Web- Enhanced Reading
Online reading tends to differ from traditional reading in several different ways. With traditional reading, readings usually takes place within a group or classroom, while online reading can be whenever the student is near a computer. Also, with traditional reading, the readings are focused on one page at a time while online readings are interactive and one can decided what to read. Since there is huge differences between web-enhanced reading and traditional reading, one needs to acquire some new strategies when first starting to read online. Some of these strategies that are important to increase your comprehension when reading online are:
Before Reading:
1. Review. Review the syllabus and make a list of all the readings you need to accomplish.
2. Create a good environment. Reading involves your full attention, so get rid of any distractions that you may face. Turn off the TV, silence your phone, go on a website that will block all social networks that usually distract you while you are studying. Since online reading, obviously involves reading on a tablet or computer, make sure to select a spot to read where you have good lighting.
3. Make sure you have all the required software. With traditional reading all that matters is that you have the book, but with online reading you need to make sure you have the right software to view the readings. So make sure all the required software is downloaded before you commit yourself to reading.
While Reading:
1. Scan the reading. Scan throughout the reading, to let yourself know what exactly you will be reading and to determine what your goals are for the provided reading. Your goals might include things that you need to understand and comprehend the most or the practical application that can be used.
2. Become an active learner. Ask yourself questions about the key points of the reading, so that you comprehend the material better. Also take notes of the material as you read through the material. I find it very helpful to summarize each section after reading, so that you can identify the key points of each section.
3. Use the features available. A bonus to reading online is that you can pretty much do everything you do in traditional reading plus more in a faster amount of time. You can highlight and take notes right onto the reading, making it easier to go back through the reading and find important information. Also, with many online readings you can search a specific section that you may feel that you need to learn about a little bit more.
4. Take breaks. If you read everything straight through, you might not comprehend everything as much as you should. By reading straight through you just worry about getting the reading done rather than comprehending the material. Also, since you are reading off a monitor your eyes can start to bother you, so make sure you give your mind and eyes a break every 30-45 minutes.
After Reading:
1. Review Your Notes and Questions. Make sure your notes and questions are helpful enough, that you don’t have to go back to the reading to study.
Study Strategies
The great thing about modern technology is that there are an endless amount of websites and apps you can use to help you improve your studying. If you have a problem with staying organized and staying on track with your tasks, create a Google calendar that has all your due dates and meetings scheduled into it. If you like studying with note cards but hate making them, there are several different websites that may have the note cards you need already or make it easier on you to make, a great an example of this is Study blue. There are an endless amount of websites that can improve your studying skills, all you have to do is Google whatever issue you may have, and there’s probably a 99% that you will find something that can help you! All you have to do is be creative and find studying skills that are the most helpful to you!