Unlock Success: Expert Tips for Effective Online Learning

We asked Emily Tannert Patterson, Associate Learning Designer for Cambridge Advance Online what her top tips are for a successful learning experience.

Set aside time

Ideally on a regular basis. Cambridge Advance Online courses are designed to take participants between six and ten hours per week. One of the unique elements of your course is in the focus on participation and group work. You’ll be surprised how much you learn from your peers in addition to our subject matter experts.

Consider the time of day when you do your best work

Some people are most energized in the early morning, others at night. Whatever works best for you, try and block out time each week at a time when you know you’ll be most productive.

Organize your environment

Try to create a quiet, calm space where you can focus on your course material without interruptions or distractions. This is particularly true for live sessions with subject matter experts.

Study in small chunks

Our courses are designed to be a series of bite-size pieces so that you can move through the course in your own time, in a way that works for you. You don’t have to set aside an hour or an afternoon – you can watch a course video while on public transport, check the discussion forums while in the coffee line, and do a bit of reading while you wait for the pot to boil. (You will also want to have some longer periods of time for more in-depth work – but some material can be covered in the small moments.)

Additional support

If you have specific requirements, we encourage you to communicate that with the course team ahead of time so we can provide you with everything you need to succeed. Cambridge Advance Online is committed to the accessibility of our courses, and we comply with (and strive to go beyond) WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards.

Remember… learning is learning

If you were a copious note-taker in the university lecture hall, chances are you’ll still learn best with pen in hand. Course videos are not the same as Netflix – so if you choose to study from the couch make sure you are still learning effectively – taking notes, thinking about the content, asking yourself questions, etc. Whatever study strategies have served you well in the past, you’ll want to implement them again.

Don’t be afraid to reach out

Don't be afraid to reach out if you are struggling or need support. Our courses have been designed to make the experience as seamless as possible, but sometimes the unexpected happens… speak to your course tutor if you need help.

I hope these tips have been helpful and remember that everyone’s learning experience is unique, so these are meant to be a guide rather than a rigid manifesto. Just reading this blog is a tangible step towards success. We look forward to welcoming you on your course!

Explore our range of online courses led by University of Cambridge academics, and learn from thought leaders at the forefront of academic research. Visit our website for more information: advanceonline.cam.ac.uk(Opens in a new window)