5 Home-Study Hacks for Military Spouses

Online training is incredibly convenient for lots of people. You can do it anytime you want and you don’t have to drive to a campus and sit in a classroom. And these days, you can get just about any training or education online. But it can also be challenging. You need lots of self-discipline, great time management, and a clear motivation. Sometimes you don’t feel like logging into your course, some lessons are boring or difficult, and sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated and easy to get distracted by other responsibilities. Before you get started, make sure you have a reliable internet connection and you know how to fix it if it goes down. Also, remember to save and backup your work. Here are 5 home study tips to successfully complete online career training. 1. Study Plan and Schedule As with any journey or project, you need a good plan before you start. Plan a specific study time and stay on schedule. Commit to two-to-three hour blocks of study time. You’re more likely to focus on your studies between 10 AM and noon. Tell family and friends that’s your school time. Look ahead in the curriculum if you can to see what assignments are coming up and when they’re due. Leaving assignments to the last minute often results in stress and rushed, inferior work. Get an idea of how long each module will take, when you’ll be taking quizzes and exams, and which sections may be more difficult or time consuming. This can help you effectively fit your studying around the other events and responsibilities in your life. Her are more tips to maintain your focus while studying online. 2. Set and Track Goals Write weekly to-do lists to keep yourself on track. Like a to-do list, there’s something satisfying about setting goals and crossing them off as you’ve achieved them. Read the course learning objectives to get a clear idea of your personal goals in this training program. Create a calendar and mark major family events like vacations and then plot out when you’ll be completing each module, assignments, projects, and exams. Set short-term and long-term goals and track your completion of modules or courses. When you complete a big goal, reward yourself with a decadent dessert or a night on the town. 3. Designate a Study Area Set up your work station in a separate alcove or office if possible. Ideally, you have a room with a door to close out distractions and noise. Keep all your materials and supplies organized in one easy-to-reach area. Arrange your study space to fit your learning style and routine. Try to keep this area quiet and free of distractions. Move your smart phone out of reach so it isn’t too easy to check your social media feeds. 4. Visualization Athletes use visualization to achieve their goals, picturing themselves hitting a homerun or throwing the perfect pass. It’s also a good technique for people striving for some goal to stay focused on what they’re working toward. Pin a picture in your study space or visit web sites dedicated to your dream career. Write out why you’re doing this: the career you want, why you like it, how it will improve your and your family’s life, and what it will take to get there. 5. Take a Break Sitting and staring at a bright computer screen for hours is not good for your physical and psychological health. At certain points, you’ll feel your mind wandering too often or find it more difficult to focus. Take a few short breaks to get up and stretch. Get away from your study area and consider taking a brief walk outside. Don’t forget to make time in your day for exercise, too. Also remember to reach out to the instructor when you have questions. He or she can offer advice and help you avoid frustrating setbacks. With daily family, household, and other responsibilities, committing to online career training can be challenging. But a detailed plan and a big dose of self-discipline will help you reach your goals. Another tip for online study success is choosing the right program. It’s important to select a trusted, experience provider that gives you the tools and support to realize your career objectives. Meditec is just the partner you need in your new journey. Browse the available programs and enroll today!