The Best Ways to Study and Train Using EMS Online

Are you looking for a way to achieve your career goals in EMS? Online education provides the convenience and flexibility that a traditional classroom cannot while still providing the same high-quality, accredited courses. If you are new to online EMS training, here are 3 ways to help you study smarter and make the best use of your time.

Create a Structured Environment

When looking for training or CE solutions, EMS virtual classes will fit even the busiest of schedules. However, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you’ll get to your continuing education when you have time; you have to make the time.

People retain more information when they can learn in small digestible chunks versus cramming. Set aside time each week to work on your CEs, even if it’s just 30 minutes.

When it comes to organizing your time, Erin Condren suggests spending 20 minutes each week to map out your plan. Doing so will reduce stress and help you feel more prepared. Dedicate time to look ahead each week, and be sure to set aside time for your online courses.

If you use an online calendar, set notifications to remind yourself when it’s time to start studying. You can also add multiple reminders to help make studying a priority. For example, set a reminder the night before and a couple of minutes before you should start studying. Most online calendars also let you color-code your blocks of time. If you select a color just for online learning, you’ll be able to see at a glance whether you have dedicated enough time in your week.

Create a Learning Environment

When it’s time to work on your EMS courses, study in a place that is conducive to learning. Purdue Global University suggests finding a place free from distractions that is comfortable, but not too comfortable. You don’t want to fall asleep! You’ll want an environment that gives you visual clues that now is the time to learn. Get creative! A study environment could include your bedroom, a home office, a library, or even out in nature if you can access the internet.

• Try to keep your space free from distractions, but a few photos or inspirational items are okay, according to the Association for Psychological Science.
• Make sure you have all the supplies you need for notetaking. As you watch the videos and read the material, you’ll want to jot down important ideas you don’t want to forget.
• Find a chair that is comfortable and you can sit in for long periods of time. Once you are uncomfortable, you’ll be too distracted to keep learning.
• If your study space tends to get too hot or cold, keep a fan or space heater close by so that you will feel comfortable enough to keep studying.

A cozy learning environment will encourage you to keep working toward your EMS education goals.

Create a Focused Environment

Too often we tell ourselves we can multitask. The reality is, we don’t accomplish as much as we think. According to Psychology Today, it can take us 40% longer to finish something when we ask our brains to frequently switch back and forth between various tasks. When we eliminate or minimize distractions while we study, we are able to stay focused for longer periods of time without getting tired. Here are a few ways you can stay focused when studying online:

• Turn off social media notifications. Our brains get a rush of dopamine when we get a notification, making it hard to resist checking our emails or profiles.
• Take regular, timed breaks. Consider the popular Pomodoro method invented by Francesco Cirillo. He claims 25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break will eliminate burnout and help manage distractions.
• Post a sign on your door or communicate with those in your home or workspace. Let them know you are studying and prefer not to be disturbed.
• Leave yourself a note for the next time you study. It can be hard to get started if you can’t remember where you left off. Remind yourself what you need to do next.

Online EMS training and continuing education is a great solution for achieving your career goals. When you create an environment that helps with your structure, learning, and focus, you’ll be completing your courses in no time. Be sure to check out all the EMS courses CareerCert has to offer. You’ll find accredited virtual instructor-led training, scenario-based learning, and self-paced courses that can help you progress in your career.

Start now and find the best online option for you!

Source:

• Burkus D. Why You Can’t Multi-Task. Psychology Today. November 15, 2018. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/creative-leadership/201811/why-you-can-t-multi-task
• Cirillo F. The Pomodoro Technique. Cirillo Consulting. https://francescocirillo.com/pages/pomodoro-technique Accessed November 2, 2020.
• Condren E. Daily, Weekly, Monthly Planning Tips. Erin Condren. https://www.erincondren.com/daily-weekly-monthly-planning-tips
• Google Help Center. Change or turn off Calendar notifications. Google Support. https://support.google.com/calendar/answer/37242?co=GENIE.Platform. Accessed November 2, 2020.
• Guides. 12 Study Tips For Online Learners: Succeed in your eLearning Course. Kajabi. August 30, 2017. https://kajabi.com/blog/12-study-tips-for-online-learners-succeed-in-your-elearning-course.
• How to Create the Perfect Study Environment for Online Learning. Purdue University Global. May 23, 2019. https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/online-learning/create-perfect-study-environment-online-learning/
• Lafata A. Generation Notification: Why Our Brains Literally Love Notifications. Elite Daily. Bustle Digital Group. December 8, 2014. https://www.elitedaily.com/life/generation-notification-science-behind-notifications-obsessed/866812.
• Tidy Desk or Messy Desk? Each Has Its Benefits. Association for Psychological Science. August 6, 2013. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/tidy-desk-or-messy-desk-each-has-its-benefits.html