This week’s topic is about something that has been affecting students nationwide this year due to COVID-19. Aside from the colleges and universities that decided to be 100% online for the semester, many students found themselves in situations where all their classes were different layouts; 100% in-person, hybrid, online synchronous, or online asynchronous. With balancing four to six classes and potentially each being taught through a different method during COVID, it can become confusing. For me personally this year I have one independent study where I have a meeting with the professor weekly to have a check-in on my progress, three synchronous online classes, and two asynchronous online classes. Now that the semester is halfway over here are some tips that might help you for the second half of the semester and future semesters.
- Create a Checklist/ To-Do List
The hardest thing I found at the beginning of the semester was remembering what was expected of me each week especially when it comes to the asynchronous online courses. I have taken asynchronous online courses before, especially during the winter and summer semesters. Each of the past online classes was the same, discussion boards each week, and assignments or papers. However, now in the age of COVID, every professor has chosen to run it differently. One of my asynchronous classes requires discussion boards and assignments to be completed each week, and the other is more self-paced. My synchronous classes also each have different requirements but that is to be expected if there in person and face to face. If you create a checklist each week to keep track of your assignments and know when things are due, you will stay organized and not miss assignments. For those of you who attend schools that utilize D2L, there is a great app called Pulse. This app will organize all your assignments posted in D2L and show you what is due each day. Warning: the flaw with this app is that it requires the professor to utilize D2L and input due dates for every assignment. Discussion board posts requirements typically are not listed with a due date, and therefore do not show up as a due assignment on the app.
- Complete Coursework Outside of the Bedroom
As humans, we designate specific habits based on the environment. Bedrooms are meant for rest and relaxation. Therefore, it is harder to be productive and complete schoolwork in the same place you sleep, watch Netflix, and play video games. I know it is very tempting to roll out of bed and open the laptop and turn the lecture on, but it is not the most effective way to learn. If you are in an apartment, try completing your coursework at a dining room table, if you are on campus, try to find space in the library or a vacant classroom, or at the very least, your dorm room desk. Try to at least get out of bed to complete assignments and listen to lectures.
- Set a Routine
Since there is no need to wake up early to walk across campus to be at your 9 AM on time, you can keep hitting the snooze button. However, I strongly recommend waking up early, getting out of bed, and eating breakfast prior to your first class. Having a set regiment will help prepare your mind and body to get ready for class. These actions will create a rhythm for yourself to help you perform better in class. For asynchronous classes set specific days and times, you want to work on the course, so it is blocked out into your schedule. This will help you perform a lot better working on the materials gradually as opposed to only when you start seeing items due and you having to quickly work on completing them by the due date.
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