Zooming Towards Success: Tips for Staying on Track While Virtual Learning
I never thought that I would be starting my senior year from behind a computer screen. I’ve always been someone that thrives in collaborative settings with physical interaction, so transitioning to remote learning has been and continues to be a huge challenge. This adjustment is especially difficult for students who don’t have access to proper materials and/or a comfortable work environment. In this article, I will go over some of my favorite, free tips for staying on track!
1. Plan Ahead & Stick to a Schedule
I know what you’re thinking; this isn’t new advice. Any article about staying on track will have something along these lines written in it. That being said, this is probably one of the most effective ways to keep up with responsibilities. My favorite way to plan my schedule is with Google Calendar. This free tool helps to visualize your weekly layout and plan activities accordingly. In my opinion, the best way to start using this calendar is to input events that repeat each week (classes, work shifts, meetings); this can help you get a feel for what your average schedule will look like. If you want to take it a step further, color-code each event by type. Once you’re comfortable with this, start adding exams, plans, and other events as they arise.
2. Create Physical To-Do Lists
Aside from Google Calendar, I love using a physical planner to keep track of daily assignments, random projects, and various errands. Writing out everyday to-do lists in journals, or even on scraps of paper, helps to keep up with smaller tasks that don’t require an entire block of time on your calendar. It also feels great to check responsibilities off of lists when they are completed, especially if they’ve been put off for a long time. Writing to-do lists every night before bed sets a productive mood for the next day, and checking in with your list when you end the day promotes a sense of accomplishment.
3. Find Stress-Relievers That Work For You
Just when it seems like this year can’t get any crazier, it finds a way to do just that. While it’s important to keep up with current events, work, school, and your social life, this can become overwhelming very quickly. If you notice yourself falling into a perpetual hole of news articles, spending too much time on Twitter, or letting work seep into your time off, take a step back. If that means turning off your phone or computer completely, do it. My favorite way to unplug is by taking a walk and listening to a podcast or music. While it may seem counterintuitive to take a break when there is a lot of work to do, I find that removing myself from a stressful environment is better than procrastinating within it and becoming more distracted. Other great ways to relieve stress are working out, reading a book you enjoy, baking, or taking a nap. Test out various activities until you find what works best for you!
4. Break Large Goals Into Smaller Tasks
Assignments often feel daunting when they are given out, especially when there are many of them and they all involve staring at a computer screen. I noticed that splitting large projects into smaller pieces helps me dread them less. For example, if you have an essay due in a week, break it down into short daily tasks (pictured below). This method can be repeated with almost any project; it’s just a matter of creating and following attainable steps.
5. Do Your Best to Create a Comfortable Work Environment
Many of us have found ourselves trapped in homes with numerous roommates, loud families, or less than ideal work conditions. While it is difficult to create a perfect learning environment, there are some ways you can improve your surroundings. I have found that communicating my schedule with my family is the best way to squeeze in some quiet time during school days. Headphones and a locked door have become symbols for my “busy hours.” One thing I struggle with most is keeping my work area clean. Taking 5–10 minutes to rid clutter off of your desk before you start working can be the difference between maintaining or losing focus. If weather permits, some coffee shops and public areas with free WiFi have made outdoor seating available to guests. This is a great way to change up your environment and get some fresh air at the same time.
With all of this being said, transitioning from in-person learning to online school takes time, and everyone goes through the adjustment period at their own pace. Virtual school is not ideal, but it can be manageable when you approach it with a positive mindset. At times, it can feel like the world is throwing you nonstop curveballs, so don’t be afraid to reach out to professors, employers, or friends if life becomes overwhelming. Hopefully, you have found these tips helpful. If you have any other advice, feel free to share it in the comments below, and thanks for reading!
