It’s surprising how quickly we adapt to change, especially when it comes in the form of technology. We have advanced rapidly into a world that is now connected mainly through bits and bytes, with the help of a network we call the Internet. And if you don’t have an online presence in the plethora of social networks that crowd the Web, you’re persona non grata or don’t exist at all.
Online technology does have other uses too, like in the field of education. And the more intrepid and enthusiastic among us are even using social networks like Facebook and Twitter to further academia and pedagogy. They are hoping that it will help rope in more people to tap the myriad opportunities that online education offers.
While there can be no doubting the fact that e-learning has its advantages, the very fact that you learn from home or a distant location allows distractions to disrupt the learning process. So if you’re hoping to earn a degree or a certificate online, here’s what you need to be wary of:
Snack Sidetracks: If you’re at home, with no teacher to supervise you or time schedules for classes, you’re likely to imagine yourself feeling hungry all the time. Or you may just feel bored and decide to see what’s in the fridge. In short, you end up wearing a path between the fridge and your desk, stuffing your face, becoming fat and not studying at all.
Television Temptations: The television is a great distraction, especially if it’s always on in the background when you’re supposed to be studying. An interesting play in a game may catch your eye and the rest of your study session’s shot to pieces. You may also be tempted to schedule your study hours around your television program schedule, studying only when there’s nothing interesting to watch on TV.
Internet Interruptions: This is the biggest time-waster because you don’t really realize that you are wasting time until it’s too late. Because you have to remain online, you tend to browse other sites and get sidetracked because there is so much to do on the net.
Family Fun: And if you have young children or other family members at home throughout the day, you are definitely going to be disturbed by them. Even though you may want to study, you’re not going to be allowed to do so in peace.
Distractions are a regular part of all e-learning initiatives, and it’s up to you to minimize them by setting aside a study space and a fixed time schedule each day. Besides this, you need to be disciplined, organized and dedicated in order to make a success of online education.