Whether virtual learning was always your intention, or you have been suddenly thrust into the world of remote learning kicking and screaming, the fact remains that this type of learning has its own set of rules. Things that may have worked like a charm for you in a classroom setting, may not work out so great in a remote environment. So, if you are determined to succeed on this educational pathway, here are 3 virtual learning survival tips you should master now.
Get Time Management Under Control
Sitting in a classroom with a clock ticking down on the wall and a professor stalking the floor makes time management very simple. You must stay focused because you are being watched and you have an obvious time limit. This is not the case with virtual learning. Without time management skills your virtual learning experience can become a nightmare.
The best way to get a grip on your time management is to set up boundaries. When you are working at home the rest of your life insists on crowding in. Your pets need attention. Your housemates distract you. Doing a pile of laundry even seems more appealing than doing your assignment. You must set up strong boundaries in order to keep the rest of your life from creeping into your learning time.
If you literally cannot do this inside your home, then you may want to consider a workspace outside of the home such as a library or quiet coffee shop.
In addition to setting boundaries, it is also important to set up a schedule. Holding yourself accountable to a schedule will help you feel more in control and it will help you get more accomplished. If you have always conducted your learning in a classroom environment, setting up a schedule can also help remote learning feel more legitimate.
Learn About Procrastination
Many people think procrastination is just a bad habit, but procrastination is actually a very powerful psychological phenomenon. Many psychologists believe that procrastination has a lot more to do with our emotions than it does with our habits. Most procrastinators are not lazy people. In fact, many people will use productive activities, such as cleaning, re-organizing, or exercising, in order to put off other essential tasks. Your work ethic is not in question, but your emotions are. Understanding what is happening on a psychological and emotional level will help you release yourself from the grip of procrastination so that you can start getting your important tasks accomplished. You can start learning more about procrastination by reading the book The Procrastination Equation by Dr. Piers Steel.
Go To Sleep
A cool aspect of virtual learning has been the perk of going to class straight out of bed, still in your jammies. Sure, we all like the idea of listening to the lecture curled up in a fuzzy blanket on the couch, but there is a downside to this. If you know that you will not be required to shower, dress, and commute to class, the temptation is to stay up later at night. You start cutting into your sleep which will cut into your productivity and retention.
It is a better idea to keep a rational bedtime and wake up time even during remote learning. Since you can skip the shower, dressing and commute, use that time wisely. Meditate, exercise, set goals. The most successful people in the world all agree that when you give yourself time in the morning to get a grip on your day, you will find you are more successful all round.
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