If you’re a fan of Peanuts like I am than you remember how Charlie Brown’s teacher always talked; “Wahh, wahh, WAH Wah.” That statement roughly translates into, “blah blah blah.” The trick here is to “blah blah,” or “yadda yadda” (from Seinfeld) out the unneccessary noise in your life.

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Everyone falls into the trap of being overwhelmed, overworked, and just plain tired of repetitive tasks. When this feeling settles in it’s hard to keep your concentration in check…something highly valued when it comes to absorbing information for class.

Or when you have a discussion post due you might feel it best to throw out the first thing that comes to mind so you can be done with it, right? Don’t think this way, it may be the boredom or sedentary getting the best of you. William Klemm, D.V.M., Ph.D. of Psychology Today shares 12 other ways to improve concentration. One I find most important is fighting boredom.

Dr. Klemm says one of the best ways to fight boredom is by making the target into a competition or game of sorts. By not letting the repetitive task seem like something you do all the time can enliven it for you. Try timing yourself, or taking a different approach to starting the task. Whichever way you approach it, don’t do it the same way everyday.

[Related post: Create Your Own "Success Kit" for Your Online Classes.]

It’s crucial to have the right equipment and technology for your online education class. At the very least, you should have reliable access to an up-to-date computer and a high-speed Internet connection. Depending on the course or degree program, you may need other specific software too – some of which may be available to students through the school’s Web site or server.

[See what kind of degrees are offered online, and how you can get started.]

Before you enroll, check the university’s technical requirements and make sure you’re able to meet them. You don’t want any surprises once the semester begins. In fact, before each course start, you should perform a technical check – testing your connections and all equipment you’ll be using throughout the semester. From time to time your computer will suggest you update the software on your computer. Some of these may include windows updates, adobe updates, driver updates, wireless or wired device driver updates. These can be essential to the smooth functioning of your computer, and academic year.

- Online Learning Tips Staff

We cannot articulate this enough fellow students!  Create a schedule. Determine what time is best for you to study and work on your assignments. Is it every Wednesday while your partner is out for poker night? Maybe it’s Saturday mornings when the kids are at soccer practice. By creating a schedule, and setting task reminders, you’re less likely to become overwhelmed juggling school with your other commitments. 

A schedule is extremely important since your classes are online.  While you can access the classroom any time, by setting a regular schedule, you’re more likely to succeed and remember to dedicate yourself to the commitment of education.  A schedule will help you plan ahead, accommodate future appointments and meet your classroom assignment dates ahead of time.  If you lack a schedule, you will more easily forget about an assignment or procrastinate until you are overloaded.

 - Online Learning Tips Staff

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