Headline: How to be a Successful Online Student

Author: Mary Murphy, Lifestyles Editor

Mem6812@psu.edu

Learning online can be difficult. The lack of in-person communication combined with the ability to turn off one’s camera and sleep makes the educational experience less than ideal. Given the current circumstances, this imperfect scenario is the reality. Though it is certainly difficult, all hope isn’t lost–here are a few tips and tricks to make the process of remote learning more manageable.

Complete a morning routine

When in-person presence in the classroom is not required, it’s easy to roll out of bed five minutes before class and log on to zoom. However, this method is not recommended. Maintaining a schedule and routine when online learning is necessary to ensure success. Completing a normal morning routine–getting out of bed, eating breakfast, getting dressed, etc.– before the first class of the day helps create a sense of normalcy during a vastly abnormal time. This method can convince one’s body and oneself that it is time to start the day and, in the case of a student, time to learn.

Stay motivated

A major hindrance to successfully learning online is the environment. Taking courses from home is not the norm for many college students and being away from campus can decrease motivation. School life and home life are often so detached that the convergence can be destabilizing. There is no clear remedy for this struggle. For some, staying organized can help, for others, remaining active in various clubs and events is helpful. Regardless of the method used, the ability to sustain a positive and productive mindset is incredibly advantageous.

Take notes

Many zoom classes are conveniently recorded to allow the students to refer to them after the fact. In addition, being online instead of in-person can create a sense of detachment from the educational process (i.e. class meetings can start to feel like a boring movie instead of an asynchronous course). Unfortunately, the combination of these facts may deter students from taking notes on the course material. Note taking is a useful study tool that aids in the retention process. Notes also provide a succinct and curated version of the day’s lesson that students can refer back to when studying for a test or making flashcards. That being said, it’s advisable that students take notes during their lectures if they want to make the most of an online course.

Rewatch lectures

Though the ability to rewatch lectures may discourage note taking, it can be a useful tool for students. Being online offers the distinct opportunity for professors to record their synchronous lectures and though not every professor takes advantage of this ability, many have opted to record their lectures and make them accessible to students. If possible, rewatching lectures (watching the lectures at double speed is usually an option) is a great way to soak up additional information that was not originally emphasized. And, similarly to note taking, it can also help students retain the content of the lecture.