NASCA Learning Centre
Online learning is all fine, but it’s not so easy. Distractions are galore and it requires a different mien to truly make the most of this technology-led learning.
For students who are self-directed, self-motivated and who easily embrace new technology, online coursework can offer much welcomed flexibility while also enabling a positive learning experience. For others, however, the adjustment may not be as seamless, and may initially present challenges for new online learners.
Siddharth Natarajan, a class 12 student at Lilavatibai Podar School in Mumbai for instance, checks in into his account at Google Classroom using his special id and password and learns his lessons in economics that his teacher has uploaded on the app. “At times, the entire class – all divisions included – does a video conference call with our teacher. All 220 of us,” he says.
Similarly, Hriday Koppikar who studies in Class 7 at Aditya Birla World Academy starts her online school at 8 am and ends at 2 pm – keeping the same timings as her regular school. Periods are held as blocks of two periods together and two breaks of 40 minute and 20 minutes are given. Every division holds its classes on Zoom, assignments are emailed and tests are given using Google Forms.
Anushka Rajesh Iyer studying in Class 12 at Rajhans Vidhayalaya has a two-hour Zoom session every morning. “Our teachers have coped really well and teach us using screenshare and presentations. Yes, distractions are an issue as well some technology issues like poor audio or abrupt ending of the lecture,” she says.
The story is similar across students – while some are fully immersed, others do it part time. Regardless of the duration, the following tips can help all students learn how to be successful in online classes – even during these uncertain times.
Set Personal Goals
Setting personal goals motivates you to succeed in your classes. Set a goal or benchmark for what success looks like to you. Then, develop a plan to work toward that benchmark. When you do that, you’re more likely to manage your time in a way to accomplish them. Will you study every morning for one hour? Read for 30 minutes over lunch? Complete a practice exam?
If you’re getting behind with reaching those goals, take a deep breath and relax. Re-focus on your intended accomplishments, and if helpful, call a friend or classmate to share your goals.
Treat study like a job
A job in the corporate sector has some do’s and don’ts. It requires you to approach it with a discipline. Treat your study the same way. Consciously choose to show up, absorb wonderful content available to you, schedule in assessments, lectures, tasks, and really set and keep those boundaries. Have a success mindset. Implement firm boundaries. Keep a schedule and stick to it.
It’s okay to make mistakes
It’s okay to not know the technical jargon and fumble initially when trying to learn online. There are far too many elements involved – a laptop, good audio connection, good Wi-Fi connection, a quiet place at home. Only when everything gels together perfectly do you truly enjoy an online learning session. Allow yourself to stumble and learn from those errors.
Create your oasis
Try to study from one location in your house – one that’s away from noise and distractions. Setting up a dedicated space and routine will help set you up for success. Get creative if needed. A small table in a bedroom can function as a desk. Have headphones handy to use to block out noise if needed or for participating in group project calls.
Keep coffee or water on hand to keep you awake or hydrated, as well as snacks to keep your mind fueled as you study. If you find your energy waning, take a break. Go for a quick walk around the block or a quick jog up and down your stairs. Getting in some movement, if only for a few minutes, can help you return to your studies feeling refreshed.
Avoid distractions
The bane of working from home and also working at home are the distractions you have to deal with. Turning off your phone or using airplane mode can big a big help in eliminating these types of outside distractions. If you need be online to conduct research, set aside dedicated blocks of time just for that purpose and turn-off other social notifications. This will help eliminate disruptions. Although it’s tempting to do a “quick check” of your social feed, it can end up costing you valuable study time. Some find it helpful to use a timer-based concentration technique, such as Pomodoro. There are apps as well to facilitate this. Techniques like these allow you to concentrate in small blocks of time, with small breaks in between.
Stay connected with classmates and teachers
Just because you’re taking your classes online doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy a sense of community with your fellow students and faculty. In fact, staying connected can help reduce stress and keep you motivated. You can create a virtual study group, by using Skype, Google Hangouts or other online chat programs. Outside of your blocked study time, video conferencing can also serve as an outlet to stay “social” even from a distance. Doing so can help you to feel connected and less isolated.
Keep calm and stay positive
It’s important to keep in mind that your interim situation won’t last forever. As you find your footing in a new online learning environment, keep calm, ask for help when needed, celebrate small victories, contribute to your online community and stay focused on your end-goal. You’ve got this.
