We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
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.

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:

Read more

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?

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.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
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

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Effective strategies for online learning success

According to students, 'How to Learn Online' is a largely positive and highly practical course for anyone embarking on online education. A majority of learners found it invaluable for providing actionable strategies for areas like time management and effective note-taking. The course's content is consistently praised for being concise and well-structured, breaking down ideas into manageable pieces. While especially beneficial for absolute beginners, a notable portion of experienced online learners felt some content was too basic or common sense. A few reviewers also noted the forum discussions and overall community interaction were less active.
Highly recommended for those new to the online learning environment.
"A must-take for anyone new to the online learning environment."
"Good for absolute beginners, but not for someone already comfortable with online learning."
"Would recommend it to first-time online students."
"As a new online student, I found this course provided a great starting point."
Information is presented clearly and in a digestible format.
"It’s concise, clear, and doesn't waste your time."
"The course breaks down complex ideas into manageable pieces."
"I appreciated how the course synthesizes a lot of information into a digestible format."
Offers immediately applicable strategies for online learning.
"Absolutely invaluable! ...provided practical, actionable strategies for everything from time management to note-taking..."
"The time management techniques using technology were a game-changer for my busy schedule."
"It's not just theory; it gives you actionable steps. Highly practical and empowering."
"I found the strategies to be immediately applicable and highly beneficial for my online studies."
Online discussions and community interaction are often limited.
"The community aspect could be more emphasized, I felt forum discussions were a bit quiet."
"The 'communication and community' module was particularly underwhelming as the forums were dead."
"I wished there was more interaction or peer review in the assignments."
Content may feel basic or common sense for experienced learners.
"Some parts felt a bit basic if you've already done online courses..."
"Much of the 'learning strategies' felt like common sense. I was hoping for more advanced techniques..."
"Honestly, I didn't get much out of this. Most of it felt like general advice you could find anywhere online for free."

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser