Top 10 tips to survive distance learning: Tips and Best Practices

Studying through distance learning offers flexibility and convenience but requires discipline and self-motivation as there are challenges that may hinger someone to progress with their studies if they are not prepare enough. If you are aiming to study through distance learning next year, there are few things to keep in mind that make student struggle with their studies. Below are top ten tips that will help you stay alert with your studies and help you to excel in your studies,

1. Create a schedule and stick to It

Creating a schedule is best thing to do, especially when you study through distance learning. It is important to develop a routine and set aside dedicated time for studying and assignments. One can use a planner or calendar, or in the digital time there are apps that can help one stay organised.

2. Complete assignments on time

With a schedule in place, it is essential to complete your assignment on time as they can help you to avoid last-minute rushes, one can ensure that they complete their assignment by:

• Understanding assignment requirements
• Breaking tasks into manageable chunks
• Submitting work before deadlines

3. Aim for high marks

The next thing is to ensure that you aim to score above the minimum, when you do your assignment on time, you will have time to:

• Understand assessment criteria
• Conduct thorough research
• Edit and proofread work

These habits will help you to fix your mistake that you may realise have been made them in your assignments.

4. Avoid plagiarism

In any academic institution, plagiarism is considered as serious offence, you can avoid plagiarism by understand and respect intellectual property such as

• The use proper citation and referencing
• Paraphrase and summarize sources
• Utilize plagiarism detection tools such as Turnitin

5 Understand technology

It is without a doubt that technology has shaped how institutions are conducting lessons. Universities have utilised technology is a bid to make lessons convenient. Students can now submit assignments online without having to keep a hard copy. University of South Africa as a leading open distance learning institution has utilised technology having empower their students to be equipped with e-learning. Students at UNISA are submitting their assignments online and examinations are also conducted online signifying the importance of one having to familiarised them with technology. UNISA is not only university that have utilised technology to teach students, in fact during covid-19 in the beginning of 2020, most university used technology to conduct classes, students had to familiarised themselves with e-learning. Well e-learning is a discussion for another day. If you are going to study at UNISA or at any distance learning institution it is important that you familiarize yourself with:

• Learning management systems (LMS)

LMS are platforms that are used by universities to conduct their lessons. These platforms are used to build websites that will be used to conduct lesson. Most LMS are open sources, e.g. MOODLE is a popular choice being used by most universities utilising e-learning.

• Online resources and tools

As third students you will be expected to find sources to you will cites for your assignments and portfolio assignments, these sources may include books, journal articles (sometimes called ‘readers’) and some credible academic websites. So, it is wise that you familiarised yourself with these resources and tools.

• Digital communication platforms

In most cases, your institution will provide you with an e-mail that will be used as communication tool between you as students and institution. Therefore, you should be familiar with these type of communications.

6. Resist quick solutions

Avoid:

• Sharing your work with anyone because you do not know what they may do with it. They may copy your work and submit it as their own and when you submit yours, you maybe flagged as plagiarised.
• Using unauthorized study materials

Mostly importantly, use your prescribed material and credible sources to avoid problem. You may be attempted to use information from other sources, this can be a problem. This is not to say that you should not use other sources, you just need to be careful not to use sources that are not reliable.

7. Set reminders

Stay on track with:

• Assignment due date
• Scheduled lecturer’s lessons  
• Check your progress regularly  

Keep tracking of your assignment due date will ensure that you start as early as possible. Lecturer’s lessons are important as they act as guide and tracking due dates and lessons will ensure that you are awake about your progress.

8. Prioritise self-care

Distance learning can be demanding:

• Get enough sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Take breaks and practice stress-reduction techniques

Distance learning can be very stressful, so it is important that you take care of yourself to ensure that you stay in shape and your mind is not under stress.

9. Seek support

Connect with:

• Lecturers
• Peer forums and discussion groups
• Online resources and tutorials

Some students have created groups on social media apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram to connect with other students and discuss their modules. It is essential that you use these platforms to stay alert with your studies, some students even remind others of due dates and lessons. The other thing to do, it to contact your lecturer with an e-mail if you don not understand something. Some university have forums within websites where students discusses their schoolwork.

10. Stay motivated

Celebrate small victories:

• Set achievable goals
• Reward yourself for milestones reached

Those who studied through distance learning like me will tell you that sometimes 50% is a distinction, so celebrates the pass mark and believe that you can do better next time. By implementing these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to succeed in distance learning.

Remember:

• Discipline and time management are crucial
• Quality assignments lead to better grades
• Originality and integrity matter
• Technology skills are essential
• Self-care and support are vital

These are some of the tips you can follow but tips are not limited to the ones discussed here. There are other tips out there that can help you thrive in your distance learning journey!

GOOD LUCK