5 Tips for Online Class Success
Prior to the pandemic we got to chose if we wanted to take an online course. Now it is forced upon us. Transitioning from in person instruction to online can be pretty challenging, especially when you had no intentions of ever taking an online course. When the pandemic hit and college classes where in question I felt pretty prepared for my online masters. I had taken at least 21 of my undergraduate courses online and I had chose to pursue my masters through an online course. My life wasn’t affected by coronavirus in that aspect but my heart went out to all the college students who had their world turned upside down. Online school isn’t for everyone but now no one really has a choice. I hope these tips can make it a little more manageable.
Time Management
This is a must! You will not be successful unless you manage your time wisely. When you don’t have to go to class everyday it is so easy to push off assignments. When you wait till the last minute your work is rushed and you are miserable. Use a calendar and write down your assignments. Do a little bit everyday and give yourself plenty of time to finish before your due date.
Pay Attention
I am guilty of not following this one. During my online classes its so easy to not pay attention and look at my phone the entire time. I have done this many times and it screws me over in the long run. I get to my homework or an exam and have no idea what is going on because I didn’t pay attention. I then waste more time repeating the lecture again.
Take Notes
Even though your powerpoint will likely be available to you for a while online it is important to take notes. I have all my lectures available to me for the entire semester but I still take notes because it forces me to pay attention and think about what I’m writing. Students who take notes tend to remember the content better than those who don’t.
Set up a quiet space for yourself
I didn't do this my first online semester and I struggled to focus. I lived with three guys and had the dining room table as my “office”. I was often distracted listening to the tv or wondering what everyone else was up to. Now, I have a room designated as my study space. I’m away from everyone and can get my work done faster.
Don’t do your work in bed
This kind of goes off my previous point of setting up a space for yourself. Even if you don’t have room to make yourself a quiet space at least find yourself a place to study that is not your bed. I know some people live by studying in their beds but it can actually be bad for you. It is important for your brain to have a designated rest and work space. If your bed is also your office your brain notices that and struggles to relax in bed when its actually time to sleep.
Good luck + happy studying!
