Improving performance at online classes

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of students found it hard to focus on online classes. When I was asking some of my classmates and friends to evaluate distance learning, the majority of them is having a problem focusing. Why is it like that?
The main problem may be the absence of physical contact. Students do not feel like they are attending class, this may support their distraction from the external and internal environment.

I wrote down some advice that may help to improve performance in online classes

1. Create a time schedule

Studying online looked like when dream come true in the beginning. No need to attend classes or meet professors. But let’s be honest. It was never easier to procrastinate. Who finds him or herself scrolling social media while an online lecture is ongoing?

There is no need to be upset about yourself. When companies are preparing their employees to switch from an office environment to work remotely, they most likely provide them with guidance and training. Students didn’t have such an option. Everything happened from one day to another.

It is crucial to set down a time schedule. Distance learning doesn’t mean that you have a long break from school. Great way how to make sure you know your duties for the day is to write them down. For example when you are eating your breakfast or morning coffee.

2. Stay in touch with your classmates

When I was attending classes me and my peers always helped each other. We checked all the assignments together and it was very easy to be on track with lectures. This changed dramatically when we stayed at home.

Create a group chat and always check on each other. In this situation, your peers may go through hard times and will need help. Or maybe you will be one who is lost with all the assignments and reports. It also may help you with being on track with your duties and deadlines.

3. Create a checklist

I really recommend downloading Todoist app or any other application you prefer and write down your week or daily tasks here. You can share them with your classmates too. Such a step will help you to control and see what you have to do or what you already did.

Having a place where you can see all work you already did helps you to stay motivated. Everyone feels sometimes like they are not doing enough. Especially in this situation when we live under pressure and restrictions are changing so fast is good to remind yourself of all the work you did. No doubt about how having a list of tasks can help you to don’t forget about any deadlines.

4. Set up a workplace

Feeling good about the place where you spend your lecture can change the game about being focused. In past years a lot of researches have been done about how the environment is important to human performance.

Try to think about what makes you feel concentrated and motivated. Do you prefer to sit on the chair and have a laptop on the table or do you feel better when you can sit on the couch or lie on the bed?

If you often feel distracted by your phone, set it into Do Not Disturb mode. Your education should be your priority.

I hope those steps will help you to be more present in the classes. This semester is slowly coming to the end and you may avoid being stress during exams.

Good luck!