In the XXI century, the world changes very fast. We are all aware of the fact that one has to learn new things every day to keep pace with the times. Online learning is one of the biggest trends in education in 2020 due to the pandemic. Of course, lockdown is not the best thing in the world. However, it demonstrated that studying new things online is a great alternative to face-to-face learning; it also saves time and money.
Here are some useful tips on how to provide maximum usefulness to your online learning in 2020.
Look for Colleges that Offer Online Degrees
Online learning makes education more accessible and offers amazing opportunities to those who seek knowledge but have limited possibilities. And now, many schools not only offer online courses but degrees as well. You can earn a degree by studying at your own pace and a convenient for you time.
Currently, more than 350 schools are offering online degrees in the USA.
It can be tough choosing among all of them, so here is the list of the best colleges and universities offering online degrees:
- ASU Online
- Penn State World Campus
- Oregon State Ecampus
- UF Online
- OU Extended Campus
- UNCW Online
- Arizona Online
Consider STEM Degree Program
STEM is an educational program based on four disciplines – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These academic fields were separate before. The idea of STEM is to unite them into one learning scheme based on real-world applications. Nowadays, the importance of science is obvious. All our gadgets are based on new technologies we could never dream of 10-15 years ago. The world is changing very rapidly, and it needs bright, analytical, and creative minds. That’s why the demand for workers in STEM-related jobs is growing very fast.
The National Science Foundation states that students will need intense training in the STEM field if they want to be successful in the technologies-driven era. That’s why now, all the educational institutions are developing new studying programs to refresh all the knowledge and data they have and provide students with modern, high-quality education.
There are various online STEM courses, which you can complete without actually going to college. All you need is to google ‘STEM degree programs online’ and choose the one that’s best for you. If you don’t intend to connect your life with science or technologies, learn more about STEM to keep up with the trends in education and expand your general knowledge.
Work on Your Personal Statement
No matter which studying format you choose, online or offline, you still need to fill in an application and write an admission essay. Most of the schools pay great attention to personal statements. It is also one of the most challenging parts of the application process. These 500 words show your personality and uniqueness and prove whether you are a worth-accepting candidate. That’s why it is very important to make it as personal and outstanding as you can.
Here are some tips on how to make your admission essay perfect.
Always read the instructions.
It is the number one rule. Never rush into writing before reading the instructions. Keep calm and carefully check all requirements before you start.
Create a great intro part.
Professional writers know that you must catch your readers’ attention, starting with the first sentence; otherwise, they might not even continue reading. The same applies to admission essays, so make sure your first 2-3 sentences are brilliant.
Avoid platitudes.
Of course, you will try finding the best examples of admission essays online. However, there is a danger of picking up platitudes and clichés. The admissions committee won’t like that at all. Instead, read a couple of examples to get a general understanding and work on your own unique piece.
Create a structure.
Just as a director won’t shoot a movie without a proper screenplay, a writer won’t produce a good text without a plan. A clear structure helps you concentrate and avoid rumbling.
Make Studying Productive
Online learning is great, but it also has its downsides. Staying concentrated and productive at home is rather tricky. You get easily distracted and often procrastinate. To avoid falling behind with your studies, try listening to music. Over the years, various studies have found and proved the psychological benefits of music.
Listening to your favorite music leads to the release of dopamine in your brain. It is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of happiness and excitement. It improves your mood and boosts motivation. Listening to music also helps reduce stress and tackle anxiety and improve your cognitive performance and memory.
If you turn on the calm and relaxing background music, it will help you stay concentrated on your studying. Moreover, it can aid endurance when you study all day. However, you need to remember that not all styles of music are good for studying. To stimulate your mental performance, choose something downtempo and relaxing.
Consider choosing classical or nature music rather than tracks with lyrics: they are more distracting than helpful. If you prefer music that does have lyrics consider listening to songs in a foreign language; that way, you won’t be distracted by singing along.
