Michelle
Over the past few weeks as most of us have transitioned into quarantine many of our normal day to day activities have had to have been sacrificed. The transition from in person to online classes has been one in particular that I, and many other students, have been struggling with. Though as the past two weeks have come and gone, I have found a few techniques that have helped me make this educational transition as smooth as possible.
Time management has always been something that I have struggled with in the past, and going into self isolation I was terrified that my self discipline would be severely affected due to the freedom online classes provide. Creating a consistent, set schedule for my classes and studying during the work week is something I have implemented and has helped a lot in managing my time. For instance, I watch the lecture recordings my professors post at the same times and days that my lecture would have normally been. Assignments, homework and quizzes that have to be completed can all be easily forgotten while taking online courses, especially without the constant reminders from friends in the same class or without professor announcements during lectures. In the past I used a planner to map out my day and keep track of due dates. I have continued using a planner throughout quarantine, and I update it every day to determine what assignments have to be completed when and how much time each day should be allocated to studying.
Finding effective ways to study for an exam can be difficult at any time, but these past few weeks have made this task even more difficult. Study groups have always been a successful way for me and many others to study and are something I encourage those at home to take advantage of. Although our current conditions make in person study groups impossible, Zoom and other online communication sources are easy ways to study with friends remotely.
At school the library and study lounges were a place that provided students with a non distracting, quiet and studious environment for students to do work. But with the universities and local libraries closed, it is important to find a productive environment to study at home. To accomplish this I have set up a designated work area, separate from my bedroom, where I study and listen to all of my lectures. This has helped me stay productive and focused when I have needed to be throughout the day.
Even though school and education is important, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by all the transitions occurring in your life, the constant influx of news a while continuing to be a full or part time student. Therefore it is important remember to take breaks when you need to relax, whether that be by taking a walk outside, reading a book, or watching an episode of a TV show!
Stay safe, and remember to try to make the best of this situation!
-Michelle
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