The Career Academy11/05/2023

Benefits of Online Learning (and how to actually make it work)

Practical strategies, planning tools, and tutor support so you study smarter—not just harder.

If you’ve decided to upskill, switch paths, or finally get serious about a passion—good call. Online learning is flexible, affordable, and effective when approached with the right routines and supports. Below you’ll find quick wins, evidence-based study tactics, and built-in tools to turn intent into progress.

1. Make Time Your Friend

Commitment beats motivation. Pick a default study slot (e.g., Mon–Thu 7–8pm) and defend it like a meeting.

3-step routine:
  1. Default: Choose days & time. Put them in your calendar now.
  2. Trigger: Link study to a cue (dishwasher on → start timer; commute → open module).
  3. Plan B: If you miss a session, do 20 minutes the next day. Don’t wait a week.
Tool Use the planner below to generate a 2–4 week schedule and export it as .txt or .ics.
Finding study time

2. Set Yourself Up For Success

Setting up a study space

Design your space to make the right thing easy—charger plugged in, tabs pre-bookmarked, headphones ready.

2-minute pre-flight:
  • Silence notifications (or enable Do Not Disturb).
  • Open today’s module and the focus timer.
  • Water + snack within arm’s reach.

Tip: The “Study Space Checklist” tool below will remember your setup via your browser.

3. Connect With Classmates

Learning sticks when you explain it. Use your student portal to find a study buddy or post questions.

How to ask great questions:
  • Context – which module/lesson?
  • Attempt – what did you try?
  • Blocker – where exactly are you stuck?
  • Question – what would help you move forward?

Need motivation? Browse student stories here.

Connecting with classmates online

4. Talk To Your Tutor

Tutor support

Our tutors have real industry experience and unlimited support is included for most courses.

Template to email a tutor:

Subject: Module 3 – Payroll recon errors at step 2

Hi [Tutor], I’m on Module 3: Reconciling Payroll. I’ve tried steps 1–3 and get a mismatch at step 2 (screenshot attached). I expected X but got Y. Could you help me understand where I’m going wrong and how to verify Z?

Thanks, [Your Name]

5. Choose the Right Course for Your Goal

Start with the role, then work backwards. Scan 5–10 job ads and collect the repeated skills & tools.

Skills-first checklist:
  • Top 5 keywords from ads (e.g., Xero, Excel, Accounts Payable).
  • Match those keywords to your course modules.
  • Plan a portfolio proof for each (e.g., sample reconciliation, dashboard).

Not sure? Chat to our Career Centre for a free course-fit chat.

Picking the right course

6. Study Methods that Actually Work Online

Effective study methods
Try this mix:
  • Pomodoro 25/5: 25 minutes focus + 5 minutes break. Use the timer below.
  • Active Recall: Close notes and explain the idea in your own words (“blurting”).
  • Spaced Repetition: Review tough items 1 day later, then 3 days, then 1 week.
  • Feynman: Teach the concept to an imaginary beginner; note gaps and re-study.

Example: After a lesson on Xero bank rec, record a 60-sec voice note summarising the process; next day, reconcile a new sample without notes.

7. Common Pitfalls & Quick Fixes

  • “I’ll catch up on the weekend.” → Book 2 short weeknights (30–45 min). Momentum beats marathons.
  • Too many tabs. → One module tab + timer. Everything else closed.
  • Drifting goals. → Write a 1-sentence outcome per week (“Submit Module 2 quiz by Thu”).
  • Silent stuckness. → Post in forum within 24 hrs following the Context-Attempt-Blocker-Question format.
Avoiding pitfalls

8. Tech & Access

Tech setup
  • Devices: Keep a “lite” version of tasks for phone (review flashcards, re-watch short clips).
  • Bandwidth: Download PDFs or slides for offline review when needed.
  • Accessibility: Use captions, text zoom, or dark mode if it helps you focus longer.
  • Backups: Name files clearly (Course_Module_Task_v1.docx) and sync to cloud.

9. Wellbeing & Motivation

  • Non-zero days: On rough days, do five minutes. Keep the streak alive.
  • Rewards: Pair a post-study treat (episode, walk, call) with your timer’s finish.
  • Posture & breaks: Stand, stretch, hydrate every 25–30 minutes.
  • Reflect weekly: Note one win, one challenge, one adjustment for next week.
Wellbeing habits

10. Contact Us

Contact us

Get in touch to map a learning pathway, set milestones, and unlock tutor support.

Career Centre: Videos, resources, and personalised help so every step toward your new role is clear. The Career Centre has your back.

11. FAQs

  • How many hours per week? 5–8 hrs works for most full-timers; use the planner to spread it out.
  • Can I pause? Talk to support about deferrals if life happens—don’t ghost your goals.
  • Will employers value online study? Yes—show a proof piece per skill (report, spreadsheet, portfolio).
  • How do I stay consistent? Calendar it, use the timer, and post a weekly goal in your portal.

Plan Your Study Time (creates a schedule)

Choose target hours and days. We’ll generate sessions and let you download a .txt plan or add them to your calendar (.ics).

    Focus Timer (Pomodoro-style)

    Ready
    25:00

    Study Space Checklist

    Tick off what you’ve set up. Your selections are saved in this browser.

    Payment & ROI Helper

    Estimate a weekly payment and see how quickly a small pay bump could cover your course.

    Payment options