Many universities around the world have stopped teaching face to face amid the outbreak of the virus
Here are some tips to make sure you can successfully learn from study and distance learning online
During these unknown times, many universities temporarily stop teaching face to face and college students are required to give lectures online. For some students, this can be a huge challenge.
It may not be easy to organize your own studies and take advantage of the full online lectures, but here are some ways you can do this. This is an overview for all students, but your university may have specific measures in place, so be sure to continue checking your emails and portal for updates.
1. Engage in your learning
The same way you take notes when attending a lecture, it is a good idea to do the same while listening to or watching a lecture online. Sit comfortably, get a notebook and pen on hand and try to keep any other distractions at the minimum.
Take some time to look at your schedule and work on a schedule to make sure you are well prepared to attend all seminars and lectures online. Read relevant previously and ask questions if there's anything I'm not sure about.
2. Coordination for group chats
There a lot of ways of online tools like Skype, Zoom, Facetime, or Watsapp that you can download for free and let you coordinate video chats with groups of people. Use these programs to prepare study groups with classmates so you can spend time discussing ideas, analyzing texts together, and switching study tips.
This is a so great way to keep in touch with other students in your class, and to make sure that you maintain the cooperative aspect of your university studies. It also helps to add some social media so that you do not feel isolated from studying alone.
Make sure you plan what you discuss in advance and try to stick to the topic so the discussion remains productive and not chatting about other things.
3. Keep in touch with your teacher and lecturers
You may no longer be able to see your teachers during their regular hours, but make sure that you are in contact with them regularly. Maybe email once a week or even every few days to make sure you're aware of any developments. In addition, if you feel anxious or stressed, talking to your teacher can help relieve any concerns you may have.
Also remember to keep in touch with the lecturers to ensure that you have updated reading lists and that you are searching in the right places for lecture notes and slides. Feel free to call if you have any concerns about your learning, but be patient when expecting a response. Your teachers may be under tremendous pressure to prepare lectures for delivery online, so give them time to get back to you.
4. Make sure that you have all of the right tools for studying
Online lectures require a fairly good computer and good internet connection. Some students already have these things, but if they are not, talk to your teacher or Student Services office about how to facilitate this. There may be backup laptops that you can borrow, or you can integrate with a small group of other students to study together.
Make sure that you have enough stationery (pens, highlighters, notepads etc.) and the right books or articles to study from, whether it is hard copies or digital versions.
Check your portal daily for updates on classrooms and any study tools the university provides to help you.
5. Think about study space at home
If you are used to studying in the campus library, you may find it difficult to move to study at home most of the time, but there are some things you can do to put yourself in the mindset of studying.
Select the place where you can sit and work. Some students are very lucky enough to have a desk, but if they are not, then any surface you can sit comfortably in using computer stationery. Fresh coffee? Bottle of water? Make sure to keep all the things you need nearby so you don't have to keep getting up. If you try to sit on the floor with the laptop balanced on your knees, you will end up with a painful end. Comfortable study spaces allow you to focus on study materials. When you are uncomfortable, pain and stiffness will distract you from the study and reduce your chances of you returning to study.
Dark room or space can become stuffy and frustrating. It will also lead to eye fatigue and fatigue faster. If you have a dark house or office, consider adding additional sources of indirect light.
Let everyone in your family know that you are studying online. Have them not bother you while studying so you can focus on the materials. You can turn off your phone and. Once you get distracted, getting back to school becomes increasingly difficult.
Many universities in the world have kept their libraries open, so this can be an option, but try not to get too close to your fellow students. It is also important to adhere to the latest guidelines from your university or about leaving your home in the country you are in, so be sure to check if this is the case.
6. Take regular breaks
This is a common advice but it is now more important than ever when studying at your living space. You don't have to stick to Table 9-5 if that doesn't work for you, but specify the hours that are most productive and focus on studying.
Author: Srey Lux