Most of us are all of a sudden having to switch over to online classes. This is such a drastic change that all happened so fast. One minute you were planning what you would do once you got back to school, the next minute you can’t even go to your classroom anymore. It is great that we at least have the option to continue our education in some form, this is better than nothing. I know how hard this can be for some to adjust. We all have our preference in learning, but I will give some pointers on how to stay more focused and succeed on these online classes.
- Avoid Distractions
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We can all easily become distracted, one of the biggest distractions is your phone. Everything is on our phones. Social media, Netflix, YouTube etc. It is so easy for us to feel like we are getting bored and pick up our phones to scroll through social media. The next thing we know is we wasted an hour on our phones. This hour wasted then becomes an hour not studying. Hearing those notifications go off on your phone instatly distracts your mind from what you were reading or listening to for class. I like to set my phone on do not disturb so I don’t hear any notifications or texts. I also like to put my phone out of sight so I don’t see it and be tempted to pick it up and check social media. Online classes requires some serious dedication of full concentration to understand what you are learning better. So just put the phone away and reward yourself with some Netlfix once you have finished your work.
- Be in a Comfortable Environment
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Working in an uncomforatable place is not fun so set up a nice atmosphere for yourself. A clean place will help you feel refreshed also, but make sure you don’t sit in a spot that is too comfy. For example, your bed is a big no. I know whenever I do my homework on my bed I end up falling asleep. If you have a desk and chair then use that instead. You will be comfortable but you also won’t fall asleep easy this way. If I have a large amount of reading to do I love to play music to help me focus while I am reading. If the room is too quiet sometimes I listen to outside noise which can be distracting.
- Set Boundaries
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Coming home can make family very happy, but it is okay to set boundaries when you need to listen during online sessions. Just explain that during certain times you can’t be bothered because it is important to stay focused, after all we are still getting our education. Normal class doesn’t get interrupted so neither should your online classes. Set up a sign outside your door so when people in your home walk by they know that you are busy. Afterwards go ahead and spend that quality time with family when you finish your studies.
- Active Communication
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Communication is key to many things and during these changes it will be so important. Many professors are doing everything they can to help teach us our curriculm, but there is only so much they can do on their own. Some have been teaching for years and years and this is a first for them too. So give your professor feedback during and after any WebEx sessions. If the audio sounds, off speak up! Trust me, your professors will only appreciate you more for letting them know. It makes it easier for you, the rest of your classmates, and the professor. When the teacher asks questions don’t be afraid to unmute your mic and answer questions even if it is just letting them know you are doing good still. I know it can be hard to ask any questions after online sessions since there is no in person office to go to now. Instead, just make sure to use email or text your professor if they give you that option. Communication now is more important than ever.
- Study Buddies
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I loved to get together with my classmates to all hangout after class to do homework together. Study sessions are always great for various reasons, like getting a better understanding of lessons or studying for exams together. Now this isn’t possible at the time, but don’t let these limitations stop you. Make group chats or also set up times to video chat. Stay in touch with each other and help each other out anyways. Keep each other motivated and keep studying together in these alternative ways so you don’t start getting behind in your online classes.
- Stay Organized
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Remember that handy planner you were so excited to buy and use at the beggining of the year? Now is a great time to start using that again. Plan out your whole day every day on what you need to do. Block out times in your planner for study time only or online class time only. Any homework that gets assigned, write it down right away before you forget. Make sure to also cross out anything you did complete so you keep yourself on track! Good organizational skills will help so much when it comes to keeping yourself on track with school.
- Stretch and Stay Active
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Online class means no more going up Ambrose Hall’s stairs all the way to the fourth floor. With that being said, that also means for some of us that was the only physical activity we got for the day. Walking around from one building to another for classes was good movement for us to do. Now we will be sitting around a lot more than we normally do. This isn’t very healthy for us so don’t forget to stay active even with some at home work outs! You don’t even need gym equipment, just go on YouTube or Instagram and look up some at home workouts. Another thing we may notice is our legs, knees, back can start hurting from laying around so much so make sure to get in some good stretches. Take even little 15 minute breaks to get a good stretch in! We can not forget to keep our bodies healthy during this time.
- Don’t Procrastinate
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This is easier said than done. Online classes can be really easy to procrastinate because of the freedom of time you suddenly receive. Just remember if you keep telling yourself you have time later over and over again then you will end up running out of time and therefore only stressing yourself out. So with the extra time do your work that needs to be done right away.
- Relax
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Finally, breathe and relax.There are so many changes that are happening and so suddenly. What is happening globally is really impacting so much and that is causing a lot of stress. Do some deep breathing exercises to help ease yourself a bit. Talk to someone if you need to. Reach out to people by video chat or a quick text to make sure you are all doing okay and if not, help each other out. There are even online resources for therapy services that can be used. Our mental health is so important and this isolation time can take a toll on it. Eventually these stressful times will pass, but in the meantime try your best to maintain your mental health well or to be there for others who need that extra help.