How Can I Make Online Learning Work for Me?

Schedule My Training

I will make and keep a weekly appointment with myself to take courses. If at work, I will make sure I obtain permission from my supervisor.

My Goal: Train for 45 minutes to 1 hour at a time

If I go much longer than this, my eyes will need a five-minute break from my screen -- my brain may need a five-minute mental rest as well! 45 minutes to 1 hour is the best possible concentration period for an adult to train and retain new material.

Optimize Learning

I want to get the most out of my training. I will make my training space ready by:

• Moving that to-do pile out of sight (even if it is by my feet temporarily).
• Putting up a sign so my co-workers know I am in training.
• Using headphones, if available, to eliminate distractions at work.
• Turning on my voicemail or asking a co-worker to cover the phones.

Note: Some agencies have a personal computer lab or a personal computer in a quiet area available for staff, which makes an ideal training spot! If this is true for my agency and these computers have inter- or intranet connections, I will try to choose that location. If I had chosen the option of "Home" use only and I want to use the equipment at work I will speak to my supervisor to see if I could use the computers during lunch, breaks or after hours to take my online learning.

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