How To Maintain Discipline In Online Learning Environment

Pavan Chauhan May 02, 2020

The global coronavirus pandemic has reached the point where schools, colleges, and educational institutions around the country and the world have closed down to try and halt the spread of the deadly virus. This is unprecedented and everyone is trying to cope to the best of their abilities. Students and educational institutions too are opting for the online mode to continue their studies and instructions.

Online learning does have its unique advantages. The biggest one being the flexibility that it offers. Students can study whenever and wherever they want to and can adjust their study schedules around existing responsibilities and commitments.

However, if you’re not well-prepared, online education can present some unique challenges too. One of the biggest challenges is to maintain discipline. To make the most of an online learning environment, students must work on their self-discipline. They need to reduce the possibility of distractions and to be able to manage their time effectively. Here are some ways online students can become self-motivated learners and make the most of the online learning environment:

Try to follow a routine

Just like traditional classrooms have ‘Time-tables’ that are adhered to, in order to make the most of an online learning environment, it is important that you stick to a schedule. This will bring about the discipline that is needed to sit down at a designated time each day and learn. Sometimes, you may even need to tell your siblings and others in the house that you are studying and would like not be disturbed! It is also true that following a routine like that of a regular day, does help to cope better with the ongoing uncertainty and ambiguity.

Eliminate distractions

From Netflix and social media to friends requesting you to join online for a quick game, you’ll face many distractions that can easily derail your studies. The thriving learners know how to lessen these distractions and set aside time to focus. Set up a workspace separate from distractions such as the phone or TV and then reward yourself with those things after you’re through with what needs to be done for the day. If you’re still having trouble resisting the temptation to check your messages on the phone or to surf the web, try downloading a website blocker. It will help eliminate distractions by blocking the apps or websites that tend to compete for your attention.

Set goals

Set short-term and long-term goals and allow yourself to celebrate on completion of those goals by rewarding yourself with your favourite dessert or taking a short break to listen to your favourite song. Little things like these will help keep you motivated. Your goals can be linked to complete mastery of a topic or attempting a practice test. The idea is to keep learning and accomplishing things.

Enjoy the flexibility

Just as self-discipline is key to effective learning in an online environment, the importance of enjoying the flexibility that online learning provides, cannot be undermined. You now have the option of attending Live Classes from your favourite couch or bean bag, so why not grab it! Take small breaks to be with your pet or simply take a walk around the house, before you sit down to study again.

Communicate with teachers and fellow students

Do not shy away from using technology to connect with your friends and teachers online. Most of the online education platforms such as Meritnation offer several ways to connect online - whether it is answering your friends’ questions on the Q & A forum - Ask & Answer or connecting with teachers beyond the classrooms via the ‘Teacher Connect’ app - you can do it all. Since the students have no face-to-face interaction with their online teachers, active and honest communication is most important. Feel free to use the online forums to share study tips, ask questions, discuss study topics and clear doubts. You may even keep time to connect with your peers via video calls. The idea is to stay connected and technology helps do just that.

Eat well and sleep well

Staying at home amidst a nation-wide lockdown brought about by COVID-19 is bound to evoke several emotions - ranging from being bored and helpless to feeling tense and anxious. It is vital that we take care of ourselves well in these times. Remember to eat healthy and take proper rest. A healthy body is our best bet right now. So, stay safe and stay healthy!