Photo via Pexels
While the pandemic shows no signs of slowing down, life must go on. People need to go to school, and thanks to the internet, it’s still possible to further your education without risking your health! Attending an online university is a fantastic way to lay the groundwork for a career in IT. Consider pursuing a college-level IT degree online while you’re stuck at home. If you’re new to online school, getting started can feel a little overwhelming, so we’ve created a quick guide to help you out.
Picking A Program
Whether you’re looking to break into the IT industry or advance your career as a software developer, there are several different paths you can take. For example, if you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you could earn an online master’s degree in cybersecurity, IT management, or data analytics to open the door to new job opportunities. An online school, like WGU, will teach you everything you need to know to enjoy an exciting leadership career in the IT field.
If you’re looking for entry-level programs, consider earning your bachelor’s degree in cloud computing, computer science, software development, or health information management. Pick an IT specialty that sounds the most exciting to you.
Establish an At-Home Learning Space
With so many distractions competing for our attention, staying focused on your studies can seem impossible. Setting up a dedicated study space is the key to eliminating distractions and enjoying success with at-home learning. Get Schooled recommends establishing your learning space in a quiet area of your home and setting up a desk so you can spread out all of your notebooks without feeling crowded or cluttered.
Also, make sure you have all of the tools you need to complete your online courses efficiently. Reliable internet service and a modern computer are essential for avoiding lag and connection issues during class.
Determine Your Learning Style
Everyone learns differently. Are you an audio or visual learner? Or do you learn best by reading and taking notes? The beauty of attending university online is that you get to customize your learning experience so that it aligns with your unique learning style. Once you determine your preferred learning style, employ study strategies to boost your learning efficiency. For example, if you are a visual learner, take color-coded, handwritten notes with sketches, charts, and graphs that can help you visualize complicated IT concepts.
Practice Time Management
Good time management skills are also incredibly important. When you attend university online, you don’t have to be anywhere at any specific time. You are responsible for completing coursework on your own. The better you can schedule your day, the easier it will be to juggle all of your commitments. Plan ahead and map out the due dates for all your upcoming assignments and tests so you can avoid those last-minute study sessions.
Focus on one assignment at a time and resist the urge to multitask. You’ll work much more efficiently by dedicating all your attention to a single project instead of spreading yourself thin. Daily to-do lists, frequent breaks, and personal goals can also help you stay on task and avoid procrastination.
Keep in Touch with Classmates
When you’re learning online, your peers will serve as an important resource for assistance, motivation, and guidance. Get to know the other people in your online class and set up a virtual study group so you can dig deeper into your course material and ask questions about concepts that are particularly confusing to you. Plus, touching base with your classmates from time to time will help you feel less isolated while pursuing your online degree.
Attending an online university is a great way to pursue an education without quitting your day job. All you need is a computer and reliable internet connection, and you can start laying the groundwork for a career in IT today. As long as you have good time management skills, you are bound to succeed.
Do you have a passion for IT? Check out the Scientific Programmer for coding courses and tech career advice that can help you pursue the path of your dreams.