Prepping for success in remote learning

Below you will find some guidance on how to succeed as an online learner.

First, recognize that you, your classmates, and your faculty will all have to work together to be successful in an online course environment. Second, the overarching theme of the guidance below is that you will need to create structure for yourself in order to succeed as an online learner.

Below are some suggestions and considerations for building structure around online courses.

Plan your time

Choose your preferred tool for keeping track of your to-do list, due dates, and schedule. It does not matter if it is a mobile app, wall calendar, or bound paper agenda. The important thing is that it is a format that you will actually use. You might consider whether it would be helpful to keep your schedule somewhere that is visible to your family or roommates so that they know when you are likely to be unavailable.
Review your online syllabi and watch for communications from your faculty on due dates, assignments, and exams. Block out class sessions and other time-specific obligations, write down deadlines, and create phone or sticky note reminders for important tasks.
Figure out how much time you typically need to devote to your online class and account for when you will need extra time for major assignments or exams. Write this information out in a way that makes sense to you, and use it to draft a daily and weekly task list and schedule. Be realistic about how much you are able to accomplish in one day, and build in extra buffer time when you have big assignments due.
While class times and other meetings may have a predetermined time, it will be up to you to define the structure of much of your day. Once you know how much time you will need to devote to your coursework, think about the best time of day for you to do that. Depending upon your living arrangements, you should consider the schedules of others in your house or apartment.

Prepare your study space and state of mind

Do you need quiet space to engage in online classes? If you cannot escape background noise in your living space, remember to mute the microphone as needed. Keep a notecard handy stating that class is in session, and make it visible to others in your living space.
You should develop habits around your state of mind as well. Get dressed for an online class just as you would for an in-person class. Take a few minutes before each class session to think about what material will be covered that day and what questions you may have. You might normally do that while you walk or ride the bus to class. That’s a great habit, and you should try to maintain it as an online learner. If you have trouble shifting your focus away from goings-on in your living situation, try quiet breathing exercises as you sit down to study.

Stay connected to peers and Linfield resources

Check with your faculty about whether they encourage online interactions for class study groups. They may be open to ideas about how to engage students in their coursework and support their success during this time.
Be sure to communicate when you need clarification or feel that you are missing information. Don’t wait till the last minute!
Utilize Campus Resources even if you are not currently on campus. We are still here to help!

Additional guidance

Learning Support will continue to ensure access and inclusion for students with disabilities through the approval of academic and other accommodations for online classes. We recognize that student accommodation needs may differ as instruction methods change. Contact us right away if you have questions or concerns.
Learning Support Services offers Academic Coaching appointments that will address strategies related to time management, organization, and study skills. These appointments are available remotely as needed.