Five tips for students transitioning to online learning

Review these strategies as you prepare for online learning:

1.  Make sure you know the expectations for each course and instructor. 
2. Stay organized. Establish a routine schedule and manage your time accordingly.
3. Establish a dedicated workspace – and minimize distractions.
4. Be connected with your instructor and classmates.
5. Make your health a priority. 

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1. Make sure you know the expectations for each course and instructor.
   • Faculty are working to transition as seamlessly as possible to online instruction. They will be communicating more information in the coming days about what you can expect for your course with them. Review your course syllabus to determine how each instructor will most likely communicate with you (ie Blackboard, email, etc.).
   • Your courses will be either synchronous or asynchronous.
     • Synchronous: Meetings are scheduled at a specific time, requiring you to login with the rest of your classmates
     • Asynchronous: Students are provided the recorded content/lectures and assignments and you can engage/learn on your own time within specified parameters
   • Whichever method your course is delivered, be sure you are clear on the established expectations
   • Make sure you have dependable, high-speed internet available. If not, reach out to your instructor early for possible alternative options. Familiarize yourself with (and test) the resources, technologies, and tools needed for each of the courses.
2. Stay organized. Establish a routine schedule and manage your time accordingly.
   • Note that learning online requires a greater degree of discipline.
   • Block out time each day for course-related work.
     • Document synchronous class meetings and due dates in your calendar or planner.
     • Allot time for assignments, quizzes, and other required work.
     • Don’t wait until the last minute to begin work or complete assignments or projects – you don’t know what might arise to disrupt your plans or cause tech-related issues.
     • Beat deadlines whenever possible - your stress level and your instructor will thank you.
     • Use calendaring resources available to you such as: Microsoft Outlook Calendar Google Calendar Planner
   • Treat your course commitments as a job that requires you to “show up” and give your best. For many, getting out of their comfy clothes or PJ’s into get-to-work clothes helps prepare for work and focus.
   • Save copies of submitted work just in case any tech issues require resubmission.
3. Establish a dedicated workspace – and minimize distractions.
   • Choose a space that fosters productivity, minimizes distractions, and works for you.
   • Alert family and friends that you are “in class” to reduce interruptions. Turn off your phone or, at a minimum, turn off notifications and place it screen side down.
   • Set a timer to divide your study time in “chunks” with short breaks in between. Dedicating 50 minutes to focus, then taking a 10 minute break, might work as a strategy to be productive.
   • Headphones can be helpful for listening to lectures or online class meetings to enhance ability to hear and to reduce distractions. Taking notes while you engage or listen to classes will help you stay focused and provide critical information for reference and study.
   • If you have the option to review a lecture more than once, you could listen to it once while taking notes, then listen to again without taking notes to focus more on the content as it is being delivered.
4. Be connected with your instructor and classmates.
   • The online space need not be an isolating one. It’s true that your instructor can’t see your facial expression or body language in class to get a sense of whether you might be struggling. However, your instructor wants the best for you academically and personally - and is available to help you when needed. Reach out – by email or phone, if provided. Request a one-on-one meeting by phone or online meeting tool.
   • Your instructor may facilitate ways for you to connect with your classmates for discussion or group work. Or you can reach out to your classmates to connect and arrange ways to support one another.
5. Make your health a priority.
   • Block out time for sleep, socialization, exercise, and "me time"
   • Staying on top of work and academic demands rather than trying to “find” time to read course content or complete assignments, allows for some “guilt-free” downtime.
   • Eat mindfully to fuel your brain and body. Focus on a wide variety of foods that supply needed nutrients and energy. Now is not the time to try the latest diet trend.
   • Regular exercise supports memory, concentration, and mental sharpness. Take a break or listen to lecture recordings while you walk, for example.
   • Sleep quality is associated with stress levels and immune function. Keep your bedroom cool, schedule “wind-down” time before bed, and wake up around the same time each day to enhance your sleep practice.
   • Seek help if you need it - not just academically - emotionally, mentally, health-related, anything. You are not in this alone.

Adapted from Vanderbilt University

Do you have more questions? Contact Academic Advising by emailing advising@linfield.edu or calling 503-883-2250.