Ways to Make Online Learning a Little Easier
Online learning can be extremely difficult on its own. It doesn’t help that there is a myriad of external stressors demanding our attention at all times of the day either.
These intense circumstances don’t lend themselves to great working environments. So, it’s natural to feel unfocused, unmotivated, and overall overwhelmed by the commitments of schoolwork. However, whether it’s talking to your professors, virtual study resources, or digital mental health apps, help can come from a variety of places. And because everyone is being impacted by this situation differently and has different learning processes in general, these tips to combat this won’t be one-size-fits-all. So take from this and try out what you think will work for you!
1. Recognize there is no “right” way to be productive right now
I wanted to start out with this first. I’ve seen a lot of people viewing this time as a moment where people suddenly have a lot of free time to dedicate to things they’ve been meaning to do, or as a moment where there isn’t an excuse not to do things, because what else are you doing? Which I think is extremely unfair.
There is no standard to how this virus is affecting people and you shouldn’t be made to feel lazy or bad because you’re not thriving creatively or academically while it’s happening. It is of chief importance to remember that work right now is going to look different for everyone and that’s okay.
2. Talk to your Professors about your concerns
Communicating the issues you're having with this transition is super important, and your professors are there to help you. If starting this conversation feels daunting, here are some points and questions you can utilize in an email or a zoom meeting:
Right now I am dealing with _ and it's impacting my ability to focus on coursework, could we talk about ways to move forward?
I'm struggling with comprehending new material right now, would you be available to answer my questions through video-chat or email?
Because of the circumstances, I don't have access to _, do you have any alternatives or advice for me?
Although your professors might not always be able to fix the problems, good professors will certainly try to help you succeed during this weird time. Being honest and open with them with be key to you getting the help you need.
3. Try out some digital studying techniques
Planners and study-aids can be super helpful for some people. If you’re the type of person who likes to have everything you need to do laid out in front of you, I highly recommend trying out some digital resources dedicated to organization and studying.
There are a variety of helpful studying apps and websites that make digital organization easier. Check out Edith at fivestarstudying who made a great infographic on studying apps!
4. Find a routine that works for you
I'm sure most of us have heard tons of advice on how to work best from home. Whether it be, creating your own work space, putting on real clothes, or blocking your time. They're all valuable approaches to help, but they won't work for everything.
The key to this time is finding a routine that helps you get things done; so, if going through the motions of a regular school day helps you, try out these steps:
TRY (it's hard) to maintain a regular sleep schedule during the school week. You don't have to wake up at the crack of dawn, just give yourself enough time to prepare for the day.
If you can, have an area dedicated to school and school supplies. Personally, I have anxiety and hate being able to see my backpack while I'm in my bed, it makes me worry about everything I have to do and makes relaxing very hard; so I keep most of my books in another room when I'm not working on homework.
Have two separate windows on your screen for school-related things and non-school related things: I like to do this to help myself focus on thing at a time.
Alternatively, if you're the type of person who finds applying these tips difficult, here are some things to remember when weaving work into your day:
You don't have to finish everything at once. If you're struggling or feelings overwhelmed on one assignment, switch to another for a little bit or take a break and come back to it.
If you're more comfortable wearing pajamas while doing work, than wear pajamas! Being comfortable and able to focus is what is important. If jeans don't help then you don't need them.
Be happy with checking little things off your to-do list. Every day will look different and some days, especially if you struggle with mental health issues, taking a shower and reading a page for class is a success.
One last important thing to remember is that online learning is hard for everyone but especially those who may struggle with both learning and other disabilities. Ithaca's Student Accessibility Office has provided a list of links to programs and apps dedicated to supporting students with disabilities. Check out the page here.
