5 Ways To Stay Productive During Online Classes
“Focus on being productive instead of busy.” — Tim Ferriss
When the pandemic started, the world stopped. Everything switched online and with that, millions of students started listening to their classes online. While some say they like the new “normal”, some struggle with distance learning. Looking at the screen for several hours can make students lose focus and make them uninterested. It is very important to be productive during classes even if they are online because it helps us gather knowledge from our professors. Here are 5 ways to stay productive during online classes.
1. Minimize distractions
When we listen to online classes in the comfort of our room we can get easily distracted. Because the professor is not in the same room as we are, sometimes we can forget we are even in a class. Distractions come in all shapes and sizes. The smallest one is the smartphone that is always near us. Also, people that live with us can be a distraction that sometimes makes us lose focus. There are a lot more things that can interrupt our focus, but it is our job to learn how to minimize distractions. Take time and remove everything from your room to help you focus.
2. Actively participate
It is important to participate in online classes whether you engage in a conversation via group chat or through a microphone on your computer. This can help you understand course material better because you are not just listening to empty words, you are thinking about the current topic. Ask questions and initiate a conversation about the topic you are interested in. Doing this will make you motivated for upcoming classes.
3. Have your own study space
Having online classes gives you total freedom. You can be laying down with a laptop on your bed while the professor is teaching or you could fall asleep while still appear like you are attending a class. All of that sounds fun, but the truth is that it makes you unproductive. It is important to have a study space that is comfortable but not too comfortable. The ideal place would be a room with an office desk where you could follow your online class in peace.
4. Stay organized
When you set up your own study space, you will know where every notebook, file, or book is located and you will be able to access it quickly. Not only that, but you could buy a planner to help you stay on track with your assignments. Moreover, it is important to write down when you have classes so you can create daily plans. A planner also helps you keep track of your homework and other essential duties.
5. Take notes
The last tip is to write notes. You do not need a planner for taking notes, you can use a simple notebook. Sounds plain and simple, but it requires focus and that is why it is so important. It does not only help you be present during an online class but it also gives you your own personal report that you can use when studying.
Summary
Online classes can sometimes be a challenge. When we are not focused and are distracted by something else, we tend to drift away. Making sure to stay productive is crucial because education is especially important, as well as having a conversation about academic topics with your classmates and teachers. Learning effective ways to keep you productive during online activities will get you a long way, not only in your education but they will become good tools in your future job.
