Online data science program can be very daunting or overwhelming. Many online programs require a great deal of discipline and serious time management to complete. While some online programs have live instructors that can be engaged, some do not have and you will be required to chart your own path, read the course materials and videos to progress.
In this article, we outline some techniques you can adopt to navigate through the steep learning experience usually posed by an online data science program.
Make a Personal Study Plan or Timetable
Treat every course or program as professionally as possible. Make your own personal timetable to show what content or module you will be covering that day and map it to a time of the day. This helps you stay balanced, as you won’t be overwhelmed having to do many things to meet up later.
Use the Pomodoro Study Technique
The pomodoro technique is time management that uses a timer to break work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. This technique can help you in overcoming the boredom of sitting for long to study or revise your data science lessons.
Enroll in the course with a Friend if Possible
Research has shown that people who enrolled in an online course with a friend are more likely to complete the course. You can draw motivation and staying power from a friend who also registered for the course.
Get an Accountability Partner
Having someone who holds you accountable daily is a huge improvement. This can be anybody willing to ask you your day-to-day milestones regarding your data science program. This helps you stay motivated.
Engage a Mentor
Mentorship is one big way to keep yourself on track, no one is an island and we can all get confused at some point but getting a mentor who is willing to push you to achieve what they know you can, is very important to your education. Your mentor will encourage you at those times you feel like giving up and you will be back on track before you know it.
Celebrate Every Milestone
Most people get a lot motivated when they receive a gift or get applauded for a job well done, this can also be applied to your progress in the online course. Reward yourself with a treat at each point during your data science online program to stay motivated.
