Tips to glide through online courses

By Caroline Lasrado & Mitali Gupta | September 30, 2021.

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Covid-19 restrictions have been the talk of the town for the last two years, normalcy seems to be far-fetched, yet life goes on. Today we’re well adjusted to a new normal i.e. studying from home. We have adapted so well to the new norms that going back to classrooms might seem quite uncomfortable. It’s true, there is nothing as comforting as taking a class in bed in your favourite pyjamas, but it does come at a cost.

College students in online classes face challenges like distractions, technical issues and lack of in-person interaction. Smiljana Aleksic | Getty Images

Online studying has constantly tested the student’s attentiveness which is without a doubt getting hampered. Constant notification on phones or emails, a slightest disturbance in the surroundings causes the mind to wander, making it extremely difficult to concentrate in class. One of the major consequences of transitioning to online learning is its impact on health. International students today are at risk of sleep deprivation due to differences in time zones. The constant exposure to screens has proved to have damaging impacts such as increase in depression, anxiety, and perceived attention problems.

Ask yourself, what are you learning if you are constantly losing focus?

SO NOW WHAT? Now you start helping yourself,

Organize Yourself

Making little amends to your routine will not only help you keep up with classes but will help you remain attentive.

Eliminate Distractions

This is the key to staying focused, making sure little things such as your television sets and any other background noises are all turned off.

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Exercise your mind to stay focused

Staring at a screen can be exhausting. Try taking handwritten notes. Keep a bottle of cold water right next to you while you’re in class – taking a few sips of cold water can help you focus better.

Cut Screen time

Remind yourself that a little break from the screen will help you go a long way; you start with keeping your phone on silent.

Take a Breath

Each time you find yourself lost or out of focus, take a breath and don’t hold back from asking your professor for a small break – just taking a five-minute walk or just recollecting your thoughts and redirecting your focus back to the class is a good way to make sure you’re utilizing your study time to its best.

Rest

And finally getting enough sleep is vital in reducing memory loss which further improves performance in class.