Each year, there is an increase in the number of students who take online classes. Whether it be the student’s choice or the only option available, there is a definite hesitation when having to take on so much responsibility. Although there are many students who enjoy the ability to take a class at home, at their own pace and even in their pajamas, I’ve learned through talking with students that they are disappointed about the fact that they feel that they don’t learn anything from the class and that they don’t do well because of how difficult it is to focus. So, after taking my fair share of classes online, I thought it would help to give you a few tips on how I aced my online classes.
1. Get organized
Using a planner, an app or even a piece of paper just to write down what you need to complete for the week helps you remember your tasks and get them done. I myself use a planner and prefer to write down all due dates for the semester in my calendar the first week of school when I get my syllabus. For daily or weekly tasks, however, I find a page in the planner that allows to make a checklist for each day of the week. Many studies have shown that checking things off a list gives you a sense of success and the brain releases dopamine. The aftermath is the craving of feeling that success again and motivating you to continue to finish the tasks on your list. That’s why making checklists gives you the best advantage in succeeding in your online classes and even everywhere else.
2. Create a schedule
In my planner, I like to set dates for when I want the assignments to be turned in before the actual due date. Usually, if my professor opens Module 2 for Week 2 and all the assignments are due at the end of the week (Sunday) at 12 AM, I take the number of assignments and space them out to be done during the school week. For example, if I have assignment 2, quiz 2, and note-taking to be done by Sunday, I will write in my calendar that I need to take notes by Tuesday, turn in assignment 2 on Wednesday and take the quiz by Friday. Spacing out the work makes it easier to get it done and then you don’t have to worry about anything on the weekend.
3. Take notes
To understand the material, you have to actually learn it. Watching a video or reading a powerpoint that you’re not really paying attention to doesn’t help you learn anything even though you watched/read it. Get a notebook and take notes on the class. No matter the media format, just write down what you think you need to comprehend the material. Studies show that writing down your notes helps you remember them.
4. Get out of the house
This tip, in my opinion, is the most helpful for me. I get easily distracted at home especially because at home I just want to relax, so instead, I go to Starbucks or the library. An extra great part about doing this is also the fact that as you are walking/driving to the location, your body thinks and feels like you are going to class, which is already setting yourself up to focus. There, I usually pick a comfy little corner spot, grab a cup of coffee and get to work (it feels like my own little classroom). Getting out of the house and being surrounded by other people who are working is a great motivation as well.
5. Treat it like a real class
Don’t forget, the only difference between taking a class online is the fact that it is ONLINE. You still have professors, classmates, grades, and assignments. Reach out to your professor and ask them questions. Engage in the classroom community. Also, after discussing online classes with my professor, she said she hopes students will come to her office hours, which (in my experience) all teachers have. Even if you only visit the office hours once for a simple question, the teachers will put a face to the name and it will only make it a better experience for you!
6. Find a playlist that helps you focus
For me, music is a necessity during all my daily activities, including studying. However, different types of music will either help or hurt how much information your brain retains. Typically, the recommendation is to avoid anything that makes you want to sing or has any hard beats. Instead, try classical music, like Mozart, which is scientifically proven to enhance mental performance (it’s called the Mozart effect). Also, on music platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, there are playlists created by the companies that are made specifically to focus during studying.
Hopefully with these tips, you feel ready to tackle your online class!