5 Tips for Online Learning (Personal Experience)

As the world progresses through the pandemic online learning has become the new norm. In these unprecedented times, students can get lost in the piles of online meetings and homework. As a student, I have personally have experienced this feeling of being lost and confused with online learning. With these few tips, I hope your online experience can be smoother and more bearable.

1. Notion

Notion is a website where students can organize their work and schedule. Some of the features that I personally use in this program are the daily tasks, calendar, and budget.

These categories help me by keeping my daily work organized and visible. The calendar feature allows me to put in all of my assignments and classes and see when tests or quizzes are due. This allows me to keep track of what is coming up for the week and be able to look ahead towards future assignments. The budget feature helps me keep track of my expenses and how much money I have left for grocery shopping or hanging out with friends

Notion has helped me get organized before a semester and keep track of everything I have due. This program is very useful for all students and non-students as well.

2. Seek Virtual Interaction With Your Peers

In an online setting getting to know your peers tends to be very difficult. In most cases who you have in your class allows for that class to be way more fun and interesting. Even though you won't see these people in person it is crucial to actively make relationships with people in your class.

Making these types of relationships will make that hour zoom call go so much quicker knowing someone is going through it with you.

3. Remain Engaged in the Course

I know how hard it is to pay attention on a zoom call. The lectures can be tiresome and feel pointless. When you feel this way remind yourself why you are taking these classes in the first place and where it will lead you. Remind yourself of the life you want and how this will help you get there.

Another great way is to just participate, speak up, ask questions, and so on. Never stop learning and always ask questions

4. Office Hours

This is a great way to get to know your professors personally as well as understand the material better. Office hours are crucial to success in college and can also make you realize your professors are human too.

Office hours allow you to sit and talk with someone about anything. This also allows you to keep engaged in the course and get reminders on what you have coming up that is due.

5. Go Outside

If there is anything that will help you the most it is a breath of fresh air. Being trapped in a room for 8 hours doing classes can get sickening, remember to break up your day with a 30-minute walk or any activity outside. You could even schedule a hike after school to reward yourself for staying engaged in class.

Nothing beats fresh air after sitting at a desk for hours. Remember to always understand your limit with online learning and when you start to feel disengaged get up and go for a walk.

Conclusion

One of the most important things to do is check on your mental health and the mental health of your friends. Make sure you are getting enough sleep and eating enough food. Humans are social creatures and working in an environment that is completely alone can feel isolating and suffocating. During these times we do not know what will happen so make sure you feel like a normal person again and explore.