How to make online learning work for you

With online learning resources, you can study whenever and wherever you like.

To successfully achieve the CGMA qualifcation you’ll need effective study sessions and a strong work ethic.

You can study more successfully if you remove distractions, prepare yourself physically and mentally, manage your time, and remember that less can be more.

Remove distractions

Staying focused is crucial. When distractions break your line of thought, your studying becomes less effective and learning takes longer. If you keep getting distracted, you could spend twice as much time studying.

Wearing headphones or earplugs can block background sounds and reduce distractions, helping you stay focused.

Silencing your email and social media notifications and activating your phone’s ‘do not disturb’ feature can also prevent interruptions. If you’re viewing a webcast, try watching from start to finish to stay engaged with the material.

Prepare physically and mentally

Gather the materials you need, such as stationery, calculator, headphones, and something to drink. Find a comfortable space where you can focus. This allows you to get straight into it, without having to break away often.

Allow yourself 15-minute breaks in longer study sessions and make sure you are prepared to take notes. Keep pen and paper or a digital notepad nearby. Putting information into your own words aids in memory retention, and your notes will prove beneficial when preparing for your exams.

My learning journey would have been challenging if I had not taken notes. Taking notes aided my comprehension of the material and served as a valuable resource for me in so many ways.

For instance, my notes were a handy reference when answering questions before fully memorising the content. This allowed me to begin practising questions earlier on in the learning process. Additionally, my notes proved helpful when transitioning to other subjects where assumed or prior knowledge was necessary. Finally, my notes were invaluable when studying for case study exams, as they helped me to bring together all the knowledge I needed from different subjects and levels.

I even referred to my notes when I first started working.

A good night’s sleep whenever you can during study weeks is also key. If you are well rested, your focus and ability to study effectively and retain information improves.

If a long day has left you feeling tired and you have a study session or online class planned, try refreshing yourself by drinking a large glass of water or opening a window for fresh air.

Manage your time

Life is busy, and we can all put off studying if we don’t set a schedule and stick to it.

Time management is essential to making online learning work. Without a study plan you could fall behind, which can not only cause stress, but may also leave you without enough time to prepare for the exam adequately. Designating days and times for studying each week can help. You can also keep track of assignments, deadlines, and progress using a digital calendar, planner, or to-do list.

Less can be more

Managing a busy schedule and maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging when working towards your CGMA designation. Perhaps you only have 20-30 minutes to study at the end of the day. That’s OK – you can still learn and progress with smaller time increments. The accessibility of online learning materials supports you in this effort.

I used to find it hard after a long day at work to be able to motivate myself to study, the thought of studying for an hour or two some days felt impossible, especially after so much screen time at work.

I decided to plan these study sessions to be short. I broke down the learning so I could complete a short section or just a question at a time. I found that I could give what I was doing my complete attention and it was very effective.

Turned out less can be more

Online learning takes determination, forward planning, and self-motivation. Try writing your short- and long-term targets on sticky notes, so you have a visual reminder of your overall goal –focus on this goal, it is the motivation you need. Did you know? The CGMA Study Hub offers a wide range of study support and free resources. You’ve got a team of professionals working to help you reach your educational goals and find your dream job.

• Nasheen Wuisman, Senior Manager of Global Academic Progression at AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants