Online Learning: Tips for Students Going The Distance.
The transition from face-to-face to online classes must have been overwhelming with no time to pause and plan. As a student taking online classes for the 1st time, you may be thinking distance learning will be a breeze with less demands. To some extent yes, but the luxury and flexibility it offers can be a disservice to your learning if not properly managed. Do bear in mind that schools are closed to manage the covid-19 pandemic but learning is a continuous venture. The world, your community, family is waiting on you to help solve its presenting problems using the knowledge you are yet to acquire. So sit up and let’s do what students do. The tips below should help you make the most of your online lessons.
• Firstly, Take Enough Rest Prior to Your Online Class.
The human brain benefits from a good rest as much as the body does. Several research findings suggest that taking rest prior to learning is effective for memorization and academic focus. This is also affirmed in a 2012 study conducted by researchers at Case Western Reserve University which found that a daily 10- or 20-minute nap can significantly increase academic focus. The Wall Street Journal profiled a 2013 study that suggested longer nap periods are beneficial for certain learners. You definitely do not have to settle for your online class stressed out, tired or sleepy as you may struggle to concentrate, engage and maintain focus.
• Have a designated Learning Area. Wherever you find yourself, whether a big or small space, identify a moderately serene area for learning. Having a designated learning space helps you establish a learning routine. It is important to ensure the designated area is always clean, at least prior to your online lesson. Research suggests that students are able to process information and focus better in clean learning environments. For students who have big enough learning spaces to maintain a designated learning area just for the purpose, you will find this extremely helpful as just viewing your designated learning space could send a brain reminder to study even though you find yourself at home.
• Get Ready at Least Five Minutes to Time. How do you feel walking into a class after a lesson has begun compared to getting seated before the lesson commences? How would you assess your level of mental preparedness to engage in both scenarios? Getting seated at least five minutes before the lesson begins allows you to set up your computer, tablet or phone, it allows you log unto your learning platforms, you can also grab your writing materials, get rid of destructions and simply get physically and mentally ready for the class. To make the most of your online class, you need to take it as a real face-to-face class.
• Be Prepared to Take Notes. Yes, it is important to take notes just as you would do in a face-to-face class interaction. Once you are prepared to take notes, you are conscious of active listening. As you listen and decide on what to include in your notes, your mind and body is active; thereby preventing feelings of boredom and destruction. You’ll also be able to indicate important points in a presentation; making study and understanding easier after class. Being mindful of the fact that online learning is of no less importance compared to what is delivered in face-to-face class sessions, the preparedness to take notes which is accompanied by active listening helps you identify aspects of the lesson you did not understand and ask meaningful questions when given the opportunity. It is also crucial to not just take notes but take notes in an organized fashion that makes revision easy for you.
• Avoid Engaging in Other Activities Along Side Learning. You may by now recognize the pool of destructions you are exposed to learning outside classroom walls. Your phone may signal a notification or worse your favorite television show may be happening at the time of your online class. This is the reason it is said that the best online students know how to minimize destructions and set aside time to focus. Simply because teachers and lecturers cannot see you does not eliminate the element of accountability. Successful online students hold themselves accountable. They try as much to lessen and avoid destructions during their online lessons by putting cell phones away if that is not the device for engagement and eliminate all visual and audible destructions.
• Glance Through Notes Right After the Class. Glancing gives you an opportunity to have a quick overview of what you have written and assess if the written information corresponds to the understanding you obtained.
• Set a Calendar Reminder On Learning Schedule, Assignments and Due Dates. You are not going to get things done unless you have a reliable way of reminding yourself to actually do them. Once you are given a project or assignment during your online class, set a calendar reminder on your phone about 24 to 48hrs before the assignment due date. You can also set multiple reminders on when to complete fragmented tasks within one assignment as well as times of the day and week you would commit to studying. This will sure help you stay focused and do effective learning while meeting all deadlines.
These tips are not exhaustive but would definitely help you make the most of your online classes.
You can contact education 360 learner support team on +233 202744083/email education360gh@gmail.com. We are happy to help.
