Feature Story April 27, 2020
Here at the North Orange County Regional Consortium (NOCRC), we are dedicated to making sure our members’ students have the resources they need to make the shift to online learning. Keep reading for 8 helpful tips on how to stay organized, productive, and successful while taking courses online.
It’s always good to get organized! At the start of the week, we recommend planning out your schedule and sticking to it. You can use an app, a spreadsheet, or even good old-fashioned pencil and paper for this. Start by mapping out Mon.-Fri., and then plan what needs to get done on the weekend. Programs like Microsoft Word have templates you can use.
Plan to wake up and go to bed at the same hour, set regular mealtimes, and set aside time for your online studies. For example, set time aside for watching lectures, catching up on reading, and writing your assignments. Be realistic about the time it will take to complete a project.
When sticking to a schedule, your routine will carry you through the week and ensure that you have enough time to keep up with life, family, and your studies. It is also a great tool to give you peace of mind knowing everything will fall into place.
Sometimes the best-laid plans don’t always work out. Give yourself some grace and forgiveness. If you get off track, no problem! Sit down, look over your plan, and make adjustments. It’s best to have a plan, but it’s even better to be flexible. It will take time to adjust to a new way of learning. Keep going and don’t give up!
While a schedule is perfect for keeping track of the details of your daily life, a calendar can help you see the big picture for staying on top of long-term due dates like exams and papers.
Just like an in-person class, most online courses will have a syllabus with a class outline and due dates. Make sure you add all important dates to your calendar, and if it helps, add reminders with notifications, e-mails, or alarms on your computer or phone.
Whether you choose an app like Google Calendar or even a paper calendar, it’s essential to keep track of when your assignments are due. You might want to add assignments for different classes with different colored text/ink pens. Many students find it helpful to have a separate calendar just for school, while others put homework on their regular calendars right next to their dental appointments. Stick with a system that works for you.
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The more organized you are, the more successful you’ll be in class. And remember to set aside time to…
It sounds simple, but during hectic times, it’s easy to make decompressing a lower priority. In your schedule for success, make sure to set aside regular blocks of time to do simple things to take care of yourself, including cooking healthy food, exercising, and resting.
According to the Harvard Health Blog, one secret to a healthy brain is taking a break. A 10-minute nap can give your mind some much-needed rest, and you’ll wake up sharper and ready to learn. And physical exercise can help reduce stress and boost brain function.
It is also important to make time for things that make you happy, whether it’s checking in with a friend or listening to your favorite podcast. Whatever you choose to do, taking regular happiness breaks will boost your mood and your brain.
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Part of staying organized in any class is taking good notes, and that goes for online courses, too. Whether you choose a physical notebook or an online app or Word document, note-taking can help you remember lectures, prep for assignments, and be ready for tests and quizzes.
Make sure to label your notes with the name and date of the class. If the lecture is being recorded, write the timestamp from the video (i.e. 2:45, or 10:45–15:30) for each paragraph of your notes, in case you need to go back.
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In a time of social distancing, being social with your online classmates can help you build a community and have fun with your studies. Many online learning platforms offer chances to share, ask for help, and give advice in forums.
Plus, you can always form your own study groups, which can make learning more enjoyable while boosting your grades. And aren’t you more likely to finish your homework if you promised your study buddies you’d (virtually) meet up with them?
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And of course, you’ve got to set aside the time to study! Finding the perfect study spot in your own home can help you get into student mode. A desk, the kitchen table, or even your favorite chair can work. Pick a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed, or if that’s not always possible, invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
Talk to the people you live with about supporting your need for quiet time so you can keep up with your studies. Pick a place that’s yours, so everyone—including you—knows that it’s time for you to study when you sit down. If it is difficult to balance family and school responsibilities, make a specific time commitment for studying and share this timeframe with your family. This helps with everyone understanding expectations while supporting you in managing all of your responsibilities.
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From instructors to fellow students and counselors, you have a community of friendly support that you can ask for help if you need it! We recommend making a list of everyone you can contact if you need help and keeping it handy.
Many online learning platforms offer orientations where you can learn the basics, like how to hand in assignments or use the discussion forum. Often, these platforms will even include instructional videos in multiple languages. If you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to your instructor or classmates for support or contact the school helpdesk for general registration or technical support.
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Learning is an adventure, and online classes can be a lot of fun. There are plenty of ways to keep up the good vibes. Play an upbeat instrumental playlist while you study—or turn your study breaks into dance breaks! When it’s class time, have your favorite snack or soft drink nearby to give you pep when you need it.
Creating enjoyable learning rituals will not only boost your mood, they’ll have you looking forward to your study time.
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Now that you know some of the best online learning tips, it’s time to relax and enjoy the term. Someone will always be there to help along the way, and you’ll be able to connect with your peers and learn new things…all while wearing your comfiest pair of sweatpants!
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