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Nina Huntemann, Robyn Belair, and Ben Piscopo

Designed for those who are new to elearning, this course will prepare you with strategies to be a successful online learner.

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Designed for those who are new to elearning, this course will prepare you with strategies to be a successful online learner.

The edX learning design team has curated some of the most powerful, science-backed techniques which you can start using right away and on any learning platform.

This course will help you answer the following questions:

  • How do I take notes during live or recorded instruction? What’s the difference?
  • What’s the point of discussions and how should I participate in them to get the most value?
  • What can I do if I have trouble concentrating or lack time to complete assignments?
  • What is the ideal study environment?

Three deals to help you save

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Self-care techniques that will help you maintain a healthy mind for effective online learning.
  • Time management with the help of some common technology.
  • Key learning strategies backed by research from edx partners.
  • Build strong connections with fellow learners and your instructors.
  • Setup your work area in order to focus and be a successful online learner.

Syllabus

Welcome - We start with opportunities to meet your instructors and fellow learners.
Self-care for Learning - In this module, we then explore baseline self-care strategies that will help you maintain a healthy mind for effective online learning, the connections between memory and learning, and the importance of sleep.
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Space, Time, and Technology - In this module we address the challenges involved with creating a space for learning, including managing your technology. We also cover techniques for time management and keeping a routine.
Learning Strategies - This module will help you get the most out your online learning experience. We cover effective study strategies and practices, making plans and setting priorities, and practicing self-regulation skills.
Communication and Community - In this module, we talk about the importance of social learning. We cover strategies for communication, collaborating, and building connections with your instructors and fellow learners.
What's Next? - Get started learning online!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Relevant for beginners who need to build a solid foundation in online learning best practices
Teaches science-backed techniques for effective online learning
Covers essential aspects of online learning, including self-care, time management, and communication strategies
Provides practical tips and strategies for success in online learning environments
Emphasizes the importance of building connections with fellow learners and instructors for a more engaging and supportive learning experience

