It can be difficult for students like you to keep their focus in online classes. Sitting in front of the computer screen for hours with no physical interactions with your teachers and classmates can be boring. It is also exhausting to deal with unstable internet connections and gadget lapses.
Listening to lectures for hours can make us sleepy, bored, and uninterested. Worse, we cannot digest the topics anymore. Our house is also prone to more distractions, such as unnecessary internet sites, your neighbor’s voice, or your dog’s barks. We are not used to digital teaching and learning, making it harder for us to adapt.
While online classes can be very entertaining and interactive, they can also wear us out. You must be here because you are feeling the same! Now, here are some easy-to-jot-down and proven tips to keep your focus in online classes!
1. Remember your goals.
Why are you studying in the first place? Keep your priorities in mind. Remind yourself of your goals and dreams – this cheesy tip actually works, especially if you are a goal-driven person. Better if you write them on your diary, or on a piece of paper. Always read it whenever you feel demotivated or tired to cheer you up.
2. Compose a routine and make sure to follow it.
A routine will help in improving your consistency in studying. Preferably, 1-3 hours of studying with breaks in between are essential. Keep in mind that you have to follow your schedule religiously.
3. Set up your workspace according to your likes.
A workspace is helpful as your personal space where no one could easily distract you. Arrange it to your own liking to make it appealing to your eyes, and make sure that it is not noisy enough for your classes. Your table must be containing most of your essentials for online classes. Check if your room receives sunlight too! A bright room makes you being motivated to finish your tasks.
4. Take notes.
The most basic of them all – taking down notes. Take notes as much as you can, unless you’re a god and can remember all information from the lecture. Since online classes take place on your laptop, you can also type what your professor says on a Notes app or a word document. It helps you save time since typing is faster than writing. But if you prefer old-school jotting, you can still have them written in a notebook.
5. Maximize your resources (if you can).
Sure enough, online classes are providing limited learning ways as of now. If you are able, you should maximize your resources, from buying a textbook to attending webinars for further learning. Check if your gadget is still capable of handling online class tools. Don’t worry, it is totally okay if your gadgets are not high-end – online modules and e-books are available for self-paced learning.
6. Read (and assess yourself).
Where can we get most of our learnings on this setup? Obviously, through reading. Aside from synchronous classes and video lectures, all we have left is to read our modules and books. It actually helps you gain more focus in online classes and understand in-depth lessons. After reading, try to answer some practice tests to assess your learnings.
7. Study with your (virtual) classmates and friends.
In these times, it is important to have a support system and study buddies. It kind of makes up for the lack of physical interaction we currently experience. Use the same platforms for your classes, like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams to meet and study for a few minutes or hours!
8. Block websites that can easily distract you.
There are lots of extensions for your browser that can block websites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. These measures must take place if you have a little attention span and are easily distracted (I’m guilty!)
9. To further help you concentrate, turn off your phone.
Your phone contains all distractions! Believe me or not, it contains most applications that take up our time. After turning it off, place it where you cannot easily see it. After studying, turn it on and do everything you want as a reward – but still, do not forget your schedule!
10. Determine your study style.
Do you prefer studying with background music? Or do you want your place to be quiet? Knowing what can make you concentrate is a huge leap in attaining your focus in online classes. If you prefer studying with music, there are videos on YouTube containing study music, usually on one (1) hour loop or more.
11. Seek assistance from your close friends or tutors.
There is no shame in seeking help. If you find your online lectures unbearable, there are many tutors out there ready to help you. Your friends in school can also help you. It helps not only in improving your skills but also in presenting another point of view of the lectures, helping you to understand them better.
12. Take a break.
Do not overwork yourself. Update your routine and put some breaks on it. Studying with tired eyes and brain gives you lesser focus and concentration. Eat your favorite biscuit, drink water, or take a power nap. As long as you have enough time left, do not hesitate to rest.
For more tips, please watch the video below:
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic shook everyone, and all schools suddenly went to online classes. As we are not used to it, many found it challenging to study effectively. The tips above connect to traditional studying but with a digital touch. Remember to take notes, read, ask for help, be disciplined on your schedule, and rest. Surely, your good grades will follow.
With the help of such tools as Remote Classroom, it will be better for parents and educators to handle remote learning. The Remote Classroom App lets you track the students’ school works and lets you monitor your child’s activity on and off virtual classes. It also takes screenshots on their monitors for you to have a closer look at their progress on his/her online learning.
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