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Changes....

Rearranging Life for Virtual Learning

Changes....Rearranging Life for Virtual Learning

By Becket Duncan, Academic Advisor/High Achieving Student Specialist | Academic Advising

  1. Have a consistent schedule with routinized activities. Try to mimic your average weekday as much as possible. Much like you have the same schedule for 16 consecutive weeks, it is important to find a new normal routine in order to maximize learning and productivity.Create a dedicated and functional workspace
  2. Set aside a space where you can find quiet time to digest new information. Your learning space should have everything you would normally keep in your backpack, desk, or library and allow you to create a University at home.
  3. Start each day with a to-do list. Make priorities and list items to achieve throughout the day. It is important to work toward a goal and have motivation every day.
  4. Take break. Learning is not meant to happen for 8 consecutive hours throughout the day. Make sure you are stepping away from technology and your books for brief periods throughout the day. This will keep your mind sharp.
  5. Stop multi-tasking and block out distractions. Experts have proven that multi-tasking does not work. Instead, set aside time to accomplish tasks throughout the day. Focus on a singular task at a time.
  6. Set realistic expectations. Know what you will accomplish and what should be done. You might not be able to write a 12-page paper in 30 minutes. Instead, know how much time is needed to accomplish the task and what the final result should meet your expectations.
  7. Keep your mind and body active. Spring has sprung. A healthy lifestyle will reward your mind, body, and spirit during chaotic times. If you have the ability, make sure you read books for pleasure, take long walks with friends, or work out every morning.
  8. Communicate openly with friends, family, peers, and faculty. Not everyone will see your face every day. As such, make sure you send a higher amount of emails, texts, and phone calls than normal. Make sure your professors know you are continually engaged in the course and actively present.
  9. Reward yourself. Treat yourself to something special after you accomplish a task or make it through the week. This isn’t an easy time right now. Keep yourself happy and do what you need to do.
  10. Get plenty of rest each night. Sleep! Shut off technology or read a good book to fall asleep every night. Do not eat or study while in bed as your body will not know how to disassociate the two tasks.