Top Tips for Online Learning
5 minutes read
Online learning is thriving, but how can you make sure you get the most out of your experience? Beth Brambling, Online Manager for Faber Academy, shares her top tips for studying creative writing online.
Embrace the benefits of online learning
It’s totally normal for people who are used to an in-person classroom environment to be hesitant about joining an online course. Many online courses try to replicate the exact conditions of the live classroom and end up falling short, but at Faber Academy we know that the online classroom has so much more to offer. Rather than seeing online learning as a pale imitation of its in-person counterpart, we embrace and lean into all of the differences to create a vibrant, dynamic classroom.
Our proprietary online classroom software supports many different kinds of media – from surveys and podcasts to live calls and interactive documents – so if pen and paper isn’t your style, we have you covered. Fully mobile ready, you can take the classroom in your pocket and learn on the go.
More of a night owl, or find yourself travelling a lot? Our lessons are accessible anytime, anywhere and the forums are open 24/7. Whether your schedule is dictated by caring responsibilities, shift work or a different timezone, you can connect with your fellow writers on a schedule that suits you. Post questions, leave feedback and chat with your peers in your own time.
Championing diversity is central to Faber Academy’s mission and online learning is a key tool in this work. By providing world-leading courses to students all over the world, we are able to centralise and support voices from every corner of the globe. Our emphasis on peer feedback means stories come to life with the input and perspective of our diverse and welcoming student body.
Make space to be creative
When you learn in a traditional physical classroom, the space has already been put aside for you to learn. With online learning, you need to carve out this space for yourself.
Finding somewhere quiet is always going to be priority one. You may already have a quiet space in your house, but if not check out your local library or a cafe – you’re sure to find some writing zen while supporting key local amenities. Lots of writers find routine helpful, so even though you might not have a regular weekly class to attend you can always try to head to your creative space – wherever that may be! – to do some regular writing practice.
If you work from home and already have a dedicated workspace, think about whether you can alter it in some way (moving the furniture around, sitting at a different part of your desk or altering the lighting with a lamp, for example) to make it feel distinct from the place you do your work.
Keep in contact with your fellow writers
At Faber Academy we know that one of your greatest assets as a writer is the relationships you form with your coursemates. On a course of any length it’s perfectly normal for life to do what it does best and throw you a curveball. Perhaps a busy week at work or home means you miss the exercises for a session and feel like you’re falling behind. You might get so wrapped up in drafting your own project that you can’t tell if you’re heading in the right direction anymore.
On your Faber Academy online course your coursemates will always be there to help. Regardless of the issue, it’s almost guaranteed that somebody else is going through something similar, and will be able to support you or give some sage advice. Although online learning can require more active participation than an in-person course, there are so many opportunities to uplift and empower each other. On previous courses we’ve loved seeing WhatsApp groups being set up to support new parents on courses, out-of-hours Zoom meetings for people wanting to dedicate some time to their writing and globe-spanning relationships which have lasted long beyond the final session.
Set your goals early
Whether you’re joining us for a one-day sprint or a nine-month marathon, one of the best things you can do to succeed on an online course is set your goals early. Whether it’s to write your first poem, establish a regular writing practice or to come out with a draft of a novel ready to start sending out to agents, knowing what you want to get from the course at the outset will help you plan your time and pace yourself accordingly.
Our online courses are all designed with specific outcomes in mind and the sessions will guide you towards these goals, but do take some time to think about what is important to you, and what you want to achieve.
Invest in comfy pants
As a remote worker myself, my number one piece of advice for anyone starting a remote course or role is this: never, ever underestimate the power of a cosy pair of sweatpants. Live sessions via Zoom mean that you can look fancy from the waist up whilst being stealthily comfortable in your favourite comfy bottoms. I utterly refuse to believe that anybody has ever written the great, decade-defining novel in a pair of jeans, and now you can embark on your opus while enjoying all the creature comforts of your home.
Study creative writing online with Faber Academy, from wherever in the world you call home. Our online creative writing workshops are open to students from all over the world, from beginners to advanced writers. We offer a range of courses in fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and use a bespoke online classroom to offer the expert tuition and writerly camaraderie that have made our London courses so successful.
Our online courses are designed to fit around your other commitments, whether you’re interested in writing a novel, finally finishing that draft, honing your crime writing skills, or delving into the darker side of storytelling.
Explore all online courses here.
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