How to make the most of online classes?

By Priyanka Rathi, Psychology Enthusiast

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Ever since we’ve been struck by the unforeseen circumstances of a global pandemic, life hasn’t been as easy, especially so for students, teachers, and workers. Having to study and work from home isn’t as pleasing as it sounds. Students who have never attended online classes are forced to attend much every day owing to the situation. However, online learning must be treated as an opportunity since it deals with increased chances of productivity and lesser deals of distraction. A few of the points below will most definitely help you in unleashing the true potential of online learning as a student. 

1. Actively Take Notes
Taking notes throughout classes and lectures will internalize the lessons that are being taught to you. Noting down what you feel is important will enhance your comprehension skills. It will allow you to be aware of what you understand and what you don’t and eventually let you ask questions and participate in discussions which brings me to my next point.

2. Allow yourself to interact during discussions
Walking out of your comfort zone is one and the most important thing. Interacting and participating during discussions and asking questions will let you out of your shell and understand concepts in concise and apt ways. Discuss study topics with your peers, understand their questions and answers which will eventually help you learn things better.

3. Eliminate Distractions
And we thought it was hard to concentrate during offline classes. Understand the importance of the classes and eliminate distractions that stray you away from taking a step ahead. Turn off your mobile phone while attending classes, don’t take advantage of the fact that the teacher cannot see what you’re doing because, in the long run, it will be a problem for you to grasp concepts and perform well. Pay attention at all costs because it will all count in the end.

4. Choose the perfect study space
Being able to stay home and study is one of the most beneficial study modes owing to its flexibility. Offline classes do not let you change your setting just because you cannot concentrate. If you can clearly see what’s playing on your television in the living room, change your study place to somewhere more quiet and comfortable. Having the option to change your study space according to your comfort will largely affect your learning process. 

5. Beat Deadlines
Take the deadlines seriously. Do not rely on the fact that you can submit the assignment later. Anybody can master procrastination, not a lot of people can master doing work ahead of time. If an assignment is due on a Monday, do not wait to do it until Sunday night. It creates unnecessary stress and anxiety. Trust me when I say this, completing an assignment ahead of its deadline will boost your confidence and motivate you. Imagine having an earlier deadline and complete your work, plan your study time. I cannot stress this enough, PLAN. Planning your study schedule will hand over to you the power of being in charge of how far you’ve come and how much longer you have to go. 

Of course, none of these points will be valid if you do not put in the effort to actually make it work. Be wise and responsible. Know when to have fun and when to be serious. Treat online classes like regular offline classes. Have a routine just like you would if you were going to school. Get ready every morning just to attend your classes because classroom etiquette will allow your brain to function accordingly. And most importantly, be patient. It’s a first for everyone and it is not easy for anybody, not you, not your teacher, or any of your peers. Give it time and you’ll adjust to making the most out of online classes just like everybody else. Good luck!