When your day-to-day work demands thought and effort, it can be all too tempting to see training as an opportunity for a break. This is especially true for eLearning, where there is no tutor watching over you, poised to ask you a question and check that you are paying attention. However, while it's fine to see eLearning as a break from routine, it certainly isn't a break from thought and effort.


Success is dependent on your being well prepared and fully engaged with the learning, and the tips here, if followed diligently, should help make you a good eLearner and fertilize the fruits of your labour…

1. Set aside specific time for your learning.
2. Minimise distractions, e.g. switch off mobile phone/ipod etc.
3. Improve your concentration. Remember: it's how well you learn, not how fast.
4. Be an active reader. To learn from reading material, you must be a thinking participant in the process. Think about what you are reading, ask yourself questions, and have an opinion about what you read - don't be passive.
5. Take notes along the way. Write down any major points you have learnt.
6. Discuss what you've learnt with others - vocalising and discussing issues helps you make sense of what you have learnt.
7. Take advantage of mixed media: audio, video, etc. - try to adopt a variety of learning styles.
8. Try learning with a colleague - you can discuss the topics and help each other understand complex points.
9. Do it at a time that suits you best - a major benefit of eLearning is that it can be done whenever you like. If you work best in the wee hours of the morning, do it then!
10. Give yourself a good incentive for finishing each module/course.