5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Distance Learning Course

Once you have enrolled on your distance learning course with Oxford College you will naturally want to make the most of your investment. Below are five tips to help you to get the most out of your distance learning course.

1.      Set realistic goals

It is understandable that you will want to finish your course and achieve your qualification as soon as possible, but in order to achieve your goals they need to be realistic. At the beginning, set yourself challenging but achievable targets for completion of tasks and assignments. Work out how much time you have available for study each week, and then look through the course materials to assess how much you can do each week. If you are booked in to take an A level exam, then don’t forget to allow time before the examination for revision as well.

2.       Set yourself deadlines

One of the main challenges with a home study course is time management. Your studies may have to fit alongside work or family commitments, and although you will have support from your online tutor, Oxford Learning will not be nagging at you each day telling you to get your work done. Therefore it is important to set yourself deadlines for completion of assignments. Write these onto a calendar or in a diary to keep you on track.  Try not to get distracted by domestic chores when it is study time.

3.       Get your family and friends on your side

Distance learning need not be a lonely experience. Support from family and friends is very important and at the beginning you should try to get them on your side. It is important to let family members know that they need to give you time and support to study, and that your course is important to you.

4.       Get involved in your subject

Try to develop a keen interest in your chosen subject, and get involved with others who share that interest.  Online forums on the internet are a good way of sharing the learning experience with others who have similar study goals. It can help to motivate you if you know that other people are doing online courses as well. The Oxford College online forum is a great place to start, you will be able to access the forum once you have enrolled on your course.

5.       Enjoy the journey

If you see your course as a journey, at times on the way to your destination you may feel as though you are stuck and that you will never reach the end. There will inevitably be ups and downs, but stick at it, and celebrate the successes you will achieve along the way. The feeling you will get when you successfully complete your course will make all the hard work feel worthwhile. If at times it seems difficult, remember that if it was too easy then the qualification wouldn’t be worth having.

We hope these tips help you to get the most out of your distance learning course, please share your tips in the comments below.

Image courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/hashir/936394705