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive online learning guide

According to students, this MOOC-style course provides insightful techniques for focused and effective learning in both online and offline settings. While the course is relatively short, learners say it is packed with valuable information and can be completed in a single day. Time and stress management are highlighted as particularly useful units. Overall, learners say this course is a must for anyone looking to enhance their learning skills.
Provides helpful strategies for managing time and stress.
"Stress and time management are good units of the course."
Teaches valuable techniques for effective learning in various contexts.
"It shows all the techniques which are important for offline as well as offline learning."
"The MOOC on “How to learn online ” teach some great techniques of focused and productive learning not only online but also offline."
"Very short but knowledgable each unit."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Learn Online with these activities:
Read "A Mind for Numbers" by Barbara Oakley
Gain insights into the science of learning and strategies for improving your ability to understand and retain information.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key concepts.
  • Apply the learning strategies discussed in the book to your own online learning experience.
Create a note-taking template for online learning
Create a reusable template with organized sections and clear headings to improve your note-taking skills during live and recorded instruction.
Show steps
  • Identify and categorize key topics to be covered in the course.
  • Design a template with designated sections for different types of notes, such as definitions, examples, and questions.
  • Use headings and subheadings to organize your notes logically.
Compile a glossary of unfamiliar terms and concepts
Create a comprehensive list of unfamiliar terms and concepts encountered in the course materials to enhance your understanding and vocabulary.
Show steps
  • Review course materials and identify unfamiliar terms and concepts.
  • Define each term or concept clearly and concisely in your own words.
  • Organize the glossary alphabetically or by topic for easy reference.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a study group or online forum
Engage with fellow learners to discuss course concepts, share insights, and support each other's understanding.
Show steps
  • Identify or join an existing study group or online forum related to the course.
  • Participate actively in discussions, ask questions, and share your perspectives.
  • Collaborate with group members to clarify concepts and work through problems together.
Practice active recall exercises
Regularly test your understanding by actively recalling information from the course materials without relying on notes.
Show steps
  • Set aside dedicated time for active recall exercises.
  • Cover your notes or close the book and try to recall the key concepts you have learned.
  • Write down or verbally explain what you remember.
  • Review your notes to identify areas where your recall was weaker.
Explore interactive tutorials on research methods
Enhance your research skills by completing interactive tutorials that provide step-by-step guidance on various research methods and data analysis techniques.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant interactive tutorials on research methods and data analysis.
  • Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises and activities provided.
  • Apply the knowledge and skills gained from the tutorials to your own research projects or assignments.
Attend a workshop on time management and productivity
Develop practical skills and strategies to optimize your time management, improve your focus, and increase your productivity in online learning.
Show steps
  • Research and identify a relevant workshop on time management and productivity.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in the activities and discussions.
  • Implement the strategies and techniques learned in the workshop into your daily routine.
Participate in an online hackathon or data science competition
Put your skills to the test and deepen your understanding by participating in an online hackathon or data science competition related to the course topics.
Show steps
  • Identify an appropriate online hackathon or data science competition.
  • Form a team or collaborate with others to develop a creative solution or project.
  • Work through the challenge, apply your knowledge, and present your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Learn Online will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Learning Experience Designer
A Learning Experience Designer creates and designs learning experiences for students or employees. This course will help you to build a strong foundation for this role by teaching you how to develop learning strategies, use technology effectively, and manage your time.
Online Instructor
An Online Instructor teaches courses online. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, such as learning strategies, communication skills, and time management.
Adult Learning Specialist
An Adult Learning Specialist designs and delivers training programs for adults. This course will help you to build a strong foundation for this role by teaching you how to develop learning objectives, create training materials, and evaluate training programs.
Instructional Coach
An Instructional Coach supports teachers and other educators in their professional development. This course will help you to build a strong foundation for this role by teaching you how to develop learning strategies, build communities, and manage your time.
Instructional Technology Specialist
An Instructional Technology Specialist designs, develops, and evaluates instructional materials and technologies for students or employees. This course will help you to build a strong foundation for this role by teaching you how to develop learning strategies, use technology effectively, and manage your time.
Learning and Development Specialist
A Learning and Development Specialist designs and delivers training programs for employees. This course will help you to build a strong foundation for this role by teaching you how to develop learning objectives, create training materials, and evaluate training programs.
Assessment Specialist
An Assessment Specialist designs and develops assessments for students or employees. This course will help you to build a strong foundation for this role by teaching you how to develop learning objectives, create assessment materials, and evaluate assessment results.
eLearning Developer
An eLearning Developer creates online learning materials for students or employees. This course will help you to design effective eLearning programs. It will also teach you how to manage time and set priorities, which is important in this role.
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs and develops educational programs for students. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role, such as learning strategies, time management, and communication skills.
Training Manager
A Training Manager plans and manages training and development programs for employees. This course will help you build a strong foundation for this role by teaching you how to set priorities, manage your time, and communicate effectively.
Content Developer
A Content Developer creates and develops content for websites, online courses, and other digital platforms. This course will help you to build a strong foundation for this role by teaching you how to develop learning strategies, use technology effectively, and manage your time.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates training and instructional materials for students or employees. This course may be useful in this role because it will teach you how to develop learning strategies, build communities, and manage your time. Self-care for learning is also important for this role, so that you can manage the stress of this job.
Education Researcher
An Education Researcher conducts research on education and learning. This course may be useful in this role because it will teach you about the latest learning strategies and technologies, as well as self-care techniques for learning.
Program Manager
A Program Manager plans and manages programs and projects. This course will help you to build a strong foundation for this role by teaching you how to set priorities, manage your time, and communicate effectively.
Educational Consultant
An Educational Consultant provides guidance to students and professionals on educational opportunities and career paths. This course may be useful in this role because it will teach you about the latest learning strategies and technologies, as well as self-care techniques for learning.

Reading list

We've selected 16 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Learn Online.
Provides evidence-based strategies for effective learning, drawing on the latest research in cognitive science. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their study skills.
That provides a comprehensive overview of online learning, covering topics such as time management, study skills, and communication. It valuable resource for students who are new to online learning.
Provides strategies for achieving deep work, which is the ability to focus on a single task for an extended period of time. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their concentration and productivity.
Practical guide to self-directed learning, providing techniques and strategies for effective learning. It valuable resource for students who want to take control of their learning.
Provides a practical framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their time management and study habits.
Explores the concept of mindset and its impact on success. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a growth mindset.
Explores the science of habit formation and provides strategies for changing our habits. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their self-discipline and motivation.
Explores the strengths and challenges of introversion. It valuable resource for students who want to understand their own strengths and weaknesses and learn how to use them to their advantage.
Explores the history of science and the different ways that people have learned throughout history. It valuable resource for students who are interested in the history of education and the science of learning.
Explores the five different ways that people express and receive love. It valuable resource for students who are looking to improve their relationships with others.

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