- Bee Academy
- Sep 15, 2020
- 3 min read
Many students have limited experience with Virtual Learning, meaning that we have yet to learn how to create an environment that stimulates success. I have had a previous opportunity to participate in virtual learning, and I picked up on a few things that helped me study well in a home environment.
Here are things that have helped me adapt to virtual learning.
Planner
Planners and journals are often seen in the hands of either really busy adults or teen Youtubers trying to be artsy. However, I've been using a planner for over a year now, and it's literally chef's kiss brilliant. It's key to keeping yourself organized no matter how busy you may be. I can have every space of a page covered with tasks and sometimes only have a single assignment for the week, nevertheless, it's always helped me keep track of everything. Virtual Learning forces every minute and every day to blur together. This makes it challenging to keep track of every responsibility and due date. A planner covers that impasse created by distanced learning with its basic calendar design.
Planners are also great for students lacking motivation. Creating a simple To-Do list and crossing out tasks (big and small) truly pushes many students to be more productive. I've written, "take a shower" as a task on a busy day before so that I don't lose focus before getting back to my other responsibilities. If you could take away one thing from this post, it is to have a planner. Any kind will do; I got mine from the Dollar Store, and it serves it's best purpose. Just find any notebook that can help you keep track of the date and your tasks.
It's easy to give up on your classes because school seems to lose a lot of its fun aspects, but finding different ways to push yourself through is a life skill you will always need.
Routine and Sleep
I can not stress the importance of a daily routine and adequate sleep enough. No matter how old you are and how busy your days get, setting up a simple routine to your everyday life is a huge life hack. If you can get your mind and body to switch between working and relaxing while in the same environment, then you've mastered the art of working at home. Getting up at the same time every day, eating a healthy breakfast, getting dressed and settling in for work with lunch and a break in mind, and eventually clocking out at the end of your workday, changing back to comfortable clothes, getting a hearty dinner, and finally laying down for bed at a reasonable time, makes all the difference in your life. You can't expect your mind to prepare for work without creating a difference between your relaxed and work days.
Music
Music is my lifeline during long working hours. I usually listen to the Lofi stream on Youtube by ChilledCow. Music activates both the left and right side of the brain, improving memory and learning. Research has shown music improves one's emotional state which in turn develops brain function and reduces stress on students, amongst other things. I can also back this statement up with my experience. Unless I require utmost concentration, I am usually listening to music to reduce stress and to soothe myself for a few hours.
Snacks
This is just a personal preference or habit. I really don't have much to say on this one. I usually blur a lot around me and I don't want my stomach to get in the way. A healthy snack on the side never hurt anyone.
Clean Room
A clean room or learning space is just as important as a routine. An organized environment maintains a clear mind, which puts one in a good mood for work. Many people also make it a habit to procrastinate on their room rather the get their works done. It's important to eliminate unbeneficial distractions and a messy room is prone to that. Create an organized space that makes you personally feel formal and prepared to work.
Looking back, I haven't written too many new things in this post. This is mainly just a reminder of useful habits to have during virtual learning. With experience, I am sure you will find ways that help you best succeed and eliminate the obstacles that have been created. It will take time, but it will be worth it. Remember to stay inside, distanced, happy, and healthy!
Enjoy being productive!