6 Ways to Smooth the Transition to Online Learning

Tuesday, I packed my college office into a box and carried it home. For an undetermined amount of time, this will be my life: me, on my computer, virtually coaching students.

When I started my degree in 2011, only a few online universities even existed. People were skeptical about the kind of education these classes would provide. However, I wanted to be able to work enough to at least pay for my books, while getting a quality education and giving in to my introverted nature. So, I chose an online school, and I’ve never regretted that decision.

But for students in across the world right now, in-person classes aren’t really an option. COVID-19 made sure of that. So students and parents of students transitioning to online learning: What do you do now?

Some of you may have taken a few online classes, but having your entire program shift online can be a lot to manage. I haven’t been a student in about four years, but as a College Success coach, I’ve continued to study techniques for helping college students succeed.

Here are some way to help with the transition.

1. Stick to your regular schedule if you can. When I was a full-time online student, devoting certain hours each day to school work helped. I tried to stick with the same hours every day. Unless your classes are in a live format and you already have to participate at a certain time, it might be helpful to access your class and complete your work during the timeframe when you’d normally be in the classroom. For example, if your Psychology 150 class meets for 50 minutes at 8am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, then “attend” your class online and do the work from 8–8:50 am on those days. If you don’t have a specific time to “meet” with your class, then maybe try the approach of setting specific hours each day to devote to school. Not only will this help you manage your time well in days that now seem timeless, but it will also provide a sense of normalcy in a world that’s gone crazy.
2. Use your college and community resources. Our college will continue tutoring for our students in an online format. Check with your own school — the support staff might still be around to help you too, even if virtually. If you’re afraid, talk to a counselor. Even school counselors may still be available by phone. And stay in touch with your people. Whether at school or in your family or community, the people around you also likely want to help you. Also, some teachers are posting on Facebook what subjects they’re qualified to teach. If you need help in a particular area and don’t have access to tutoring, reach out to one of them.
3. Watch youtube videos from reputable sources if you need extra help. Khan Academy is a good one for a variety of subjects. Since I’m a coach for Spanish, in that area, I recommend The Spanish Dude and Señor Jordan. For Psychology and other human services classes, Crash Course is a good resource.
4. Communicate with your professors. This is a good rule of thumb anyway, but stay connected with your professor. This transition for almost everyone is a big deal. Lean on the ones who know the material and already know you. Your professors are here to teach you, so let them!
5. Check your deadlines. Some professors will be changing assignment due dates. Ours are revising over the extended Spring break this week. I don’t know what it’s like for every school, but we’re all learning to be flexible right now. Start plugging new dates into your phone calendar or write them in a planner. Do what works best for you. Extra tip: It might be helpful for you to check off or mark through assignments as you complete them. When you see yourself making progress, you’ll feel motivated and encouraged to continue.
6. Time management is key when you become your own boss. And you are mostly in charge when you’re learning all on your own. Checking your deadlines is a huge part of this, that’s why I mentioned it first. Then, break down your assignments into daily chunks. Try to only study an hour at a time; it’s the max your brain can handle well without a break. Thirty-minute segments with 10-minute breaks between are even more effective, especially when you switch subjects with each “chunk” of time. And, as always, try to keep up with your reading in your textbook and any assigned videos, presentations, or homework.

Listen, we’re all trying to adjust to our new normal. This could be a couple of weeks or eight weeks or longer. The truth is, we really don’t know. But I hope — no matter how long your transition to online learning lasts — these tips are helpful to you.

For more tips, feel free to contact me via the Connect page on my website. I’m happy to help as much as I can.