Online bootcamps are a great option for those who need flexibility to work around a busy schedule. Coding bootcamps like The Tech Academy can be attended completely online, and even offer a hybrid training where students can study remotely and in-person. While there are many reasons students opt for online programs — convenience, money saved on transportation, and the ability to work in your pajamas — it also comes with its own set of challenges. Remote study requires discipline and focus in an environment that can be full of distractions. After surveying instructors at The Tech Academy to find out what makes a successful online student, we’ve compiled a list of 5 tips to help anyone who’s interested in enrolling in an online program! 1. Know if Online/Remote Study is Right for You This first step to online or remote study is knowing what is expected of online students, what’s necessary to be successful. Before enrolling in an online bootcamp, look for a free online course or an instructional video you can follow along with to see if online classes are right for you. Taking courses remotely requires a lot of discipline, organization and self-motivation, and some people might find that their learning style is more aligned with in-person courses. Additionally, get in contact with the online bootcamps you’re considering enrolling in. Ask about the teaching/learning process, instructor availability for remote students, etc. This will give you a good understanding of what to expect if you decide to enroll. 2. Create a Study Schedule While there are many benefits to studying remotely, it also comes with its own set of challenges. It’s much easier to find distractions, or a reason not to study when you don’t have to physically attend a class. To help yourself not give into distractions, establish a study schedule and stick to it. Set aside a few hours everyday that are dedicated to online study. A piece of advice from one of the Tech Academy’s remote instructors is to “approach online classes like a job, and stick to your schedule as best you can.” If you miss a day, hold yourself accountable by making up the hours. Keep in mind that the more you develop your routine, the easier it will be for you to maintain it! 3. Take Breaks from Looking at a Screen A good tip for working developers and students alike is to take short breaks away from your screen. If you’re feeling tired or frustrated while studying, try getting up and walk around! Whether it’s taking a walk around the block or just walking around your house to grab a snack or some coffee - giving yourself a break can help you feel refreshed and can help avoid feeling burnt out. 4. Know & Utilize Your Resources A big part of being a developer is knowing where to find solutions to problems. This is also a big part of learning how to code online or remotely. When you inevitably run into roadblocks, it’s good practice to have a list ready of resources to reference. Websites like W3schools, Stack Overflow, .NET Perls and Udemy are all useful tools to help when learning how to code. For online bootcamp students, one of the best resources available are instructors. Bootcamps like The Tech Academy have dedicated remote instructors that are available via phone, email or screenshare. If students are running into problems, they can share their code and have an instructor guide them through the problem-solving process. 5. Have a Dedicated Study Space Finding or creating an environment that is quiet and free of distractions is essential to attending an online bootcamp and studying remotely. Having a dedicated study space, whether it be a home office, a corner of the library or simply a desk in your bedroom, can help you get into the right headspace. A few tips from The Tech Academy’s remote instructors are to make sure you have a reliable internet connection, let your housemates or family members know that you are studying and shouldn’t be disturbed, and to logout of social media. If you’re interested in learning more about our online or hybrid study programs, contact us today at info@learncodinganywhere.com ! We'd love to answer your questions, and help you find out if online study is right for you.
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