Reflections of an online learner

Last year I enrolled as a learner in one of our Tuihono UC | UC Online micro-credentials, both to upskill and to understand the learner experience first-hand. I really enjoyed it and now have an extra little skillset to add to my tool belt!

Beyond the course content, I did discover a few interesting things along the way, which are good to keep in mind if you're considering studying online.

Top tips for learning online from my personal experience

1) Make sure to schedule in study time

I fully appreciated the ‘at your own pace’ element of our online course which meant I could study in-between work and family commitments.

That being said, don't underestimate the time management needed to complete online, self-paced study. I had to make sacrifices sometimes to complete my coursework, so it definitely helps to plan out when you'll fit in your learning before you get started. 

2) Keep constant to maintain your study motivation

Although it's tempting, try not to take too much time off study within your nine-week course - unless you’re prepared to work extra hard to re-motivate yourself on return. 

I made the decision to take a short study break after a few weeks as I was confidently ahead in my study, but later regretted it! Don’t underestimate how fast the time goes. Upon reflection, the better option for me would have been to do smaller bits of learning more often to stay on top of the study.

Luckily for our learners, we now build in a week-long study break half-way through our courses. This helps to organise your life around the learning, or catch-up if you fall behind, which happens to all of us! 

3) Mark your achievements as you progress

To keep up my motivation, I learnt to celebrate the little wins along the way! In a short course or micro-credential you’re going at a fairly swift pace within a short period of time so it can be hard to recognise when you’ve accomplished something great.

When you pass an assessment or get an ‘aha!’ moment, take a few minutes to pat yourself on the back. And don’t be afraid to mention it to others (even if that seems unnatural and un-Kiwi-like 😉)

4) Never downplay your hard work

...Although it can be tempting, avoid saying things like 'it’s just a short course' when describing your study to others.

I recently met a 30-year-old learner who was thrilled to complete a 5-point University of Canterbury micro-credential with us, because she never thought she'd be able to study at a university level. She was amazed to discover that she could—and that it was easier than she expected!

Just as importantly, the course had given her (and her employer!) the skills and knowledge she needed to push forward in her role.

5) Actively engage with your cohort and facilitator

It can be very easy to go through it alone… but then so can studying on campus.

Back in the day when I was a university student, I met a friend in my second year who came from outside the region, knew nobody and hadn’t spoken to a single person at Uni for his first year - apart from lecturers and tutors. The effort it takes to be an active participant (particularly if it’s outside the old comfort zone) is worth it.

I realised that to make the most out of the learning, I needed to be active within the learning management system. I'd recommend adding to the forum posts, responding to others’ comments, and reaching out to your facilitator and our learner support team when you’re struggling or need guidance to get the best results. 

6) Celebrate loudly and proudly when you finish!

Don't keep your success to yourself - share your digital badge on LinkedIn and across social media to celebrate your hard work. The real satisfaction for me was the feeling of a job well done, and being able to use my new skills and knowledge immediately and with confidence in my work.

Give it a go - you won't regret it!

Considering taking an online course? Check out our options to find your next step.