Whether it’s a noisy household or a lack of internet connection, the transition to virtual instruction is going to be rough for students and teachers alike.
But that doesn’t mean succeeding in online classes is impossible. There are several steps students can take to increase their chances of getting good grades from home. Here is a guide to help students adjust to the inevitable challenges they will face.
Get connected
As part of the Federal Communications Commission’s Keep Americans Connected Pledge, certain broadband and telephone providers have taken the initiative to offer internet access for free or at a low price. Charter Communications is offering free internet for the next two months, and Comcast is providing Xfinity hotspots to those who need it.
Students can also email deanofstudents@fullerton.edu and coronavirus@fullerton.edu to receive access to a Mi-Fi router or laptop.
An abundance of distractions
Finding a nice place to study on campus or at a local Starbucks is no longer an option, as the need to contain COVID-19 escalates. Students must now learn how to focus during online lectures and assignments with distractions all around them. In addition, it is now easier to text or nap during class by turning off the camera on Zoom, making it harder for students to retain information.
Students must communicate the importance of a quiet atmosphere with their household, or they may need to find another place to be productive. Even if that location ends up being a bathroom, students need to limit the number of distractions in their learning environment.
When beginning a Zoom lecture, turning one’s phone off can be incredibly helpful. Another tip is to try taking notes by hand, as this may help with information retention and add a sense of classroom normalcy. Turning the camera on can also help curb the temptation to text during a lecture.
Before a lecture is over, ask the professor about any confusion regarding the material. When a lecture is over, take a moment to go over notes and ensure that the material makes sense. By devoting complete focus to the material, surrounding distractions could become less problematic.
Procrastination is the real assassin
The absence of in-person attendance means students no longer have to turn in a physical copy of their assignments or be physically present for tests and quizzes. However, students must not treat online courses as an excuse to not complete work that would have otherwise been done in class, especially when the internet can crash at any moment.
Rather than letting the amount of free time get to one’s head, treat online courses like regular on-site classes. Stick to a certain amount of hours to devote to studying, and keep the deadlines in mind. It’s also important to remember how rewarding it feels to complete an assignment.
Patience is virtue
Faculty members are struggling as much as students to adapt to online learning, which is why it is important to be patient with them and with each other. From needing further explanation on a difficult topic to doing group projects, communication will be everyone’s saving grace.
Instructors will hold online office hours moving forward. Depending on who the faculty member is, they may also be easily accessible through email, phone or social media. In order to stay up to date with every class, frequently check emails and Titanium posts, and make sure professors provide all the resources needed to succeed in their online course.
Students who are required to do group projects should get contact information, such as phone numbers and emails, from their classmates. Group projects can also be done using online platforms, such as group video chats or Google docs.
Suffer together
Speaking of online platforms, while some students enjoy studying independently, having a strong support system for online learning can be useful. Whether it’s FaceTime or Google Hangouts, online communication can allow students to create study groups that will help them get through their classes. Luckily, there have been no cases of someone catching COVID-19 online.
This is also a good way to feel less alone during self-isolation. Students can spend time with classmates that they do not get to end the semester with in person. But more than that, it is a foolproof method for staying motivated and sane during this chaotic and stressful time.
Mental health is important
While students figure out how to stay physically healthy while completing their courses, it is also important for them to take moments to look after their mental health. Professors should be empathetic about the impact self-isolation can have on students and should meet their needs with compassion, rather than anger or disappointment.
According to President Fram Virjee’s email on Monday, Student Wellness services will still be available with limited hours and staffing. Students must make an appointment beforehand, except in emergency situations. The Counseling & Psychological Services department also offers a hotline for virtual counseling at (657) 278-3040. Students can also text “home” to 741-741 or visit you.fullerton.edu for more assistance. If the burden of being an isolated student is really affecting you, don’t hesitate to take advantage of these services.
When possible, take a moment to participate in something that offers pleasure. Try to devote an hour of the day to something completely unrelated to school, whether that be exercising, drawing or napping. Now is the time to pick up that abandoned hobby or start that new show that’s been sitting in the watch later category.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused much confusion and panic, but the one thing that each person can be responsible for is themselves. Students need to be assertive with their physical and mental health so that when this is all over, they can come back even stronger.
The post A guide to conquering the virtual instruction transition appeared first on Daily Titan.