We are going through challenging times right now, and you may feel like things are a bit out of control. While studying in a classroom provides a more structured learning environment, online learning can feel just the same with a couple of adjustments. Now that you may be more familiar with Microsoft Teams, here is how you can make the most of your online classes during COVID-19.
1- Stay Organized
Being home is great, but it also means more distractions! There are several ways to make online learning easier:
- Set up a learning/work area in your home: Studying on your bed or sofa may feel comfortable but may not be the best environment to keep yourself focused and energized. Choose an area that is most similar to a classroom environment, such as your kitchen table or a desk.
- Set up a daily schedule: Your usual routine may have been disrupted, but keeping a schedule and planning your day is an essential part of online learning. Waking up at the same time every day and planning when to study and do your homework will help you be more productive.
- Take some self-care time: When you can’t seem to focus on your work, sometimes the best thing to do is to take a break. Make sure to plan some time to exercise or relax during your day to allow you a break between lessons and homework. This will help your brain understand and memorize lessons more efficiently.
2- Don’t Multitask
It’s hard not to multitask when studying at home! Juggling classes, taking care of the kids and doing home chores is a reality for many of us, but it will hurt your studies. Every time you come back to your lesson or assignment, you will need to get familiar with it again and it will take you much longer to finish it. The key to avoiding multitasking is to structure your time by scheduling one task at a time.
3- Make the Most of Your Lectures
Treat your online class just the way you would a regular class.
- Be on time: We talked about the importance of sticking to a schedule and it applies here too. Being on time to your online class will make it feel more normal and will mean you’re less likely to fall behind.
- Take notes: During the class, make sure to take notes just like you would during regular classes. This will not only help you to have a better understanding of the lecture, but it will also allow you to memorize it much faster which will save you some time when studying.
- Close distracting tabs: The online world is full of distractions and we know how easy it is to open several tabs on your computer during your lesson. The best thing to do is to close them all and focus on the class. You can always go back to them later, but you only have one opportunity to attend your class!
- Ask questions: If you feel lost or don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask questions. You can ask your teacher directly, or write them down in the chat/comment section during the lesson.
4- Study with a Group of Classmates
If studying alone is harder for you, try studying with your classmates online. We are lucky to have so many tools to stay connected with others, so why not use them to your advantage? Not only can you help each other, but it will also provide some much-needed social interaction. Make the most of it by meeting at a regular time and setting up an agenda so you keep on track and avoid procrastination.
This may not be the easiest situation right now but remember that it will pass. We are all in this together and if you have difficulties studying at home, don’t hesitate to reach out to others for help.
