Transitioning to Online Classes

LET’S GET REAL ABOUT ONLINE CLASSES.

Put your hand up if you at first assumed online classes were going to be a breeze, but then later realized they’re not as easy as they may sound? Many of us, myself included, are struggling with the recent transition to an online learning format. Online learning is (surprisingly) hard! Not only do you have to motivate yourself to get work done, but communicating with professors and working through difficult material becomes exponentially more difficult. 

I am fortunate to already have had some experience with this transition in the past. My junior year of high school I did a full year of online courses so I could focus on my dance training. Although I did feel it was easier to achieve higher grades, it was definitely harder to take on the responsibility of managing everything by myself. I do have to say that during this period of time, I established very valuable skills of time management and self discipline that have benefited me during my time at SCU. Here are a few essential tips to help you transition into doing work at home this quarter:

Get up and get ready

I try to get my day started similar as to how I normally would at SCU. Of course you don’t need to fully get ready, but even changing out of my pajamas and into some comfy athleisure helps me get my work day started. It’s so easy to roll out of bed and stay in your pajamas all day, but you’ll feel much more awake and motivated this way. 

Designate your work space

Maybe it’s your desk from high school, the living room table, or a spot in your backyard. Find a quiet, comfortable space that is dedicated to getting work done. Whatever works for you, however, DO NOT make a habit of working from your bed. As tempting as it can be, it is crucial to pick somewhere you won’t get so easily distracted… or fall right back asleep.

Plan it all out

This is probably something a lot of you already do, but especially during this time writing out a routine in my planner helps me a lot! I personally thrive off of structure so planning out my agenda helps me to be more efficient and productive throughout the day. Make sure to pencil in not just class assignments but time for snack breaks, social media, exercising, whatever you desire! Remember that scheduling time for small breaks will ultimately help you to be more productive.

Set your screen time

I’m not sure about you guys, but I have definitely gotten a social media overload since being stuck at home. There is so much going on in the media right now and it is more distracting than ever! So, set a limit on your screen time, turn on do not disturb, or simply leave it out of the room. You will have plenty of time to check it later, I promise.

Communicate with your professors

We are used to being in small classes at SCU where we can quickly build relationships with our professors and easily go to them for any help. Of course with classes online, this will make things more challenging. I recommend making an effort right away to get to know your professors. If you haven’t had a chance already, send them a brief email to introduce yourself and express any concerns or information they should know to better help you learn. Remember, they are there to support you! And I promise if you show an effort of connecting with them now, they will be more likely to extend that deadline you request later this quarter.

And finally…

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Everyone is experiencing similar difficulties and emotions right now, so find peace in knowing that we are all in this together. Do your best in this uncomfortable space, and know you can always decide if you want to opt for the pass/no pass option up until week 10 (thank you SCU). You got this!