Online Learning

Hello everyone! Hope y’all are healthy and staying safe. Life is getting stranger everyday and it feels like we are living in an apocalyptic time period. I went to Hy-vee grocery store the other day and there was a mandatory path and each register was separated by a plastic drape. This kind of pandemic that you read about in history textbooks, but never actually think it would happen in today’s world.

With the pandemic still on the rise, many primary and secondary schools have been reverting to online classes. Colleges and universities have already adapted to this way of learning. It is not ideal, however, with the technology available, it makes it possible. With programs like Google Hangouts and Zoom, it creates an online like class room environment. It is all good and dandy, but sometimes we forget that not everyone has the same privileges. All this technology requires equipment and wifi, which is something not every one has. Libraries and public places with access to wifi are closed, so that takes away alternative options. It makes make wonder how schools are accommodating for that.

There are pros and cons of online learning. Some students find it more flexible, while others find it harder to time management for. It is not for everyone but it is important to learn how to adapt to it. Set apart a chunk of time away from distractions (ex. phones), just like you would at school. School is pretty much a mandatory chunk of your time that you spend doing school work. At first, I found it hard to focus, especially with family and the comfort of my home distracting. I tried to cram all my work into one sitting but that was not a healthy was of doing course work. So the following tips are what I found to be extremely useful getting work done and still having time to relax

1. Remove unnecessary technology. Put the phone in another room. Put it where it cannot be seen. That saying, “Out of sight, out of mind”, is true! Just like when you are in class, you would not have your phone out.
2. Close all tabs that does not relate to your work. Do have Netflix or shopping browsers up because that will just tempt you. And when you think you can multi task and watch Netflix and do some course work, it is a lie. It takes 10x the amount of time it would take you to do it. Just finish what you need to do for the day, then watch Netflix.
3. Have water nearby when studying. Staying hydrated helps your body and brain function.
4. Stand up every hour, whether that is to get water or a quick snack. It gets the blood flowing in your body so you do not feel so lethargic.
5. Sit at a desk or a table. It helps getting you in the zone. When I study on the couch or on my bed, I get sleepy and too comfy.
6. Set reasonable goals for the amount of work you need to get done. Don’t overload yourself. I found myself doing this, because I thought I have so much time now that I should be able to get more things done. You are human and our brains can only take in so much before its tired.

These are pretty basic tips, but sometimes we forget. It has been a lot easier to focus and get work done at home. I mean, we did it for the first 18 years of our lives, so it is possible! Plus, there are always additional tips online or simply reach out to your teachers/professors for help. 🙂

Stay safe and healthy! Hopefully, next week will bring some good news in regards to the current situation.