It doesn’t seem that COVID-19 is slowing down anytime soon, which means most of our classes will resume online or in hybrid format. After testing out a mostly remote semester last year, we are finding out the dos and don’ts of online schooling.
With at least another semester of online schooling, here’s the tips and tricks to make it a little easier.
- Take Easier Classes
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I find taking classes toward my major, especially as a Senior, works really well for me. Knowing the expectations of your major from being in similar classes really helps you navigate the online version of such a class. Core classes, although seem easier on the outside, can actually be really difficult, especially when it’s outside of your comfort zone (aka philosophy for me!). Staying away from classes that you don’t have much of an interest in or have very little experience in will help you a lot when you are taking your classes remotely.
- Take Professors You’ve Already Taken
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Especially if you’ve already taken them during an online semester, you know the drill already and can prepare for it. Taking your favorite professors is already a fun experience and can really make you feel more comfortable asking stupid questions about how things work remotely. Plus, having a similar teaching styles will make it easier to understand the material from your bedroom while you can’t sit in your classroom.
- Use a Planner and Update it Regularly
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A planner is super helpful to keep yourself organized and sane. Having a place to write down all your homework, due dates, and game plans can be really helpful keeping yourself organized and making sure you have everything in on time.
I personally prefer splitting my planner day sections in half, using the left side to write down all my homework for the day under each date, and on the right side, creating my to-do specific for that day, with things like “Vic Lit readings 250-350” and “Work 5-10” and “E-Board meeting 6 p.m.” to so I know exactly what I have to do each day. Plus, it’s satisfying as hell to cross and check things off as you do it. Plus, it doesn’t overwhelm you when you can look at your week at a glance and know you have everything you have to do this week planned for a certain time and day.
- Do Things Early and Turn in Assignments the Second You’ve Finished it
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If you finish writing your midterm essay and leave in a folder on your computer to turn in on the day it’s due, you might forget it, since you don’t have to reminder to bring it to class. Turning in the assignment once you know you’re done with it the second you’ve finished it will keep you on track to make sure all your assignments are on in time.
- Keep Your Professors Updated
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If you’re having a hard time, having to move home for quarantine, ill, whatever it is…keep. you. professors. updated. This makes it easy for them to consider giving you extensions on your projects and assignments when you really need it.
Overall, online schooling is a stressful mess, but we made it through one semester, we can do it again! You’ve got this! Breathe and kick this semester in the butt!