How to Stay Engaged During Online Courses

9 September 2025

Online courses are a fantastic way to learn from the comfort of your couch, pajamas on, snacks in hand. But let's be honest—halfway through, you’re either scrolling through social media, taking an unplanned nap, or wondering if you should start a side hustle selling homemade candles (just me?).

Staying engaged during online courses can feel like trying to keep your dog from eating your homework—possible, but it takes strategy. So, if you’re struggling to stay focused instead of wandering into the land of procrastination, let’s talk about some foolproof (and slightly hilarious) ways to actually pay attention in those virtual classrooms.

1. Set Up Your "Classroom" Like a Boss

Just because you can attend class from bed doesn’t mean you should. Your brain associates your bed with sleep (or binge-watching Netflix), so sitting there will put you in snooze mode faster than a boring PowerPoint presentation.

Instead, create a dedicated learning space. A desk, a chair, maybe a plant for some "I'm an intellectual" vibes. Keep distractions like your phone and TV out of reach—unless you want to spend the next two hours deep-diving into why giraffes have such long necks instead of focusing on your lecture.

2. Dress Like You Mean Business (or at Least Like You’re Not About to Nap)

Look, I get it—one of the perks of online courses is attending in sweatpants. But dressing like you’re about to hit the gym (or worse, still wearing last night’s PJs) can trick your brain into thinking it’s time to relax instead of focus.

Try changing into something that makes you feel productive. It doesn’t have to be business casual, but at least swap that cozy robe for a decent shirt. It’s a small mental trick, but trust me, it works!

3. Treat It Like a Real Class (Because, Surprise, It Is)

If you wouldn’t scroll Instagram or watch cat videos in an in-person class, don’t do it in an online one. (Okay, some of you probably would, but that’s beside the point.)

Show up on time, take notes, and stay engaged like you would if the professor could actually see you (because sometimes, they can). Acting like your education is serious will trick your brain into treating it that way. Fake it ‘til you make it, right?

4. Ditch the Multitasking Myth

You think you can listen to the lecture, reply to emails, and cook dinner at the same time? Sure, and I think I can run a marathon without training.

Multitasking is a lie our brains tell us. In reality, switching between tasks reduces focus and makes you absorb less information. Stick to one thing at a time—give that lecture your full attention, and save the Instagram scrolling for later.

5. Take Notes Like Your Future Self Will Thank You

Ever gone through old notes and wondered if they were written in ancient hieroglyphics? Yeah, same.

Taking good notes isn’t just about writing down everything the professor says—it’s about summarizing key points in a way that makes sense later. Use bullet points, highlight important stuff, and maybe even doodle a little if it helps you remember concepts (but don’t turn your notes into an entire sketchbook).

Pro tip: Handwriting notes instead of typing can actually help you retain information better. Something about the physical act of writing tricks your brain into remembering things. Science, man.

6. Engage With The Course (Even If You’re Just Talking to Yourself)

When the professor asks a question, resist the urge to go silent like a student caught without their homework. Engaging with the content—whether by answering in the chat, speaking up, or even just nodding along—keeps your brain in learning mode.

Try explaining concepts to yourself, your pet, or even a houseplant. If you can teach it, you definitely understand it. And if your dog starts answering back, well… maybe take a break.

7. Use Breaks Wisely (AKA, Don’t Fall Into the TikTok Abyss)

Breaks are necessary—but they’re also dangerous. One minute you’re stretching your legs, the next you’re 37 videos deep into a conspiracy theory about time travel.

Instead of turning your five-minute break into a full-on distraction fest, do something that refreshes your brain:

✅ Stand up.
✅ Grab a snack.
✅ Do a quick stretch.
✅ Stare into the distance like a wise philosopher.

The goal is to reset, not completely lose track of time.

8. Keep Snacks Handy (Because Food = Focus)

Hungry brains are distracted brains. If your stomach is growling louder than your professor is talking, good luck paying attention.

Keep some healthy snacks nearby—nuts, fruit, or even a granola bar. Just maybe avoid loud, crunchy chips unless you enjoy deafening your classmates on Zoom.

And, of course, coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.

9. Use Active Learning Techniques

Passive listening is like watching a movie without subtitles—it’s easy to miss important details. Instead, make your learning active.

- Summarize what you just learned in your own words.
- Ask questions (even if it’s just “Wait, what?”).
- Make flashcards (yes, they still work).
- Discuss with peers, because explaining things makes them stick.

Engaging with the material directly will keep your brain from slipping into "autopilot mode."

10. Use Productivity Tools (AKA, Let Apps Do the Hard Work)

Thankfully, we live in an age where technology can actually help us focus—for once.

- Notion or Evernote for organizing notes.
- Forest to stop you from grabbing your phone mid-lecture.
- Pomodoro timers to break studying into focused chunks.
- Speech-to-text tools if your professor speaks at lightning speed.

Use these to stay on top of things instead of drowning in information overload.

11. Hold Yourself Accountable (Bribery Works, Too)

Sometimes, you just need to bribe yourself. Set small goals like, “If I stay engaged for the entire class, I get to watch an episode of my favorite show” or “If I finish my notes, I can treat myself to bubble tea.”

Holding yourself accountable—whether through rewards or study buddies—helps you push through the moments when your attention wants to wander off like a lost puppy.

12. Have a Sense of Humor About It

Let’s be real—online learning isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes, your Wi-Fi will lag, your professor will forget to unmute, or you’ll watch an entire lecture only to realize you retained nothing.

Laugh it off. Learning is a process, and nobody has it all figured out. The key is to keep showing up, stay engaged, and remember that one day, this course will just be a tiny speck in your academic journey.

Final Thoughts

Online courses might not have the same energy as in-person classes, but that doesn’t mean you have to mentally check out. Staying engaged is all about setting yourself up for success—creating a good environment, avoiding distractions, and actually trying to be involved.

And hey, if nothing else works, just pretend your professor can see your every move. Sometimes, a little paranoia is all it takes to stay focused.

Now go forth, stay engaged, and maybe finish that online course without getting sidetracked by funny cat videos. (No promises, though.