Every day provides an opportunity for individuals to both adjust and re-acquaint themselves from the impact of the pandemic.
In an effort to continue providing students with a valuable education for this academic year, many schools around the country are only teaching remotely via Zoom. Other schools, such as Geneseo, have students back on campus, following a hybrid, online or in-person class style to ensure maximum safety.
Many courses are conducted through an asynchronous format allowing students to work on assignments at their own pace, in their own space. They are strictly confined by test and assignment due dates.
Aside from the technological challenges that come along with virtual learning and teaching, students have struggled to adjust to the new Zoom setting. In the standard classroom, students are expected to leave their bedrooms to attend in-person lectures. Now, however, many students face struggles as they attempt to just get out of bed to watch a Zoom session.
Political science major junior Danielle Crowley discusses both the positive and negative aspects to distant learning.
“I like that I feel safe while I am not taking in-person classes and I like that some classes give us the opportunity to work through things at our own pace,” Crowley said. “However, I also feel like a lot of professors have piled on extra work as a substitute for the lack of in-class instruction.”
Time management is a vital factor when taking classes in general, let alone asynchronous courses that will require more proactivity to stay on top of assignments.
“I developed a schedule for myself with specific times to plan out when and where I do my work to keep myself on track,” psychology major sophomore Carra Lanigan said. “I have my days planned out for every day of the week. Any time that I don’t have work scheduled I know I have time to go take a lunch break or go see my friends to ease my mind from the stressful work I’ve been doing ... this makes me feel more organized and confident that I’m not falling behind or missing work during this hybrid semester.”
Another beneficial strategy for good performance in class is to make friends within the courses. This opportunity grants students the chance to ask their peers questions.
“I’ve always found it super helpful to make a friend in each class, that way you can help each other out and if you’re confused about something you have someone to reach out to,” political science major junior Savanna Conrade said. “Virtual classes [have] gotten easier because you can see someone’s name and private message them either during class or using their Geneseo email.”
Being proactive is the base for establishing long-term strategies for success in distant learning. It is important to remember that distanced learning is an adjustment for students and professors, which means people from both sides need to be more understanding.
“I think distance learning is new for everyone. We need to work with each other and be understanding that both students and teachers are adapting [so] there should be leniency and forgiveness,” sophomore biochemistry major Deanna DeLore said.
While the world continues to both feel and be unpredictable, health is still an important priority. It is also crucial that students motivate themselves to do classwork so that they do not become uninterested and perform poorly in school.
“My advice would be to hold yourself accountable. It’s easy to get distracted but you have to prioritize your schoolwork and get assignments done. Don’t think about it just do it,” communication major sophomore Rocio Ruiz said. “It’s important to have a good attitude when doing your schoolwork. You are the only person that can motivate yourself to do work.”
Students need to continue to motivate themselves in school while also practicing self-care routines. Time management is undoubtedly very important, especially this semester.