As an instructor at the University, the Spring 2020 semester was the most challenging one. At the same time, I was also a student in an online MA creative writing program. This unique combination of being an instructor and a student at the same time has given me a special perspective that allows me to see from a student’s point of view and think in their shoes in time like the current.
During the past week, a few University administrators contacted all the faculty members regarding the need for some degree of online teaching in the Fall 2020 semester. As students, it is almost unavoidable to be in online courses now. The difference is that this summer should theoretically give enough time to both parties to be ready for the Fall.
Are you wondering if you will ever be truly ready for online courses?
Are you in doubt about your ability to be successful in online courses?
If you are reading this, you’ve come to the right place!
In today’s blog, I am going to look at ways to get ready for online learning as a student.
Online learning is difficult for everyone. This requires a substantial internal discipline to engaging in learning on a daily or weekly bases, depending on the format of the course. It is easy to lose steam as the semester moves forward. The challenges exponentially increase when there are multiple courses involved. As a student, you may often be overwhelmed with all the required activities and assignments from different classes.
You may scream internally…
“I am not taking your (Dr. X) class only. I have other classes too!”
You (student) certainly also have a personal life. (So does the instructors.) Online classes are not everything you do, and they should not be that way.
So, what are the initial steps you can take to tackle this online class monster?
1) Daily planer!
Plan, plan plan! Planning is the most effective way for you to know what is in front of you, either be an assignment, quiz, or an online discussion. Assuming the instructor has done his/her part to plan the content in advance time. It is a good idea to re-create the course calendar on personal planners. It is essential to double-check for errors during transcribing because a mistake, in this case, could be costly. Double-checking with a well-organized friend a one way to avoid missing anything on the planner.
2) Dedicated study time!
I know students have their life. A lot of students also need to work. But if you are a full-time student, your main objectives should still be your classes! Most of the online courses are delivered in an asynchronized way, i.e., everyone can go through their material in his/her own time. This is crucial to set a given amount of time each day to go through the material, either being lecture videos or required readings. For example, if you are taking 15 credits of online courses, there should be a least 3 hours each day dedicated to “attending the lectures” for 5 days. It is a good idea also to set aside an additional 2 to 3 hours each day to digest the presented material.
3) Attend instructors’ live office hours and sections!
Any responsible online course instructors should have live office hours and sections available to students via Zoom or other virtual classroom technology. I personally set up a minimum of 1 hour virtual office hour per week in the Spring semester, though very few students attended my sections. I understand sometimes there is a feeling of intimidation or shy. Or you simply don’t have any questions related to the content. While you may not need to attend a virtual classroom section every time when it is available, attending once a while can be more beneficial than you’d imagine. Sometimes learning tips and tick could be given out during online live chats!
4) Form small groups with trusted friends!
Now, you may argue with me on this. You probably think that you prefer to study alone. You are a lone wolf! Clam down. I am not asking you to study with others if you have never done that before. The small groups I refer to can certainly be a study group, but it can also be a support group. Online learning can be lonely in many instances. You are sitting in front of your computer and listening to the lecture alone. You are isolated. You don’t see the smile from your friends. So, it is really important for you to form a small support group with your friends just to encourage each other. It doesn’t have to be an online live chat with each other. A group message chat on the phone can mean so much to each other. I know this because I do this with my creative writing cohort classmate. We only see each other twice a year, but we regularly text with everyone to create a support network.
5) Know when to take breaks!
When you have a lot of course work in multiple classes, it is easy to get overwhelmed and get discouraged. It is important to schedule a block of time every day in which you can do something that you like. It could be physical exercise, reading a book of choice, or watching an episode of your favorite show. Taking an appropriate break is as important as staying on top of your class material. Any good instructors should not expect you to do school work all day as well. Taking a break can also help you rejuvenate. So, know when to give yourself a break can increase your productivity in the long run.
Finally, if you are reading this in the summer of 2020, you are ahead of getting ready for online courses mentally and physically.
Please feel free to leave comments and contact me with any questions.
Written by Dr. Ka Lok Hong, May 31st 2020
