Conquering Online Class
TIPS FOR HELPING YOU SUCCEED AT ONLINE CLASSES
It is fair to say that this year has been everything but normal. Work, relationships, family, and of course, school have all been impacted. School has gone almost entirely online. This calls for a new approach, so here are a few things that may help you improve your online learning experience.
MAINTAIN A SCHEDULE
Do you feel stressed about schoolwork, or maybe even busier than when you were actually walking to class? Don’t procrastinate! Setting up a schedule can help with these things. Grab your favorite scheduling tool and designate a time during the day for your classes and homework, so you don’t have to spend the rest of your day in worry.
DESIGNATE A STUDY AREA
Your learning environment plays an enormous role in your academic success so create a space just for studying and learning. This could be in your dorm room, a coffeeshop, or you could even turn a closet into an office. Get creative! Just make it well organized, well lit, comfortable, and quiet. When your allotted time for study has come to an end, leave that space. Allow yourself a break from the spot in which you associate learning and studying with.
ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
Be present in what you are doing, so you can get your schoolwork done and done well. This can even allow for you to have more time in your schedule because with your full attention your homework may take less time. Turn of the TV, mute your cell phone and notifications on your computer, and don’t start looking at social media. But in all of this, don’t forget to leave room for the unexpected.
CONFIRM CLASS REQUIREMENTS
Make sure you have what you need to succeed in your class. Usually this can be found on your syllabus. Gather the textbooks and other supplies you need before you start. You don’t want to fall behind because you didn’t have the right supplies for the class.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TUTORING SERVICES
Tutoring is right at the fingertips of a University of Wisconsin River Falls (UWRF) Student. UWRF offers free tutoring services online all throughout the academic year. The Student Success Center is available during normal business hours by phone with any questions about setting up time. Set up an appointment and find other contact information at www.uwrf.edu/AcademicSuccess/Tutoring/. Tutoring gives you one on one assistance that can help you when you don’t fully understand something or simply help you to improve your current understanding. Take advantage of this resource!
JOIN OR CREATE A STUDY GROUP
Joining a study group is helpful in more than one way. A study group can provide support and encouragement for you when encountering any highs or lows in school and life. Study groups can also help you with major assignments and exams. They are people you can bounce ideas off of, conquer task requirements, and cram for exams with. If you don’t have one available to you, create one by asking the people in your class or major if they want to be a part of a study group with you. Chances are you are not the only one that wants a study partner.
ENGAGE IN ONLINE DISCUSSIONS
Most people don’t want to do this, but an important part of online learning is being active and present in your classroom participation. In order to fully understand certain concepts, it is helpful to see and understand a point of view that is not yours. It may also give you a chance to ask questions to get more clarity on a topic. Engage in online discussions and get to know your professor and classmates.
LEAVE ROOM FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Life happens and things come up. You might have someone stop by your dorm that needs to chat. You might not feel well. Don’t schedule yourself so tight that you can’t be a little bit flexible.
GET OUT OF YOUR CHAIR
Sometimes staring at a computer screen all day can make you tired. Get some fresh air, go for a walk, exercise, take a break. You can even schedule this into your day. Taking a break will help you refresh your mind.
All in all, learning online may not be ideal, but it can be conquered. It may present new challenges for you, but there are ways you can set yourself up for success. Hopefully, with these helpful tips, you can overcome the learning curve and succeed online!
FREE DIGITAL SCHEDULING RESOURCES
- Google Calendar calendar.google.com
- My Study Life mystudylife.com
- Or grab a free printable planner like this one for Microsoft Word templates.office.com