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When previewing follow ideas and major concepts more closely rather than words. Let titles and heading provide clues and guidance. If author is playing cutesy with headings — title doesn't match contents--rewrite headings so that they fit something that can help your memory.
By reading introductory and concluding paragraphs first, you will also be able to calculate what you're reading pace will need to be, how much time you will need to set aside, and amount of effort.
Environment
Take special care of your eyes when reading from computer screen. Take frequent eye breaks by refocusing them on some object far away. If your eyes are bothering you, there are special computer reading eye drops available. If you wear bifocals, ask your eye doctor or lens manufacturer to raise starting line to accommodate computer use. This will also stop neck strain caused by slight movement of up and down to align bifocal line so that you can read screen. Bless doctor who told me about this. This adjustment removed neck pain since.
Don't slouch. Frequently it is easy to lower shoulders and neck. This occurs most often when monitor is not at ideal position -- eye level. This also adds tension to neck and shoulders resulting in muscle cramping. If you tilt screen up, at a higher angle, where screen’s center points toward your nose, you will reduce tension and cramping.
Pace
We tend to assume that our reading pace remains same for Net browsing and for e-Learning. Not true. e-Learning requires same flexibility as if you are reading a book. The pace depends on reading skills, type of material, and quality of its presentation. Allow your pace to change depending on information. Let go of comparing how long it takes when you read it in printed form vs. online form. Allow flexibility in study time until you learn to gage material with your own level.
Questions
Allow your inquisitiveness to be open while studying. Record questions that appear within your thoughts. A great way to expand or answer question is to write question on top of a blank page. Set a timer for 7 to 10 minutes and write fast anything that shows up. At end of writing, write a summary sentence or two of what you wrote.
Did your free write answer question? If not, you may want to continue through a few more timed exercises. Or let it go for moment, return to your studying, and add it to your research list. Free writing is always a great way to access deeper meaning being stored in your subconscious.
The most important key to any type of learning is to find your own rhythm and stride and have fun with whole process. Retention is best absorbed while relaxed, open and curious.
Catherine Franz, a Business Coach, specialized in writing, marketing and product development. Newsletters and additional articles: http://www.abundancecenter.com blog: http://abundance.blogs.com