Despite the option of in-person instruction, students chose to stay virtual throughout the semester, and they will continue their education at home. Staying concentrated and motivated at home can be difficult, so read the tips below to find out how to make the most out of the online learning experience.
Devise a Plan
With learning at home comes distractions and the desire to stay in bed all day, but a solid plan can make these challenges easier to overcome. A routine can reduce stress which makes it easier to plan study groups with friends, fun activities with family and designate time for schoolwork. When making a routine try to put the most important tasks first then work in the tasks that can wait. This way the important stuff gets done first. A routine can help keep track of future due dates and stay on task often, a planner can help carry out a plan and achieve set goals.
Create Reasonable Goals
Big goals can make people feel discouraged but creating smaller goals can make it easier to accomplish tasks faster. Accomplishing homework for the day or reviewing notes for an upcoming exam can replace a big goal like having straight A’s in all classes. Incorporating goals throughout the day can be as simple as writing down todo’s in the morning and work through them as a checklist.
Communicate with Teachers
One of the most effective ways to contact teachers is through email. Sending emails resolves problems like confusion with assignments or questions about make up work. Consistent contact with teachers can prevent falling behind in classwork or any issues that might come up with grades.
Take Breaks Between Assignments
A break in between classes prevents burnout from classwork and projects by giving the mind time to relax. Scroll through social media for a bit, go outside and enjoy the fresh air or spend time with your siblings. Either way, a break can help manage the stress of online education.
Eat a healthy breakfast
A healthy breakfast helps improve concentration and focus, necessary for online learning. Good breakfast foods include oats, eggs, yogurt, or even tea. Bad breakfast foods include anything with too much sugar because any energy from sugary foods will only wear off later in the day, while the healthy options supply energy throughout the day.
Make study groups
Study groups create a great opportunity to hang out with friends and work on classwork. Study groups also make it easier to keep grades up and feel less stressed during online school. Good apps to consider include Skype, Discord, and Zoom. Study groups can even take place on facetime or at the park as long as social distancing guidelines take place.
Remove distractions
Distractions like phones, video games, and TVs can make it hard to concentrate on classes. A distraction-free environment will help prevent the hassle of catching up on unfinished classwork. Put your phone on do not disturb, turn off TVs that might interfere with class time and turn off consoles while in class.
Make time to workout
Workouts have a big impact on our brain and can bring benefits like improved memory, better test scores and improved concentration. Workouts also bring health benefits like reduced stress, improved mood and more confidence. Youtube, Zoom classes and workout apps have quite a few options to choose from and there are even different levels of workouts that make it easier for beginners to start.
