(blog)

When everyone went into lockdown during COVID, people started looking for ways to live full lives without leaving home. That’s how online education and remote work became a real discovery — and later, a normal part of life. Today, during the Russian-Ukrainian war, many courses at my university are held remotely, and I also take online courses I find on the internet.

Even though I sometimes feel nostalgic for the days when people attended offline courses — where they could meet, talk, and make friends with similar interests — online learning has its own advantages. For example, you can study from anywhere in the world, listen to lectures wherever you like, and rewatch them to absorb the material better.

But there’s one problem — when listening to online lectures, it’s easy to lose concentration and not retain information well. Here are a few tips that can help you learn more effectively online and better develop useful skills.

1. Set a Clear Goal

Before starting a course or program, define your purpose. Knowing why you’re learning will help you stay motivated and see your progress.

Example: “I want to learn the basics of copywriting to write better content for my brand’s social media.”

2. Create a Schedule and Stick to It

Online learning often tempts us to procrastinate. Block out specific times in your calendar and treat them seriously — like an important meeting or job.

3. Set Up a Comfortable Learning Environment

It’s much easier to focus when there are no distractions. Find a quiet spot, turn off notifications, and close unnecessary browser tabs. Stick to the rule: one task — one screen.

4. Take Notes and Write Down Key Ideas

Whether in a notebook, Google Docs, or apps like Notion, note-taking helps you understand and remember the material better.

5. Review the Material and Test Yourself

Don’t just watch the videos passively. Take quizzes, do the assignments, or try to explain what you’ve learned to someone else — this reinforces your knowledge more effectively.

Wishing you a productive learning journey!

Feel free to share your own tips for effective online learning in the comments!