Taking in-person classes is generally effective for helping you learn and improve various skillsets. The traditional classroom setting allows you to listen more actively. Listening in person can be expressed through eye contact, occasional nods, responses during recitations and activities, and more. In short, body language is always involved to display the attentiveness of an individual in a traditional classroom.

In a digital classroom, on the other hand, active listening can be a challenge because there are various issues you can face, such as distractions and slow or fluctuating Internet connection. To get the most of your online learning experience, you need to work harder to be engaged with your environment so that you can learn more effectively.

The rise of online learning has made enhancing listening skills in the digital learning environment essential. In this article, we will share with you three tips on how to enhance your active listening skills in a digital classroom when taking various online courses:

1. Make your presence known

It is easy to feel distant from your peers and instructors in the digital classroom, especially when you are used to taking classes in traditional classroom settings. Because of this, it is important to make them feel that you are more than just a moving image on the screen, that there is a living, breathing human present on the other side of the screen.

You may consider trying videoconferencing to establish a deeper connection with your peers and teachers, which encourages you to listen more actively. To experience a more dynamic and blended learning environment, you may try joining an online webinar course. Here, you can engage and interact more with your classmates and mentors and establish your presence. 

2. Give personalized feedback

Receiving personal feedback from your mentors allows you to have a better grasp of your performance and motivates you to perform better. This makes you feel that the time and effort you spent on your online course is worth it. It also improves your sense of accomplishment, empowering you to learn more, and even give feedback to your peers. In short, feedback inspires you to actively listen so that you can provide feedback to your peers effectively as well.

3. Engage in an environment that encourages collaborative discussions

Active listening online is best practiced and honed by building an online community that encourages collaborative discussions. Having a regular peer-to-peer exchange makes you and your classmates feel heard and it welcomes a healthy interchange of ideas.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, listening is at the heart of effective communication. This skill improves the way you communicate with others, helps you understand them better, and lets you overcome any communication barriers. 

When and taking online courses, various factors can cause misunderstandings and miscommunications among students and teachers. To maximize your online learning experience, gain access to a deeper level of information, and talk to your peers and mentors more effectively, you must learn how to listen actively, especially when you are talking with others in the digital world. By doing this, you can ensure a positive listening attitude, build a deeper relationship with your classmates and mentors, and encourage healthy conversations.

To help you become a better listener, you can take an active listening online course with us today. Browse our website to learn more about our online courses!