When you are working towards achieving an online computer science masters, or any computer science degree for that matter, there are some things that many experts will recommend that you do. These lists include the typical information, from warning against procrastination to being comfortable with math. 

Most of these lists vary a little, but they all include encouragement to form a study group. Whether with classmates at your physical location or a virtual one with other classmates who are part of your online masters in computer science, here are three tips for having a successful computer science study group.

Everyone has a different way of studying. Since there are different ways of learning, this makes sense. However, a study group can be a place to try new techniques. There may be a new way to study that you hadn’t thought of. You will also have a chance to share the ways that you personally have learned to understand the concepts your class is learning. When you create your study group, try to find people with different ways of thinking about problems. 

New Ideas 

Be open to learning new ideas. While you might be expecting to learn this in your program, there are plenty of chances to learn in your study group. Don’t look at them as a way to just review, go in excepting to learn something. The other members of your group may understand something you didn’t, and you might understand something they didn’t. Study groups also make you listen to other people. Even if you feel fairly comfortable with a topic, by going in and listening to other people talk about it and work through the same problems, you might see a new way to approach the issue. Plus, often, great ideas are made real by large groups of people working together. 

Many schools will even help you get a study group going since, whether you are attending school for your masters in computer science online or for a degree on-site, they want you to succeed. The New Jersey Institute of Technology, for example, lists out the individuals who can help you succeed while attending their program. 

Very few jobs require you to work in complete isolation, and computer science jobs are no different. Many times, you will be working with your coworkers in a small group setting. A study group can give you a chance to practice working with a wider variety of people that may have different ideas than you. Study groups also give you a chance to work together on projects that might have you stumped. This collaboration can teach you to take advantage of your study group and ask questions. You can help each other learn. 

Computer science can be a complex topic that can take a lot of work to learn. By forming a study group, you can help your learning experience. When you join a study group, think of the things that you are learning. You can practice collaboration and teamwork, learn new ideas, and pick up some new tricks to help you study more effectively.