Strategies for excelling in online learning: A comprehensive guide

This essay explores essential strategies for achieving success in online learning environments. It emphasizes the importance of effective planning, highlighting the use of academic schedules to manage key topics and assessment dates. Time management, particularly through study timetables, is presented as crucial for balancing academics with other life aspects, requiring self-discipline. The essay also underscores the significance of professional and respectful communication in online interactions, advocating for academic integrity. Finally, it addresses the need for online learners to be adept at using various learning technologies, encouraging exploration and continuous learning in this dynamic field. The strategies discussed aim to equip online learners with the tools necessary to excel academically and navigate the challenges of online education effectively.

Running head: ONLINE LEARNING STRATEGIES
Online Learning Strategies
Student Name
Institution Name

ONLINE LEARNING STRATEGIES 2
Online Learning Strategies
Online learning is one of the most significant revelations in the education sector. This
learning strategy provides learners with a flexible learning program compared to the
traditional learning strategy. However, it requires learners to illustrate exceptional levels of
discipline and commitment. Precisely, to excel in an online learning environment, students
need to employ effective planning, time management, communication, and technology use
tactics.
Effective planning is inevitable for online academic success. Benjamin Franklin, in
one of his famous sayings, pointed out that "failing to plan is planning to fail." As such,
online learners must plan for their academics appropriately. Experts vouch for the use of an
academic schedule as a vital planning strategy that assists students to excel in their online
learning endeavors (Fandl & Smith, 2014). This planning strategy involves scrutinizing the
syllabus comprehensively and taking note of all the key topics, learning outcomes and
assessment dates. Then, the student develops an academic schedule to guide their learning
activity. This sstrategy will contribute to my academic success by making me knowledgeable
of all the vital activities throughout the academic year.
Importantly, time management is an indispensable component of online academic
success. The use of a study timetable is one of the most effective strategies in time
management for online students. According to Broadbent and Poon (2015), a study timetable
is a time management tool that guides the students on the number of hours and specific areas
that they should cover in a given time frame. The use of this strategy will enhance my
academic excellence by allowing me to balance between academics and other aspects of life
such as employment. However, for this strategy to be effective, self-discipline is paramount.

ONLINE LEARNING STRATEGIES 3
Communication is an instrumental part of the learning process. Consequently,
Bowman (2010) advise online learners to be professional, knowledgeable, substantive and
respectful when communication with course mates or professors. Learners must uphold
academic integrity in all their online communication. In fact, this is a strategy I utilize
frequently. Consequently, the use of this communication strategy will contribute to my
success as an online learner by enabling me to be objective in online class discussions and
interaction with the instructors.
Finally, online education success requires students to be exposed to various learning
technologies. Nonetheless, the field of technology is dynamic as new learning technologies
are produced continuously. As a result, one of the fundamental strategies to enhance online
learners’ technology use is reading resources on the various learning technologies and
seeking assistance where necessary. Precisely, this strategy requires learners to be explorative
in their use of technology. Consequently, this strategy will contribute to my success as an
online learner enabling me to use a variety of learning technologies efficiently.

ONLINE LEARNING STRATEGIES 4
References
Bowman, L. (2010). Online Learning: A User-Friendly Approach for High School and
College Students. Lanham: R&L Education.
Broadbent, J., & Poon, W. L. (2015). Self-regulated learning strategies & academic
achievement in online higher education learning environments: A systematic review.
The Internet and Higher Education, 27, 1-13.
Fandl, K. J., & Smith, J. D. (2014). Success as an Online Student: Strategies for Effective
Learning. New York: Routledge.