Virtual learning is here to stay, with many choosing to continue their education online. There are a number of reasons why online school has become so popular, including affordability, flexibility, learning at your own pace and more. It’s becoming more and more apparent that we as humans can and do learn in almost any environment, as long as we stay committed to the process. So how can you be sure you’re getting the most out of your virtual learning experience?

• First, be sure that you are setting yourself up for success by determining what you’re there to learn — asking yourself this “prequestion” will help you to focus in on the end goal before you engage with the material. You’ll also want to consider how much time you are willing and able to dedicate to learning the material, between courses, studying, projects, etc. Setting your goals will help you to quantify your results.
• Next, make sure you have all the materials you’ll need to learn. If your subject matter requires taking notes, consider writing them down by hand — this is a proven method to help your brain retain the information better than if you were to type the notes out. Rid yourself of distractions (silence those phones!) and give yourself time to tune in and focus on the goal of learning and engaging with the material.
• Finally, use your resources. Most online courses come with resources, support, online forums, instructor feedback, office hours, study groups and more. These resources are there to help you stay motivated and succeed in your efforts. And don’t forget to celebrate when you reach your milestones!