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It may be tempting in this new online environment to take a more casual approach to class since many of us are working from home. But consider trying to recreate a classroom like environment by removing those distractions that are within your control. For example, consider leaving your phone in another room and avoid signing into social media platforms. Not only is this considerate to your instructor and fellow students, but it will help to minimize possible distractions during class. <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","subContentId":"5aa68347-274a-47d9-ae31-a98551f14ffa","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"title":"Treat online courses like you would a normal face-to-face to course"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

If you know that a class is going to require a particular resource, make sure that you have that resource easily accessible so that you aren\u2019t scrambling during class. For example, if a class has an assigned reading, make sure that you have it open on your computer already, or consider printing out a copy that you can keep it with you during synchronous sessions. If you have a secondary device, like a tablet, you might consider keeping your readings on that device to avoid switching between the synchronous session and other content. This tip also applies to working and studying asynchronously, as having all your materials organized and together can help you work more efficiently. <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","subContentId":"d339fde0-d40f-4693-95c7-128e34360f66","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"title":"Make sure that required resources are easily accessible"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

It\u2019s important to take notes even if your lectures have been recorded. Taking notes can help you stay engaged. BUT don\u2019t try to write down everything. In a face-to-face class, you don\u2019t have the option to rewind so that you can write down everything the instructor says so that shouldn\u2019t be the goal when watching a recorded lecture either. Focus on capturing the key points of a lecture. A great strategy for structuring these kinds of notes is to think about how you would explain the lecture to someone who wasn\u2019t present. What would that person need to know to understand the main themes of the lecture? <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","subContentId":"f638d343-d68b-42ef-92d8-41b9fdc21dc1","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"title":"Take notes"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

With a mixture of synchronous and asynchronous courses, you may feel overwhelmed by tasks, deadlines, tutorials, labs, and lectures. Creating a schedule is a great way to help keep you organized and mitigate the feeling of panic that you might be forgetting something. To create a schedule, start by writing down those tasks\/events that cannot be moved, including assignments deadlines, synchronous tutorials, labs, and lectures. This will help keep you on track and prevent any surprises as the term progresses. By having a single schedule for the entire term, you won\u2019t need to constantly flip back to the syllabus for an individual class to check important times and deadlines. Also, if you are setting up your schedule in an electronic format (such as Google Calendar), you can also arrange reminders and include the links for things like synchronous sessions.<\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","subContentId":"6de6867c-5ca5-4dd4-a219-771ee87f8cd3","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"title":"Create a term schedule"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

We all function differently, and one person\u2019s ideal learning environment may not be the same as someone else\u2019s. For example, you may work best in the mornings while your friend is more productive in the evening. Try to schedule flexible tasks \u2013 watching asynchronous videos, completing readings, and working on assignments \u2013 when you are most productive. <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","subContentId":"c9b035c3-66f9-4104-a169-0f45a8cfec42","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"title":"Know how you learn"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

Once you\u2019ve made a schedule, you may find it helpful to create a checklist with all your tasks. This might be a daily checklist, or you might prefer a weekly approach. Either way, creating a checklist will help keep you accountable and let you visualize your progress. Consider doing similar activities at the same time, such as writing and responding to emails in one sitting. Focused attention is more efficient. <\/p>\n\n

When creating a daily checklist, it is important to prioritize. Don\u2019t add too many items to your checklist because it can quickly become overwhelming and demotivational. Try to focus on 3-5 tasks that can be finished or started in a single day. And remember that any tasks you don\u2019t get to can always be moved to the checklist for the following day. Try to spend 10 minutes at the end of the day organizing your list for the next day. <\/p>\n\n

When creating a weekly checklist, make a list of the tasks that need to be completed within a given week. This might include deadlines for written assignments, important emails or phone calls, or longer readings. Refer to your term schedule to keep on top of tasks will need to be completed in future weeks, which may include additional deadlines, research for assignments, or presentations. At the end of the week, review your weekly checklist and create a new list for the following week. <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","subContentId":"0f4bec77-f012-4315-a338-31df9c788ed4","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"title":"Use checklists"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

The new online learning environment can be challenging and overwhelming. That means that breaks are more important than ever. Sometimes the best thing you can do is go for a walk, ride a bike, or go to sleep. It may feel like doing more work is the way to avoid feeling overwhelmed because it means you\u2019re completing tasks, but you may just end up feeling frustrated and confused. As a result, you may find you have to return and reread a particular article or chapter anyway, creating more work than if you had just taken some time off. There will be time when you must stay up late to meet a deadline or to study for an exam, but this should be and exception and not the norm. <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","subContentId":"a3cbf9a6-7da4-44d2-8d5a-9bc34f2f11b9","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"title":"Find balance"},{"content":{"params":{"text":"

We are all human. During the transition online people are going to make mistakes, and while it is important to recognize and learn from those mistakes, it is also important to move forward. Do not be afraid to reassess your goals if they can\u2019t be accomplished. Talk to your instructors if you are struggling because they are here to support you. And talk to each other. The less judgmental and less competitive you are with your peers, the more mental space you\u2019ll have to focus on your work. <\/p>\n"},"library":"H5P.AdvancedText 1.1","subContentId":"7c2c8118-85cd-4386-827c-2fbf926261d2","metadata":{"contentType":"Text","license":"U","title":"Untitled Text"}},"title":"Be kind"}],"hTag":"h2"}

Tips and Strategies for Online Learning

Sarah