The top 5 tips to succeed in online education

With millions of college campuses forgoing traditional classroom learning this fall, it may present new challenges for those who aren’t so used to online instruction. During a time where we live under an umbrella of uncertainty brought upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to stay both positive and productive during the semester.

Through the last half of 2020 spring semester, I struggled with distractions around me, checking my phone every two seconds to monitor my Twitter feed, getting so bored of a lecture that I just had to split my screen to watch something on Netflix or sit for hours on end playing Animal Crossing on my Nintendo Switch. While some of these things aren’t so bad in moderation, there is definitely a need to prioritize my academic obligations.  

With this dilemma in mind, I have taken the initiative to assemble a list of suggestions for ways to stay productive at home. Intended to promote both mental and physical health, hopefully these recommendations will make online classes a little more bearable.  

1. Develop a routine and write it down!

Having a basic routine is my number one suggestion. Personally, I have developed a concrete schedule for how I want my day to operate. My go-to method for keeping a routine is writing down a list of things I want to complete in the morning, afternoon and evening. I like to have a basic list of reminders up on my wall, which forces me to look at it every time I wake up or before I fall asleep. 

It might also be beneficial to keep a planner or bullet journal close by. If you record details and keep them all in one consolidated place, it certainly takes the strain off trying to remember events or due dates on time. So when your routine is working as it should, you will surely notice your focus is sharper, allowing you to be more attentive to those Zoom meetings or get more work done at a faster rate. 

2. Make healthy choices

A graphic containing breakfast foods. (Betsy Hanrahan / The VanCougar)

As a huge proponent of breakfast, I recommend keeping a healthy balanced diet. Starting your day with breakfast is one of the best things you can do to stay productive. According to Rush University Medical Center, eating a meal in the morning will jumpstart your metabolism, encourage memory improvement and boost cognitive performance. I like to keep some variety to my breakfast choices. A few favorites of mine are toast and peanut butter, veggies and egg whites, oatmeal or whole-grain cereal with fruit. I also recommend drinking a full glass of water along with breakfast and keeping up with your hydration throughout the day. 

3. Enhance your space

A graphic of a potted plant. (Betsy Hanrahan / The VanCougar)

Having an organized and comfortable workplace can make all the difference when taking online classes. I have a desk setup, which is something I depend on when I need to focus on work, but going outdoors is always a great option. I’ve also discovered that I am more productive when doing work in many different places too. Sitting in the same spot all day is sometimes boring, and offers no enjoyable variety to your workplace. Within a week, I might be working at the dining room table, outside or at a coffee shop where I can socially distance and wear a mask. Also, consider enhancing your personal space with plants or fun objects. It’s important to be comfortable, so surrounding yourself with your favorite things could help you have a more enjoyable remote academic experience.  However, I definitely suggest to avoid working on your bed. Allow that space to remain as an area for sleep and relaxation, something you can return to after finishing a difficult assignment or exam. 

4. Get up and move!

At home where it is tempting to sit for long periods of time, exercising has never been more important. The American Heart Association recommends at least 21 minutes of intensive cardio exercise daily, which can include a huge variety of different activities you can do to stay fit. I choose to do yoga, cycling, hiking or other moderately intense exercises like gardening and brisk walking. In addition to staying fit in general, I suggest standing up for every hour you sit to work on your online classes. I have noticed that doing this regularly has sharpened my focus, and keeps my body moving in some capacity throughout the day. This may be especially helpful for those who fidget easily when sitting in one spot for too long.

5. Find something you enjoy

A graphic of one of Olivia’s favorite activities, knitting. (Betsy Hanrahan / The VanCougar)

My dedication toward online classes is greatly improved when I can decompress at the end of the day. Your favorite hobby might be related to exercise or relate to something more obscure. I personally enjoy choosing a book every week to two weeks that doesn’t have to do with any of my classes. I also like practicing meditation, listening to music, making art outside, finding a new socially distanced hike, knitting and spending lots of time in my garden. So forget about the stress from school for a little while, and release your tension with a fun activity. 

Online classes might be a huge challenge for many, so finding new ways to stay productive will be an important thing to establish, especially after the first month of fall semester. I hope that some of these suggestions help you with your online class experience as well as they’ve helped me. Remember VanCougs, we are all in this together!