How to Learn Online

  • Free to audit
  • Paid certificate
  • Course certificate
  • Beginner
  • 1 week
Provider
edX
Cost
Free to audit
Certificate
Paid, $29
Level
Beginner
Duration
1 week
Effort
4–6 hrs/week
Format
Self-paced
Language
English
Subjects
Courses for Seniors
Source
edX
Last verified
14 Sep 2026

Free access to the material ends after the course length; graded work and the certificate are paid.

How to Learn Online is edX's own short course on being an effective online learner, and the techniques apply on any platform. It covers the history and benefits of learning online and how to draw on your past education; the technology fundamentals, including learning management systems, the features of the edX platform, accessibility features and using AI tools to support study; metacognition, or paying attention to how you learn; study strategies organised around awareness, balance, community and dedication; using peer interaction and community resources; and time management, including the Pomodoro method and working with your own chronotype. No prerequisites are listed.

edX marks it as introductory level and self-paced, at one week of four to six hours. The audit track is free with access that expires after the estimated course length and no graded assignments or certificate; the verified certificate is priced at 29 US dollars.

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What you’ll learn

  • Choose study strategies that suit online learning
  • Use a learning management system and its accessibility features confidently
  • Manage study time with techniques such as the Pomodoro method
  • Draw on discussion forums and peer community while learning online

Who it’s for

Anyone about to take their first online course, or returning to study after a long break.

Source: edX (opens in a new tab) · Verified · Report a change

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