Overnight, educators and students around the globe have had to quickly transition from in-class learning to remote home learning. While the transition to distance learning brings rewards, it also brings a unique set of challenges.
“While the route to success might be different from that of studying at a contact institution, the rewards and sense of achievement when you reach your goals are just as significant.” says Sonia Magni, Academic Manager at Oxbridge Academy, a private college that serves more than 20 000 South African distance learning students every year.
“These students do however need all the support they can get, as distance learning can be a lonely and frustrating endeavour if you go about it the wrong way”. Magni says there are a number of distance learning study strategies, which, if applied, will help ensure student success.
Adobe reached out to students and educators to find out what they were doing to stay inspired, connected and productive. Here’s what they had to say –
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“Get dressed and ready every morning as if you’re leaving the house.”
I believe that the environment or learning scenarios, such as the classroom or the classmates around you, help students to switch to ‘focus’ mode. E-learning doesn’t provide that kind of stimulus, and that might be one of the reasons why students find it hard to concentrate or be productive during this online course period. I embedded my previous routine into my current ‘learn-from-home’ life, such as making coffee before starting the day or dressing up as what I normally would do when going to class. Tiara Ping Shia
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“If you find you’re losing focus, find a new spot to study.”
Ambiance and my surroundings are things I find to be very impactful on the way at which I prepare schoolwork. Being in my bedroom inhibits me from this, so I try to complete my work in different rooms to avoid the temptation of being totally idle. Cyann Camaya
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“Create a schedule and stick with it.”
Creating a consistent routine that most resembles my on-campus life is what I find to be the most helpful. Exercising in the mornings, spending time outside, and participating in virtual study groups and club meetings normalises the situation. Allyson Maroyka
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“Alternate between doing your homework and doing the things you love.”
The switch from in-person instruction to online classes has been a stressful and daunting task for most students. I find that taking walks outside as the weather gets warmer helps me regain a sense of normalcy during these troubling times. Vasu Garg
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“Take regular breaks.”
I find it tough to concentrate for a long period of time, so it’s important to give yourself breaks every hour or so. And I always shut off my phone when I do work. It’s extremely distracting. Brandon Kalika
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“Get a good workout in every day.”
Too much screen time tends to give me a headache, which lowers my productivity considerably. I try to ensure that I stay active and hydrated by always having water nearby and try to fit in some level of activity each day. Jenna Minks
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“Find a way to limit phone use.”
Getting distracted on your phone during class is way easier now than when you used to go to an actual school. Find a way to limit your usage because that device can destroy the schedule you’ve crafted so well. Emile Redlinger
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“Find a hobby that taps into your creative side.”
It’s been a transition for everyone, but we all find our ways of coping. Personally, at the beginning I started to fall into cycles of negative thinking without realising. Thankfully, this changed when I started taking each day as an opportunity to do something positive, and I would always have something to look forward to doing. I found that exercise has helped tremendously, as well as doing something creative. Harry Wiley
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As the world navigates this unprecedented health crisis, educators and learners are learning to adapt and move forward. In the face of all this change, Learning Curve are fully committed to helping schools, colleges and universities, teachers, faculty, and learners make the shift to online learning one of the easiest and simplest decisions.
We’re inspired by the ideas and resources educational leaders are sharing with each other during this time. To continue the conversation and connect with us drop us an email or connect with us on Facebook.
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