Learning online opens so many doors, especially with the sheer amount of online learning resources available today. For those on a budget, there are many free courses you can take online. The difference is that you won’t be able to earn the certificate at the end – but all the knowledge is available to you for free. In these cases, you will only need to pay to earn that certificate if you want to demonstrate your knowledge to potential employers.
Then there are more formal learning opportunities like degrees or postgraduate certificates. These are also now available online. This gives working students so much breathing room in comparison. You don’t need to take time out of your work to complete a degree any longer. You also don’t need to limit yourself to what is nearby. You can instead progress through your degree or certificate at your own pace.
Knowing how to balance studying online with a career can benefit everyone, especially those who have to earn further qualifications to progress their career, like nurses. Earn a BSN; you can become an RN. Earn an MSN; you can become an APRN. Want to progress further or change your specialty, then you have doctorate programs or alternative online post master’s certificate nurse practitioner programs to choose from.
Regardless of what kind of course, degree, or certificate you are working on, this guide will help you with the juggle:
1. Build Up Your Study Routine
Degrees today allow you to take as little as one course at a time, which automatically opens up the possibilities. You can much more easily handle work, your education, and your personal responsibilities when you have only one course to focus on at a time. While some can handle two, don’t try to push yourself. You are progressing multiple avenues at the same time, so giving yourself a break and taking a bit longer is more than just acceptable – it’s recommended.
Even with just one course to focus on, you will want to have a steady routine. This way, you can get your body used to the energy that it takes and can flourish throughout your education. For example, you can review your notes on your commute, then watch the lectures or spend an hour or two per day after work on your education. By breaking up your study routine, you can keep it small, easy, and manageable.
2. Find the Tools that Work for You
There are many tools out there for you that will make it easier than ever to study online. Note-taking tools, diction tools, and even citation tools are very old by now but just as effective at helping you study and keep track of information.That isn’t all, however. Nowadays, you have virtual study spaces and even virtual coffee shops or café spaces that allow you to put yourself in a productive space wherever you are.
3. Make Your Learning Social
We are social beings, and therefore learning should be social. In traditional learning environments, this is already taken care of. You learn from your professors and experts, and you have your classmates for the rest. Online you need to build these spaces or join them. Find others who are taking the same course that you are and host a zoom meeting study group once a week, or share note-taking duties so that everyone can create really good, comprehensive notes on one topic or chapter and then share it with the others.
There are so many ways that you can bring in others to your learning, even when you are learning remotely. Not every option will suit you, but there will be something – you just need to find it.
4. Take Advantage of Institution Resources
Your tuition doesn’t just cover the cost of your curriculum; it covers the cost of many different support services, from mental health services all the way to student success coaches or advisors. Use them! It’s how you will get more out of your education and in some cases can be how you help improve your education and the course as a whole for future generations as well.
5. Build Up Your Health
Energy is always going to play a factor, so try to improve your health. Eating healthy, nutritious food will give your body the fuel to stay active. Exercising will help build up strength in your muscles and pump oxygen through the brain. Healthier living can also help by improving the quality of your sleep. However, it takes time to get healthy so start this tip today before your course, degree, or certificate is due to start.
