How to use eLearning Successfully…
...to further your Firefighter Career!
Over half of us have then part in some form of online online learning, or eLearning, at some point – but do you know how to use eLearning successfully? It’s a skill that could help further your Firefighter career!
This method of study can increase your retention rates by up to 60%? No wonder it’s such a popular option for companies for both pre-employment and career development training!
Back in the day, you had to go to the library, or purchase expensive and clunky textbooks if you wanted study from home. Now you have a world of information and learning at your fingertips, from eBooks to online quizzes to eLearning courses!
Taking online courses is a flexible option, and you can go along at your own pace. But remember – it’s a convenient option, not an easy option! To be truly successful and get the most out of your course you need time management skills, self-discipline, willpower, and motivation!
Here’s our top study tips to help you learn how to use eLearning successfully!
You need to commit to your online learning, just as you would do for a classroom-based course!
This includes:
- Participating in the ‘virtual classroom’ (depending on the type of course you’re taking!) and groups!
- Completing your learning tasks and any assignments on time – even if you’re not running to deadlines leaving gaps between study can mean you forget things!
- Be self-disciplined.
Make sure that you have reliable internet access, and save your progress!
Technology glitches happen all the time. Save your work repeatedly and backup regularly – cloud storage like Dropbox, iCloud or Google Drive are great options. If you have an eBook accompanying the course save a copy to your device, as sometimes you’ll only be able to download it a limited amount of times.
Find yourself a dedicated Study Area!
Whether you decide to study in your kitchen, your bedroom or in your living room, make sure that this place is quiet and distraction-free, and available for use at any time you need it. Ask people you live with to respect your ‘work mode’ and consider turning off your phone and logging off of all social networks when studying – trust us a quick check of a Facebook notification can lead down a rabbit hole!
Identify your learning objectives and goals.
To stay on track with your online course, make sure that you always keep in mind what you hope to accomplish by the end of it. You bought it for a reason, or your doing it for a reason – whether it’s to learn something new or further your career aspirations!
Build a study plan.
A study plan is critical to online learning. Here are some tips to help you build it:
- Plan ahead.
- Have an effective calendar system.
- Create to-do lists.
- Set time limits.
- Stay on schedule.
Ask for help when you need it.
Contact your online tutor or the company you received the course from, or ask for help in any groups and forums related to the course. If you don’t ask for help when necessary, you may end up falling behind, and getting stressed. This can mean you lose motivation! By asking a question in an online group, you can also help your virtual classmates, who might be having similar difficulties.
Review, revise, repeat.
Regular revisions of the things you have already studied will not only improve your memory but they will also help you better understand what you are learning. Take notes as you go along, either type them into a word or text document or use good old fashioned pen and paper!
Take study breaks.
Your performance will go downhill if you’re feeling tired or frustrated while studying. When taking a break, make sure that you get away from your study space. A physical activity, such as a walk around the block or a quick run or cycle, will help renew you energy, and let you get back to studying with a clear mind.
Participate in online discussions.
Online learning doesn’t necessarily mean learning on your own! Connecting with your virtual classmates on private course groups or your online course’s forum will really enhance your eLearning experience. Join in any group activities and discussions, suggest study tricks, or just offer your input on the eLearning course.
Stay motivated!
To make sure that you stay motivated, why not try the following:
- Put up a motivational picture or quote in your study space to remind you why you’re taking the course!
- Give yourself ‘mini-rewards’ (whether this is a cuppa and a biscuit or half an hour of Playstation or Netflix – whatever you enjoy!)
- Have healthy snacks nearby to boost your energy.
- If you’re feeling frustrated, walk away for five minutes, have a drink, stretch. Don’t try to work when you’re frustrated!
But do stay regular with your studies – if you leave too big a gap between modules, days or weeks, then there’s the chance you might lose your grip on the subject matter and end up having to repeat modules because you’ve forgotten things!
We hope that by following these study tips you’ll have picked up some tips on how to use eLearning successfully, and able to make your eLearning a fun and enjoyable experience!