Tips for Doing Online Classes
I know a lot of us have had our schools switched to an online format so here are some tips to succeed in online classes! I’ve taken a few courses online before all of this but I’m still figuring things out, so if you have any more tips please comment them so I can add them to the list!
Use a system to keep track of due dates and other important info
I would keep using your planner or bullet journal if you already use one, and if you don’t already have a system now is the perfect time to set something up! There are a lot of tutorials and ideas out there on how to turn a simple notebook into a useful productivity system that could save your grades
Check your email (and any sites where class info would be updated) regularly
If you need have a hard time remembering to check, you could try setting reminders on your phone. I recommend checking email 2x per day (more often on important days where there might be more updates, like around finals and such) since then you’ll get all the info you need without constantly worrying about it
Don’t be afraid to reach out and email your professor for help. Just because you’re not physically in the same room as them doesn’t mean they aren’t there for you!
Work at a specific “school” space if possible
For example, working at a desk or table instead of in bed can be really helpful in being productive and feeling more normal
If you’re the kind of person —like me— who thrives with a bit more structure, create a daily routine for yourself
This could be as detailed or vague as you want it to be, but just having a general plan can be really useful in keeping yourself on track and getting everything done each day. I’ll make some more posts about this soon if you need help with this!
Figure out if you work best with taking notes online or on paper, and keep doing that even for the online classes
If you know you like taking notes in a physical notebook, then keep doing that! It can feel like you should just take notes online since the classes are online, but you really don’t have to! Stick with whatever systems work best for you. This also goes for other things like physical books vs. ebooks, Quizlet flashcard sets vs. paper flashcards, etc.
Work on school-related tasks for a minimum amount of time per day
I like setting 3 hours as the daily minimum for me to work on schoolwork, since it’s not an intimidating amount of time for me but also doesn’t feel overwhelming. Plus you can always keep working if needed! This can also vary depending on how old you are, since people who are in middle school or high school might need less time to work on schoolwork than college students, it all just depends on you and your workload
While working on schoolwork (especially while watching video lectures) put your phone away and stay off social media on your computer
There are a bunch of apps and browser extensions to help you block certain sites while on your computer (I use the Chrome extension StayFocusd or the app SelfControl) and I definitely recommend using an app like Forest for your phone if you have a hard time staying off of it
Try to do submit of your assignments and exams at least an hour ahead of time (ideally more, give yourself as much time as possible!) in case you have tech issues
If you’re having a hard time understanding a concept, try to find other resources to help you (online tutor, Khan Academy, YouTube, etc.)
Make time to take care of your mental health (meditate, journal, etc.) as well as your physical health (yoga, dancing, go for walks, etc.)
Ensure that both of these important aspects of health are addressed every day, even if it’s something small
Let me know if you want me to elaborate on any of these for a future post! I’d love to make more content about online classes since so many of us are in similar situations
What have you found to be helpful with taking online classes?
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