(Courtesy of Creative Commons)
The forced alternative to standard classroom learning is “distance learning.” This new way of taking classes online is a system that many schools have adopted because of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Geneseo students have been affected by this change, especially academically. This new transition has created more challenges for students to keep up with schoolwork as well as stay on top of assignment deadlines. To better help students, here are a few tips for continued success.
Stay Organized:
Distance learning means that students are now both more independent and accountable to do their work in a timely manner. There are no more in-class reminders regarding submissions. Rather, students must keep up with their syllabi and Canvas announcements. Just like some students already use, it is helpful to utilize Google Calendar and/or a physical agenda. Either of these tools can be used to write down obligations, exam dates and general assignment deadlines.
With Google Calendar, students can do their work for a class at the designated time they are hypothetically supposed to have the class. This application encourages students to do their work in an efficient manner in the time that they would be in class. Also, if some students have never used either of these, now is the time to utilize them. Doing this “check in” with either a Google Calendar or an agenda ensures that students remain aware of what is due and provides both organization and structure for daily life.
Listen to lectures:
While lectures may feel insignificant right now, they are undoubtedly more important now to stay successful. Lectures, whether by Zoom or YouTube, are the only way students can stay up-to-date with class material. For Zoom lectures especially, it is a great way to ask professors questions about the class material and to take down any important information. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this; do not be lazy.
Read the textbook:
Some students may laugh, other students may nod in agreement. The biggest question is, who actually reads the textbook? Believe it or not, a textbook is one of the most useful guides to use for class. Students who have trouble grasping material or who need extra clarification should definitely open a textbook and read the information given. Especially for exams too, the textbook is likely most useful and essential for test material. In the case, though, where students do not have a textbook as an available option, collaborate with other students in class and help each other.
Read school emails:
With the mass quantity of school emails that get sent out every day, it’s only normal for at least some of them to remain unread. Students see emails about irrelevant information and without a second thought, the email has been disposed of. Given the current situation, however, many emails now contain extremely important information—whether it be about assignment updates, general course material, programs and general mental health check-ins. Many professors now utilize email more to stay in touch with students regarding classwork.
Go to virtual office hours
Many professors now use Zoom or Blackboard Collaborate for office hours. Virtual office hours are helpful for means of schoolwork, in addition to socialization. For schoolwork, students have the opportunity to ask questions that they otherwise would have more difficulty asking by email. Additionally, during these times, students may find themselves more isolated and in need of hearing other human voices. Joining these calls is essential for students’ well-being and for learning.