The struggles of online learning are well-documented. Kids are not focusing as much as they do when they are in a traditional classroom. They are distracted by the familiar things they see around the house—their toys, parents, siblings, and of course, the television and computer. But is it different from college students? Are they better online learners than younger students?
The coronavirus pandemic has upended a lot of things. This coming school year, some college students will not be able to enjoy their university life. Freshmen students who have been looking forward to starting their naturopathic nutrition diploma course will have to log on to an online platform to start learning. That excitement of the first day at school is all gone. For this year at least, they have to content themselves with meeting their new friends online.
Although it’s a different time, that’s no reason for you not to do everything in your power to learn. You’re still going to pay the tuition. You’re still incurring student debt. Why should you not maximize this opportunity? Besides, if what experts are saying is any indicator, remote learning might be the new norm in the years to come.
Set Daily Goals
What was supposed to be your daily schedule if you attend a traditional class? For freshmen college students on full course load, you’re supposed to have classes every day. You’re also supposed to sit in one- to two-hour classes for every subject. Set goals for yourself each day. It will help you be on track of your modules. For example, commit to watching all the videos on Module 1 and finish that writing assignment you’ve been tasked to in your literature class.
Don’t forget to reward yourself when you make progress toward your goal. A 30-minute break is a great reward. Maybe a chunk of chocolate chip cookies can also inspire you more to finish your goals.
Organize Your Things
Take the time to organize your things. Make sure you have all the modules and devices you need. Navigate the online platform system, so you won’t waste five minutes logging into your online classroom. You should set up a system on how you can take down notes while the professor is teaching through video conferencing.
There are a lot of online tools available for students. Check out what tools can help you organize your notes and record the activities in your online classroom. Having this information will come in handy come finals week.
Create a Workspace
It’s important to have a dedicated workspace where you can study and do your assignments. It doesn’t have to be a separate room though that will help. You can redecorate a corner of the living room or even the basement so that it will be conducive to studying. The room where you study and the area where you take your breaks must be separate. This distinction is necessary to help you focus.
Schedule Time for Study
When you’re staying at home, it’s easy to get distracted by your family and some other activities you can do. That’s why you should commit to a schedule. Create a calendar of when you are supposed to study, watch online lectures, do assignments, and research a paper. Your classes shouldn’t be the last thing on your to-do list. Having a schedule even when you’re home will help you keep up with your lessons.
Find a Support System
Remote learning is always going to be difficult because learning was not designed this way. Make sure you have a strong support system. Your friends and family can be a source of your strength in such a horrid time in your life. Open up to them about the struggles of online learning. Post on social media about your achievements. Be completely open to how you feel about this current situation. You need all the help you can get.
Take Breaks
It’s easy to pour yourself in schoolwork because you don’t have anything else to do. You don’t have a side job to do in the evening. You cannot meet friends or hang out in a nice coffee place. But that’s not a reason for you not to take breaks. If you have to walk outside, do so. If you want to go for a run, allow yourself to do that. If you want to help your mom make dinner, then feel free to bond with the family. As much as you want to be productive at all times, it will benefit you to rest your mind after a particularly hard research paper.
This pandemic has caused many people to take stock of how they’re living. And while your life has been upended because of it, use this time to be proactive. Maximize the time you have now to learn and make something out of this horrible situation.
