The progress in technology made it possible for thousands of students from all around the world to study in the virtual environment, which, in many cases, proved beneficial.
The Covid-19 pandemic has also taken its toll, forcing schools and universities to close their doors and move to online learning. With all the hustle and bustle of these times, this seems to be long-lasting. But, although some might argue about the benefits of e-learning, most are of the opinion that remote studying is of great help, particularly for those who can’t attend face-to-face classes for one reason or another. Sometimes, having a full or even part-time job or living in a rural or hard-to-reach area gets in the way of proper education. That’s why e-learning was met with huge applause.
Despite that, studying in an online environment can be both challenging and overwhelming. Studying in a physical class for decades and then moving to a virtual world has been a shock for a number of learners. If you’re one of them, consider reading this article to find ways to make the most of remote learning and be productive in online classes.
Create a schedule
One of the most important aspects to consider when studying online or enrolling in an online seminar is setting up a schedule. Otherwise, you won’t be able to keep up with the pace of the class. Consider creating a well-thought-out weekly or monthly program with all your tasks and assignments so as not to forget to accomplish one of them and stay organized while studying.
You may find it hard to resolve all the daily tasks or final projects, and it’s understandable since you don’t have a schedule. Sometimes it’s good to go with the flow, but this is not the case unless you want to fall behind. If face-to-face classes taught you not to put work off until the last minute, learn that things are not that different in the online environment. Task prioritization is one of the things you may want to live with because it’s mandatory not only for online learning but also for your future career, so think twice next time when you want to procrastinate.
Depending on the complexity and deadline of each assignment, try to schedule them effectively, but don’t forget to leave room for breaks because they’re essential to your health.
Create a designated study environment
We know you’re tempted to use your bed as a place to study but trust us, better not to do that. First, the bed is a place to unwind, and second, it’s not comfortable when it comes to studying. Hunched shoulders, neck pain, and bad posture are just a few issues you can deal with if you attend classes from bed. Besides, online learning comes with taking notes and having discussions, which are impossible to do effectively from a bed or sofa.
Consider using a desk as a study space, or, if you don’t have one, a nightstand or shelf is also suitable. Make sure you declutter your space so that every object surrounding you is only study-related. You don’t have to reserve a large place for studying – a well-lit corner should be enough. Just make sure there’s enough space for your study materials, as well as for your computer.
Not only a designated study environment will help you get out of pajamas, but it will also keep you motivated and focused. You just know that once you take a seat there, you’re ready to work.
Take notes for active learning
With all the advancements in technology, pen and paper will never go out of fashion. That’s why writing down essential information during an online course is one of the best ways to engage with the content and ease your revision during the exam period. Whether you enroll in a German language class or take an online chemistry course, find out that taking notes is only to your advantage. Now, depending on your course format (asynchronous, synchronous, hybrid), find the best method of taking notes. If the format allows, you can jot down an aesthetically pleasing and organized version, but if you participate in a live lecture, consider writing only rough points to keep up with your lecturer and other class discussions.
Keep your study space free of distractions
Now that you’ve created an ideal study environment, you should take into account keeping it free of distractions. We know how tempting it can be to take out your phone or surf the web for entertainment purposes while listening to an online lecture, but if you want to be productive and get results as soon as possible, it would be best to stay away from technology or any other things that might cause a distraction. You can put that phone staring at you in another room or, if you know you won’t try to touch it during lessons, on “airplane” or “do not disturb” mode. We hope you’re well aware of the fact that a 5-minute social media or web surfing break can transform into a 50-minute one, so try to stay focused in those houses dedicated to studying so that you can make the most of your free time next.
Setting up a schedule can be useful in this regard; focusing on one thing at a time keeps you engaged and away from distractions of any kind.
Be active in class
We know that Zoom or Google Meet platforms make for the ideal occasion to hide behind the camera and mute your mic, but you would better not do that. Although you’re really listening to your teacher, it would also be helpful to engage in discussions, ask for clarifications whenever needed, and respond to questions if you know the answer. Since education has switched to the online mode, it can be challenging for teachers to make the difference between those students who learn constantly and those opening their materials right before the exam period, so one of the most viable solutions would be to take note of their involvement. That being said, you may want to make yourself noticed and get extra points.
