It’s not an understatement to say that the internet has totally revolutionised education in India. Virtual classes offer flexibility and access for all types of learners. It goes without saying that beyond virtual classrooms, students have access to an entirely different model of education made possible through new digital technologies and tools. However, the right strategies are required to thrive, and staying organised is crucial for both students and educators alike.
So how can eLearning students strengthen their study skills in digital classrooms? In this article, we’re uncovering some tips and techniques to supercharge your studies in the New Year, whether you’re conducting all your study online, or just want to know how to make the most of digital assets to boost your study in 2025.
Use eLearning tools
The best way to thrive in digital classrooms is to maximise the value of the eLearning tools that are available to you. For instance, mastering learning portals like Compass or even learning how to optimize your note-taking processes can work wonders for boosting your output in digital classrooms.
A great way to revolutionize your digital note-taking is to actually get into the habit of standardizing your revision and note files. For instance, you can use a PDF editor like Adobe Acrobat to manage your note-taking, namely by combining your course materials into one master document, and highlighting key information to streamline your retention. With this tool, you can also annotate downloadable class resources and edit the structure and content to become more valuable for your learning or revision styles. These .pdf files can also be stored easily in files for each and every class, helping you maintain comprehensive resources from all of your classes that can still prove useful even well after you graduate.
Pro tip: you can also use a handwriting to text converter to turn your scribbled thoughts into professional, sleek revision documents. With this tool, everything from your class readings to your lecture notes can be compiled and saved as comprehensive and totally personalized revision resources, and all in a secure, centralized digital format.
Work in a controlled environment
A quiet space makes all the difference when tackling advanced topics as an eLearner. So make sure to choose a study area where you can focus easily before sitting down to watch any lecture or participate in any tutorial. Sit on a comfortable chair with a desk stocked with the essentials: notebooks, pens, and charging accessories for your computer and peripherals. Don’t forget adequate, adjustable lighting to avoid eye strain during long hours, bright days or dark hours.
Set boundaries with your family or roommates as well. Avoid interruptions by placing a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door, and putting your phone on silent or turning off notifications. A pair of noise-cancelling headphones also works wonders when planning to access learning content in busy places.
Optimise time allocation
Online tertiary study is no easy feat. For starters, you likely have other responsibilities in addition to coursework, so effective planning is key to making the most of your time as a student. Use a weekly schedule to write down class periods, assignment details and deadlines, and review sessions.
Be sure to also break large projects into smaller, manageable steps, then prioritise them based on urgency. Use the Pomodoro technique to stay focused without burning out. With this method, you’ll work for 25-minute blocks and take 5-minute breaks in between.
Multitasking often leads to mistakes and wasted time. Instead, use these time slots for specific tasks. For example, you might schedule listening to lectures in the morning, and then spend afternoons or evenings completing homework.
Be realistic about your capacity as well. What one person can achieve in a day isn’t necessarily compatible with you. Know your limits and remember to include ample time for genuine breaks, meals, exercise, and sleep – even if you’re revising for an upcoming exam such as the MPPSC.
Practice active engagement in lessons
Rather than passively following lectures, improve alertness with lively participation. Take resourceful notes by summarising key concepts as the instructor covers them and jot down questions as they arise organically. You don’t have to ask them straight away in front of everyone – this keeps your brain focused and helps with information retention.
Use discussion group chats and live Q&A sessions to clarify doubts. Interact regularly with peers and teachers to improve engagement and stay connected with the course material. And when classes are over, review your notes and any portion of the lecture or topic that feels unclear.
If the class content includes visual material like photos or specific diagrams, explore them further along with the corresponding written materials to fully absorb the information in different digital formats.
Utilise peer groups
One of the most effective ways to retain new knowledge is by collaborating with other students, whether in person or virtually. Online groups provide accountability, support, and different perspectives on your coursework.
Engage with fellow students who share your commitment level to spending adequate time discussing class materials, quizzing one another, and clarifying advanced concepts. During the sessions, divide the workload equally so that each person can lead everyone through one topic or specific homework assignment. This way, nobody feels overwhelmed, and everyone has a chance to contribute.
Use a robust platform to host these interactive sessions and distribute the content for each lesson. Use the screen-sharing, video, chat, and poll features to engage with your peers. You can design intuitive layouts and content pods to enhance the webinar experience.
Don’t forget to make space for self care
Online training can be intense, with aggressive schedules full of advanced topics.
Maintaining your physical and mental health is crucial to keeping up with classmates and passing those tough exams.
Regular physical activities like a simple 30-minute walk can massively boost energy and concentration. Getting ample sunlight boosts your Vitamin D intake, which is crucial for maintaining your immune system’s ability to ward off sicknesses that can derail your class schedule, as well as boosting dopamine – the happy hormone!
If you’re feeling isolated, reach out to your educator or coursemates. They may be in the same boat as you! Preserve a balance between your work and well-being and stay connected to improve your academic performance without burning out.
Get the best results from your study efforts
Remaining focused and taking as much information in as possible when you study can be difficult. However, with the right approach, you can optimise your approach to studying and ensure you get the best results. Follow the tips outlined above to boost your study routine and set yourself up for success.
