5 Tips You Must Know To Succeed In Your Online Classes

Although virtual learning isn’t for everyone, due to the coronavirus situation, many schools are moving all of their classes online. From my own experience of working in a virtual world during the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve compiled some helpful tips that can help you as you take online classes.

Tip #1: Get dressed

Rather than rolling out of bed and spending the entire day in your pajamas or sweats, wash up and get dressed as if you were actually going to an in-person class. You will feel more awake and alert as you attend your online class.

Tip #2: Create a productive learning space

Create a place to study where you won’t be distracted. Don’t sit on the couch or your bed because you’ll naturally want to fall asleep. (Each time I work on the couch, I just want to take a nap.) It’s good to sit at a table or desk where you can concentrate and be in working mode. I generally like to be in a space where it’s clean, quiet, and clutter-free so that I can best concentrate on my work.

Tip #3: Minimize distractions

Minimize distractions by turning off notifications on your computer. You’ll avoid constantly seeing texts or messages that can draw your attention away as you try to focus on your online class. And I know it’s hard, but close other tabs on your browser so that you’re not checking Facebook, Instagram, or the news as your professor is trying to teach the lecture. It’s also a good idea to put your phone on silent so that you’re not constantly hearing your ringtone or buzzing sounds from your phone. I personally like to put my phone away or place it face down so that I don’t see the screen light up with each notification that comes in.

Tip #4: Take breaks

It’s tiring watching lectures after lectures or always doing your homework. Generally, for every one hour of work you put in, it’s good to give yourself a 10-minute break. You can take a break by going outside, going on a walk, stretching, grabbing a snack, reading a book or article. This will help refresh your mind. As humans, we’re not wired to work for long periods of time without breaks. We need to give our minds and brains a break from focusing on one thing. This will help you to think more clearly and look at the problem you’ve been trying to solve or the paper you’re trying to write from a new perspective.

Tip #5: Set a schedule

Stick to a regular weekly schedule by setting aside the hours where you’ll attend class and study. It’s also good to set a time for when you’ll take your breaks. You should also limit how long your break will be so that you don’t end up spending five hours playing video games or watching Korean dramas. 

Some ways to keep track of your time is to set a timer on your phone or computer that alerts you when time is up. You can also create your weekly schedule using Google Calendar to plan out each hour of your days. If you don’t like using online scheduling apps like Google Calendar, writing out your schedule the good old fashion way using pen and paper in a planner is also a good idea. I personally like to write my schedule on a mini whiteboard for my desk.  

It’s also a good idea to schedule important dates in your calendar. This includes midterms, finals, due dates of papers, and any vacation or travel plans you have coming up. This will help you remember what’s to come. I’ve had some friends forget that they had a midterm on the day of the test, and so they weren’t prepared to take it. I’ve also had friends who just didn’t show up to their test because they forgot about it. Scheduling things in is key. 

Need more help focusing on your classes? Sign up for our mentorship program today to get personalized tips on time management and productivity!