How Can College Students Get the Most Out of an Online Class
The coronavirus outbreak prompted Harvard University, Amherst College, Smith College, and Middlebury College to instruct (college) students to stay away from campus after spring break. MIT became the latest institution to move from faculty time to transition lectures to a virtual format. It remains to be seen if a virtual format is the new normal, but students must adapt to it as soon as possible. And it's not hard as it seems.
If college students want to succeed in this new method of learning, then they must follow a few draconian measures. They should ensure that there won't be any form of distractions, which include (turning off) mobile phones and the ability to demonstrate willpower whenever there's an urge to check their social media accounts. Moreover, they must schedule their viewing of Netflix show(s). (In other words, indulging in Netflix is a no-no.) It doesn't mean that they can manage time, as the next measure has something to do with it. They must figure out the time of the day when they are productive, if not energetic, and when they need to loaf. The latter is important, as laziness enables their minds to wander until a brilliant idea flashes like a light bulb (after turning on the switch). Last but not the least, they must manage their coursework like it's their first month on their first job. Enthusiasm is the key, but Literature students must do more.
What you're about to read may apply more to Literature students, where they rely on feedback. It can also apply to other students who are specializing in different fields of study. as there are certain aspects of the coursework that the virtual format can't cover. This latest health hazard would force them to reevaluate their approach to the coursework.
4 Ways to Adjust (and Succeed) on Virtual Format
You must discuss this new arrangement with your professors and tutor(s). You may not require to meet your professors and tutor(s) on a frequent basis, but the lockdown can be a blessing in disguise. You can meet once or twice during the spring semester, and it can be held in an informal setting. It's impossible not to meet your professors and tutor(s), as there are certain things that can only be achieved through a face-to-face meeting. (You might have trouble in comprehending instructions that you hear from the computer screen. It can be your inability to make that quick transition or it's too technical.) You could be asked about your new accommodation, which would affect your focus. Don't be ashamed to tell that you haven't found a new place. They might help you with this one.
You can devote more time to reading. The quarantine in Italy prompted many Italians to devote more time to reading. A rock singer would prefer to try the virtual way of keeping up their high spirits (by performing his own hit songs), which should give you an idea of how to maximize your time. The virus would mean that you don't have to experience another stressful semester (if you happen to be a second-year or final-year student. If you're a freshman, this new set-up means that there won't be any culture shock.) You can read at your own pace, and it can be casual (compared to the other students). It’s a good thing, as assignment writing won’t be taxing on your part.
If you want to organize a study group, you must think of the bigger picture. A resident of the Coachella Valley was tested positive for the virus, prompting the postponement of a tennis tournament in the nearby Indian Wells. It might be a killjoy, but one can lead to a domino effect. It should make you think twice about organizing a study group. If it’s not possible to conduct it online, then ask yourself about the long-term goal of having a study group. It may be rude to ask about symptoms, and it’s possible that what is supposed to be an intellectual discussion can veer off after passing of an off-topic remark. On the other hand, the virtual format has its own set of challenges as well. How long can you be attentive to the (online) discussion, that is the question. Plan how your virtual study would be. Send an email to your professor(s) and/or tutor, who can guide you on the format. And you can meet if it’s really important. (Someone might not figure it out on his/her own.)
Make sure that your gadgets are working. You won’t succeed if there’s a problem with your gadgets.
It Might As Well Be Spring
The spring semester began March 23 in some colleges, and a bit later in the rest. It’s unlikely that a cure would be discovered a few weeks from now, and spring isn’t warm at all. Precautions must be observed, such as avoiding gatherings (or crowded places). There’s also no need to buy lots of loo paper, as the Britons would call it. No panic buying of hand sanitizer (among other things), as you would be fine if you get enough sleep and keep yourself active. And don’t believe everything that you read on the Internet.
