How to Stay Organized During Remote Learning

It’s hard enough to stay focused on schoolwork when you are surrounded by other students and faculty at college. These challenges become even tougher to tackle when you are stranded in your hometown. There are so many new distractions around you that it can be hard to remain focused. However, there are some tips you can follow to stay on top of your schoolwork, even while attending Zoom University.  

Purchase a Planner 

Without in-person classes, it can be difficult to stay on top of your assignments. It seems like a constant puzzle to figure out when paper deadlines are and what homework is due next class. One way to keep track of your work is to purchase a weekly/monthly planner. This way you can look at your class syllabuses and write down what is due and when. This ensures that there will be no projects that take you by an unfortunate surprise. You will be better prepared for the future by spending this time acquainting yourself with the course.

Keep your physical workspace clean

Due to the nature of online classes, you will likely be spending a significant amount of time at your desk. Keeping this area clean and tidy will ensure that you don’t get distracted by random belongings and that you have enough desk space to be able to easily access your textbooks. Also, consider purchasing desk and paper organizers to keep all your writing materials in one place. Keeping your physical space clean will help prevent your mind from wandering and allow you to focus on the task at hand. 

Control your tabs and desktop

In this new online format, it is important to have an organized virtual workspace as well as a physical one. It is distracting to have multiple windows with dozens of tabs open. Limit the number of browser windows you have running so you can focus on your work. Another important area to organize is your desktop. Instead of having loose files littered all around the screen, try creating separate folders for each class. This way all of your important files are in one place. Organizing your computer is crucial to maintaining your focus during remote learning as it limits the number of distractions available on your computer. 

Create a calendar for your classes

The worst feeling is looking at the time and realizing that you accidently missed half of your class. Try creating a calendar to remind you of your upcoming meetings so you can prevent this tragic circumstance from happening to you. There are many online calendar services that have built in reminder functions, such as Google Calendar or Apple’s Calendar. You could also opt for an aesthetically pleasing paper calendar if you are feeling some virtual fatigue. Either way, a calendar is an effective method to keep track of what your plans are for the day.

Establish a Routine

During these unprecedented times, it can sometimes seem like the days blend together. It is very easy to lose track of time and then suddenly be behind on your schoolwork. The best way to stop yourself from getting stuck in this mindset is to find a routine to follow. This will help you allot your time between academics and recreation. All work and no play is not productive and will lead to a burn out. Organizing your time will allow you to use your day effectively and maintain balance, despite being at home. 

The adjustment from in-person to remote learning can be difficult. However, by organizing your physical and virtual space, it will be easier to remain up to date on your responsibilities and benefit your overall academic environment.

 

• organization
• Planning
• Remote Learning
• routine
• Zoom