As we navigate through the ever-changing landscape of the digital world, the importance of continuous learning and upskilling has become more crucial than ever. Online learning is a great way to acquire new skills and knowledge.
However, simply enrolling in an online course is not enough to achieve success. It can be quite challenging to stay motivated and focused when learning on your own. If you truly want to get the most out of your e-learning experience, you need to approach it with dedication, discipline, and a clear plan of action.
But how do you get started on your successful e-learning journey? Here are some tips and tricks on how to effectively use e-learning courses to achieve your learning goals, whether on Dojo or anywhere else:
- Set learning goals
- Plan your time
- Engage with the content and community
- Take breaks
- Celebrate your achievements
1. Set learning goals
Before you start your course, think about what you want to achieve and why!
Do you want to learn a new skill, improve your existing knowledge, or prepare for a certification exam or test? Having clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the course.
A widely recognized method for setting goals is the SMART method. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
In other words, a SMART goal is a clear and realistic statement of what you want to learn and by when. For instance, instead of saying “I want to learn how to use DataMiner”, you would say “I want to complete the DataMiner Foundational courses by the end of this month and pass the quizzes with at least a score of 80%”.
And if that actually happens to be one of your goals, then be sure to visit the Learning Hub on Dojo.
2. Plan your time
One of the biggest benefits of online courses is the flexibility to learn at your own pace and schedule. But this also means that you need to be disciplined and manage your time well.
One of the ways to achieve this is by treating your e-learning course like you would a traditional class: set aside dedicated time to work on your course and stick to that schedule. Research has shown that implementing structure and routine into your daily life leads to increased discipline and productivity.
3. Engage with the content and community
Online courses are not just about watching videos or reading texts. They also offer interactive elements, such as quizzes, exercises, projects, and discussions. And for good reason!
Applying what you have learned through interactive elements is a great opportunity to test your understanding, apply your skills, and learn from others. By actively engaging with the material, you are more likely to retain the information in your long-term memory and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.
So, don’t skip them or rush through them. Take your time and enjoy the learning process; it makes all the difference!
When it comes to DataMiner training, the DataMiner Dojo community is a valuable resource that can provide support, feedback, and inspiration. Make sure to engage with other members through our Q&A, forums, and social media channels.
Ask your questions directly to DataMiner experts and industry peers in our Q&A section
4. Take breaks
Believe it or not, taking breaks is just as important as the learning part itself.
E-learning—or any form of learning for that matter—can be very demanding on our brains. After all, they have a limited attention span and can only stay focused for so long. Taking breaks gives your mind a chance to rest and recharge. This will help you maintain focus and motivation, and improve your overall well-being.
And there’s more! Taking breaks also allows for better information retention as it gives the brain more time to process and consolidate information.
5. Celebrate your achievements
Completing an online course should not be taken for granted! After all, they require dedication, lots of effort, and perseverance. So, don’t forget to celebrate your achievements along the way.
Whether it’s completing a module, passing a quiz, or finishing a course, give yourself a pat on the back and acknowledge your hard work. You could even share your certificates or badges with your friends, family, or colleagues on social media or via email.
Celebrate successes by sharing them with the people you love
Not a member of the DataMiner DevOps Professional Program yet? Join over 800 DevOps Professionals in their journey toward becoming value delivery experts.
Don’t be mistaken though. Celebrating small achievements isn’t about showing off your new skills just for the sake of it. In the first place, it’s about YOU. It helps to boost your confidence and maintain your focus on the present moment rather than getting too caught up in long-term goals.
I hope these tips and tricks will help you make the most of your online courses on Dojo or anywhere else. Remember that learning is a lifelong journey and that there is always something new to learn and improve.
Happy learning!
Nice outline! Thanks Emma!