact information during the first weekUse shared documents (Google Docs, Notion) for collaborative note-takingCheck in on each other — isolation is the biggest risk of online learning
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
The Procrastination Trap
Without the physical accountability of showing up to class, procrastination is the number one threat to online students. Combat it by:
Breaking large assignments into daily micro-tasksSetting artificial deadlines before the real onesUsing accountability partners or study groupsRewarding yourself after completing work blocks
Screen Fatigue
You may spend 8–12 hours a day on screens between classes, studying, and leisure. Fight screen fatigue by:
Taking regular breaks away from all screensPrinting readings when possibleExercising daily — even a 20-minute walk makes a differenceUsing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
Isolation and Mental Health
Online learning can feel lonely. Protect your mental health by:
Scheduling regular social time (video calls, in-person meetups)Joining online student communities and clubsMaintaining a consistent sleep scheduleUsing campus counseling services if you're struggling — most offer virtual sessions
Technical Preparation
**Test your setup** before the first day (camera, microphone, internet speed)**Learn the LMS** (Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle) inside and out**Back up your work** to cloud storage — never rely on a single device**Have a backup plan** for internet outages (phone hotspot, campus library, local cafe)**Update your software** and browser regularly to avoid compatibility issues