So here we are, about a year into life with COVID-19 — still doing so much online, including learning. Teachers, students, and their loved ones have been making heroic efforts to adjust, and even the toughest among us have had to fight through some degree of “Zoom Gloom” or virtual fatigue. But with vaccines in distribution and months of evidence about how resilient we can be, now is no time to give up on remote learning. Instead, let’s talk about how to take your online education to the next level.
Whether you’re going to school in a completely virtual format or a hybrid model, here are some success tips.
Remind yourself — this is real
There is no shortage of reasons to take online learning seriously. Teachers are still issuing grades, schools are still calculating GPAs and awarding diplomas, and employers are still interested in job candidates with high school diplomas and college degrees. “Attending class online is very different from being in a physical classroom. But this is an opportunity to learn to live in new ways,” advises Sousan Arafeh, associate professor of educational leadership and policy studies at Southern Connecticut State University.
Prepare and focus
Even though it’s online, you’re still attending school in a classroom. It helps to prepare by cleaning up, putting on your school clothes, and equipping your space with the books and supplies you’ll need. Resolve to be focused. “One of the hardest aspects of learning from home is that there are many distractions,” notes Arafeh. She recommends establishing a routine that works for you and sticking to it. Arriving with assignments completed is also important. You’ll learn more, and you’ll feel better about going to class because you’re ready to go.
Connect
Your teachers or professors can be great allies, so give them a chance. They’re trying hard to reach you. “One surprising benefit of online learning is that it’s easier to interact with your teacher before and after class,” points out Jed Macosko, professor of physics at Wake Forest University. “Even if you sat in the front row for in-person learning, your teacher would likely still be 12 feet away, and behind a podium. But with online learning, you are literally face-to-face, and you have a much better chance to make a good connection with your teacher.”
Participate and engage
There are so many ways to be active and involved in your classes. “Make sure to use every available channel to ask at least one question per week,” suggests Macosko. It doesn’t have to be in front of everyone else. “Even in a video conference platform such as Zoom, there’s always a way to privately chat with your teacher." Interacting with classmates is also a good idea. "Reach out virtually with your fellow students when you can,” says Arafeh. “Now that you no longer see each other in class, you may want to talk about the classwork or plan time to study together."
Take notes
Studies consistently show that note taking is a highly effective memory aid. It requires you to pay attention, plus notes are useful for keeping track of assignments and studying for tests. Even if you record what the instructor is saying, research shows it’s not as helpful as writing things down – ideally, by putting pen to paper. “Taking notes is the hardest tip to follow remotely,” observes Macosko. “It’s a lot easier to take notes when you are there in person and everyone around you is also taking notes. But note taking is just as important in online classes, or perhaps even more so.”
Be good to yourself
It’s tough to be disciplined if you’re feeling sleep deprived, run down, or just plain down. Attend to the basics of physical and emotional self-care. A little pause for reflection can go a long way. “With the amount of change that’s going on, it’s important to be realistic and gentle with ourselves and each other,” says Arafeh. “Take your scheduled time to eat, exercise, and have fun.” Yep, you should take breaks and even have a little fun. With balance comes endurance, and both will serve you well as you stay the course with your education.
On Topic
Marshand Vasquez, Wenatchi Band of the Colville Tribes and descended from the Yakama Nation, is a senior in the Life Sciences program at Salish Kootenai College. After completing his BS, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health and attend medical school. Vasquez’s involvement with AISES began in 2016 at Little Big Horn College when he was involved with the NASA First Nations Rocket Launch. Since then, he has served as the Student Chapter president at Salish Kootenai College from 2018 to 2021 and the Region 1 Student Representative for the 2020–2021 academic year.
Nearly a year into remote learning, what challenges still exist for you?
Scheduling has been the biggest ongoing challenge for me. There have been numerous unanticipated changes to my daily academic and personal scheduling obligations due to COVID-19.
What pitfalls should students be aware of — and avoid?
Online learning doesn’t mean you can’t leave the house. Make it a point to get dressed and leave your house at least once a day, even if it is just checking the mail or walking down the road a little bit for exercise.
What are three ways students can successfully navigate remote learning?
1. Schedule office hours with all your instructors at least once at the beginning of each quarter or semester to discuss course expectations and clarify any syllabus questions.
2. Utilize a desk calendar to keep track of all pertinent personal and school obligations. Do this in conjunction with any phone calendars you may already use.
3. Reach out to other students in the courses you are taking to discuss assignments and prepare for exams.
How can students in a remote model best collaborate with classmates ?
Virtual meetings are the best way to get together with with other students because they can accommodate numerous people, while remaining socially distant.
How can remote-learning students build relationships with their teachers and advisors?
Utilize virtual office hours for more than just help with course material. Scheduling office hours to communicate and get to know your instructors helps to alleviate the “unknown” or uncertainty that arises in the distance learning environment.
