Skip to main content

How to Stay Productive in Online Classes

With the rise of online education, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, many students are attending classes via platforms like Zoom or Google Meet. In fact, during the spring of 2020, over 75% of public schools reported moving classes to online distance-learning formats.

While online learning offers flexibility, it also presents unique challenges. Here are some strategies to help you stay productive during your virtual classes.

1. Create a Distraction-Free Workspace

Find a quiet spot with minimal distractions. Keep your phone on silent, close unnecessary browser tabs, and let people around you know when you're in class. A clutter-free space can help you stay focused.

2. Follow a Routine

Act like you're going to an in-person class. Get dressed, eat a good breakfast, and have your materials ready. A structured routine signals your brain that it’s time to focus.

3. Stay Engaged in Class

  • Keep your camera on if possible—it helps you stay accountable.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.
  • Take notes by hand or type them in a document to stay actively involved.

4. Avoid Multitasking

It’s tempting to check social media or browse the web, but multitasking reduces focus. Give your full attention to the lesson, just like you would in a physical classroom.

5. Take Breaks Between Classes

Staring at a screen all day can be exhausting. Use short breaks to stretch, get some fresh air, or grab a snack to recharge before your next class.

6. Stay Connected with Teachers and Classmates

If you’re struggling with a topic, don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher. Join or create virtual study groups to stay motivated and clarify concepts.

With discipline and the right habits, you can stay productive and make online learning just as effective as in-person classes.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Double Check Your Work

Sounds simple, but so many students forget to double check their work.  Spending 5 or 10 extra minutes here and there will really make a difference. Especially on tests and quizzes, use the time productively if you finish early.  Rather than socializing with your friends, be sure to look over as many answers as possible.  Correcting one or two careless mistakes might be the difference between receiving a B or an A. It's also not just about tests and quizzes.  Do it with your homework as well!  At the end of the evening, be sure to do a quick final check.  Did you finish all the work for every class, and did you remember to put every assignment neatly into your backpack?  Don't give away these easy points by forgetting to finish something -- or worse yet, finishing it but leaving it at home!
Post a Comment
Read more

Use the Process of Elimination

On multiple choice tests and quizzes, all that matters is picking the right answer.  Obviously, the best way to do well is to figure out the right answer to each question.  But sometimes you won't know the right answer to certain questions.  What should you do then? One of the best approaches is to use the process of elimination.  Take a look at all of the multiple choice answer options, and see if there are any obviously incorrect answers.  For example, if you can estimate the answer to a multiple choice math question is between 50 and 100, then you could eliminate the choices for 25 and 150.  Then, make a guess from the remaining options.  If you manage to eliminate 2 out of 4 options, you've significantly improved your odds of making the right guess. Of course, use process of elimination guessing as a last resort.  The best approach is always to study hard and avoid the need to guess in the first place.
Post a Comment
Read more

Focus Your Studying

In order to ace your tests and succeed in school, you obviously need to study. Studying can sometimes be a grind, so in order to be both efficient and effective with your time, you need to be ultra-focused in your study habits.  Unfocused studying can be nearly as bad as no studying at all.  Here are some best practices for how to stay focused while studying: Find a quiet study environment : It's hard to concentrate and absorb your study materials if there's loud music, a television, or talking friends and family in the background. Establish a clean workspace : It may be hard to believe, but having a clean desk is a simple way to get yourself comfortable and into a good frame of mind for studying. Avoid the computer and cell phone : You will learn at a faster pace when you can focus for a reasonable period of time without distraction.  Don't break up your thinking by continually checking your text messages or status updates on your favorite social network. Take perio...
2 comments
Read more