7 Tips to Adjust to Online Learning
"Student Disruption 2020" by Regents of the University of Michigan is licensed under CC by 4.0. Reprinted with permission.
Things may feel out-of-control right now. You may be facing a lot of unknowns and disruptions. Try to be patient with yourself, your classmates, and your instructors during this time. Take care of your well-being first. Making a plan and adjusting your studying may help you feel even a little sense of control.
1. Staying Organized
2. Avoid Multitasking
If you’re doing more work on your own and your time is less structured, you might be more tempted to multitask. Many people think they can do multiple things at once. But research shows us that only about 2% of the population can multitask. Even if you feel like you’re multitasking, you’re probably not… really, you’re switching between tasks very quickly (some call this “micro-tasking”). Click here for tips on what to do instead.
3. Making the Most of Video Lectures
Stick to your instructor’s schedule as much as you can. Find out how to ask questions. Close distracting tabs and apps. Continue to take notes as you would if you were there in person. Watch recordings at normal speed.
4. Setting a Schedule
As the situation unfolds, you may have fewer social commitments, group meetings, or work hours. Setting a schedule for yourself can help provide structure and keep you motivated. If you don’t already keep a weekly or daily calendar, try something like the example below to organize your time. Include time for exercise and self-care. Download a daily schedule template to help you stay on track.
5. Trading your strategies for new ones
Your routines may have to adjust during this time. Look for ways to adapt your usual habits or form new ones. For example: If you always study in groups, try a virtual or even phone-based study session with your group.
6. Working Remotely with a Group or Team
Remote collaboration will look a little different, but it is definitely possible.
- Try not to procrastinate.
- Meet regularly, especially if you usually touch base during class or lab.
- Set a purpose for meetings and use a shared notes doc.
- Keep videos open when you can.
- Check on each other and ask for backup.
7. Staying Connected with Other People
Even if we limit how much face-to-face time we spend with others on campus, connecting with family and friends might be more important than ever. And staying in touch with instructors, classmates, and group mates is still important for continued classwork.
