One of most effective methods of having discipline in online learning is to ingrain positive habits into your daily schedule. Determine the barriers to academic success in your schedule. Ask yourself if you are choosing the ideal times to study, spending too much on less important activities or wasting time on excessive leisure activities. Develop a feasible and consistent schedule. Also learn to use your time wisely and allocate free time toward studying.
Remove yourself from distractions and reduce negative habits that hinder academic success in online courses. Choose a location that is conducive to studying and matches your personality. If you are easily distracted by Facebook, trying catching up on your reading outside, or if you must do work on the computer, refrain from opening too many tabs to avoid the temptation. Change lifestyle habits that conflict with being studious, such as sitting at locations that keep you glued to the television and reluctant to study.
Cultivate motivation that helps you remain dedicated in online learning for a long period of time. Develop an attitude that takes online learning seriously and establish high expectations for yourself. Think about the results of making a good grade in your course to create excitement for the future and spur you to action. Write down how success in online learning will benefit your life. Tell others about your goals to share your excitement with someone else and try to obtain an accountability partner.
Fight any tendency toward immediate gratification and work toward long-term goals. Write out your goals for the online course, such as the grade your desire, the amount of time to study each day and the frequency of posting in online discussions. Discover why you are procrastinating and attack the root of the issue. For example, if you fear failure, remind yourself that no one is perfect and tackle the assignment one step at a time. List the deadlines in a journal to track your progress for future assignments and tasks.
Remaining disciplined for your online learning requires practice. Therefore, commitment to your academic goals includes not giving up even if you failed at staying on task or did not make a desired grade on an assignment. Instead of retracting your efforts, evaluate the cause of the failure and make plans to prevent similar mistakes in the future.