Not sure if you can continue your studies in today’s current situation? Fret not; many education institutions such as ours have shifted to online learning for this period! If you’re unsure about how’ll you adjust—that’s totally understandable and we’re here for you. Here’s our starter guide with tips and tricks that’ll help you navigate the transition.
1) Don’t miss your classes
It might be tempting to fall behind a lecture or two because they will be recorded, but do treat them the same way you would traditional, in-person ones! If you don’t, you won’t get to discuss the latest content with your classmates or have your questions answered by your lecturers in-real time.
To get yourself in the mood for learning, create a daily schedule and stick to it. Take note of class timings, then allocate revision time around them! Online learning gives you the chance to learn at your own pace, so take advantage of the chance to review the course material as many times as you like! This will help you to tackle important assignments and exam revision more easily later on.
2) Form virtual study groups
You don’t have to study in isolation: why not form an online study group with a few of your course mates to offer each other motivation and social support?
Try organising a group video chat or call after watching your lectures to discuss their content and exchange study tips. Your group can also create study materials together with the help of Google Docs, and even a shared schedule that’ll help everyone stay on task and on top of upcoming deadlines.
To make the most of your online study group sessions, set goals together and make sure that everyone in the group actively contributes! One person can take notes and another person keep the time, while others share their thoughts and contributions.
3) Eliminate as many distractions as possible
With everything and everyone at home vying for your attention, what’s a student to do?
It can be hard to stay focused at home, so here are some things you can do to concentrate better! The first is to put your phone on airplane mode or turn it off altogether when attending an online lecture. However, students serving the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) / Leave of Absence (LOA) / Quarantine Order (QO) have to keep their phones switched on at all times. You can also install website blockers to reduce the urge to watch Netflix or shop online, for example.
Find yourself checking Facebook or Instagram every so often? Well, you’re not alone: according to GlobalWebIndex (Q3 2019)[i], the average Singaporean spends at least two hours and eight minutes on social media every day! If this sounds relatable, consider logging out of your social media accounts for the day or disabling push up notifications on your phone.
4) Create a dedicated study space
One great benefit of home-based learning is getting to customise your learning environment! A fixed study space helps you stay productive and settle into a routine of home-based learning quicker. Whenever possible, choose a location that has plenty of natural light and space for you to stretch out and be comfortable.
You’ll need a stable Internet connection, so consider sitting somewhere near your Internet modem and connecting your computer to an ethernet cable in case the Wi-Fi connection fails. Make sure that whatever you need, from stationery to water, is within arm’s reach. Don’t forget to personalise this space with some décor that’ll lift your spirits!
5) Stay engaged
Don’t forget to do all required readings beforehand so that you’ll have a better understanding of what’s covered in your lectures. Have a pen and paper ready to take notes, and keep yourself focused by quizzing yourself as you study! Be proactive in asking your classmates for help if you come across something you don’t understand.
Beyond the live streams, our students can contact their professors and lecturers to clarify any doubts with them! They’ll be more than happy to help. Our students can also consult our full-time teaching faculty via academic consultations. If there are online forums or discussions, be sure to participate by responding to your classmates’ comments. You can also pose them a few well thought-out questions in order to keep the ball rolling!
6) Take regular breaks
Prolonged screen time can strain your eyes[ii], so do take frequent breaks away from your laptops or tablets! Use this time to take a quick breather, grab a snack, or stretch your arms and legs. The mental downtime will also help you to better consolidate and remember what you’ve just learnt from the lectures[iii].
Here’s a fun fact: studies have found that aerobic exercise promotes the health of the hippocampus, which plays a major role in learning and memory[iv]. So, why not brisk walk around the house or skip to your favourite songs during one of these breaks? You’ll get to keep fit and boost your learning at the same time, which is a huge plus!
We hope that you’ve found these tips helpful. Above all, don’t forget to be patient with yourself during these challenging times. While our campuses might be closed, our academic and support systems are still very much active! If you have any urgent matters or enquiries, request for a phone callback and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible.
In the meantime, stay safe and remember to rest well!
[i] https://www.globalwebindex.com/reports/social
[ii] https://visionimpactinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016EyeStrain_Report_WEB.pdf
[iii] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797612441220
[iv] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811917309138
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