Many students can feel overwhelmed by sudden online instruction.
Learning from home can be challenging, but these tips and strategies are recommended by USF Instructional Technology faculty James Hatten, PhD, Sanghoon Parker, PhD to help you make the transition into online learning.
From the beginning, set yourself up for success
1. Make learning productive
You don’t want to be slouched while you work on your assignment. Dr. Hatten, an expert on online teaching and learning recommends that students choose a location in their home that isn’t cluttered by distractions. Read online class services chart at globalhack.org – https://globalhack.org/articles/best-online-class-help-services/
Dr. Hatten stated that “the couch is probably not a good place to stay at.” “Get up and move to a space in your home that can be used as your workplace.
2. Create a schedule for the completion and review of assignments
It can lead to high stress levels if you work on multiple courses at once. However, it is possible to avoid this by scheduling specific times to each class. Dr. Hatten shared a simple example. She suggested that one class be worked on between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Students can use this schedule to create the same structure as traditional in-person classes.
Dr. Hatten believes that most people procrastinate, or get so involved in their computers that they don’t shut them off. “So set a time.”
In addition to the time that you have set aside for assignments, it is also advisable to make a time to go over each class’ tasks so you can create an agenda for each week. By doing this you will not forget to submit something.
3. Make virtual connections with your peers
It is impossible to study with peers at the library or just get instant clarifications from classmates. It is possible to form virtual relationships through platforms like GroupMe, Microsoft Teams and other social media sites in order to maintain that sense of community and collaboration.
4. To divide tasks, you can use the chunking’ strategy
Chunking refers to dividing large tasks into smaller parts. Dr. Hatten suggests that students “chunk,” instead of staring at the computer screen for three hours at once, follow a pattern.
Dr. Hatten says, “Work in one class, find a task, and then reward yourself at end.” “So, what I mean is: Get up, drink some coffee, grab something to eat, then go for a run or take a break for a few minutes. Then, come back and complete the next part.
Find Motivational Ways to Stay Motivated
There are many things you can do to make your routine work and stay productive, but sometimes it’s hard to find the motivation to finish the task. Dr. Park’s research is focused on online learning and motivational intervention. She explains why.
“Online courses basically mean you are learning apart from others,” he said. “The feeling that your peers and instructors are distant from you–that emotional and physical distance–can cause motivational issues.”
Dr. Park urges people to identify when they feel low on motivation and then look for the root cause. These are some strategies he suggests students use.
5. Increase your interest for the work
Sometimes, it is difficult to complete a task or an assignment. Instead of simply putting it off for the next day, think about how to make the assignment or task more fun. This strategy requires you to use your imagination to create new work.
6. You can make the online work more meaningful by making it personal
When you feel disconnected from an assignment or task, you may feel drained of motivation. Dr. Park urges students who feel this way to think about the implications of their assignment for the future.
Dr. Park said, “You need to find a way that connects the task to something you are already interested in.” “If you’re at the graduate level, you may be interested in using the completed assignments for the conference presentations.
7. Imagine yourself on a path to mastery.
This type of talk works when you really think about what you are trying to achieve. The conversation can begin with the following: What will my assignment achieve?
Dr. Park shows you how answering this question can generate a continuous response. This answer starts with the credit that you earn for the assignment, then your grade from the course, and finally ends with landing the job of your dreams after graduation.
“Thinking like that is what allows you to say, This is not something to do, but it is something I need to do to reach my goals,” Dr. Park said.
Keep a positive outlook
8. How to Solve a Problem on Your OWN
You will find that the majority of questions you have can be answered online if you carefully read each section and review them thoroughly. Even though professors are willing to answer questions, it’s better to not send too many emails per day to address each problem. Instead, use Google to search for the solution.
9. Focus on Your Self-Care
It’s okay to go away from the computer for an hour or more. It is okay to let your body recover and shouldn’t be shameful.
10. Be compassionate for others
You should remember that everyone is going through similar experiences to you. It is important to be patient with others who might not be able to set up a Skype chat or may take longer to adjust to this new normal.