Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to learn how to adapt quickly to new changes all while continuing with our daily lives. 

Although remote learning and online education already existed before the pandemic, companies like EdTech (Educational Technology) have grown in popularity – paving the way in digitizing education.

Having this format of learning as the new norm, it is important that we get the most out of it.

The following 16 tips can help you improve your performance as a student of remote learning.

  1. Time management: It’s important to remember that even though you are not attending in-person classes, it does not mean that you do not have assigned work to complete everyday. On the contrary, if you think that you have more time now, you are wrong. You must be aware that you still have homework, that you have to participate in forums, and complete group projects. Thus, it is important that you have the disciplined mentality to distribute your time correctly.
  1. Small tasks: Even if you are not attending classes in-person, you must still find a balance between attending online classes and completing assignments. Therefore, try to set yourself up for success with reachable goals and not overwhelm yourself with trying to complete everything all at once. After all, with every assignment you finish, you will continue to motivate yourself to complete the next one. 
  2. Stay connected: With online classes taking place, seeing your classmates and maintaining contact with them has been harder. You need your classmates to ask questions and solve problems together. Therefore, reach out to them so you can continue to support each other, especially during these difficult times. 
  1. Contact your professors: Always be sure to ask questions on concepts and lessons you don’t understand. Your teachers are aware that completing assignments may be more difficult now and that it may take students more effort. Be sure to always reach out to your teachers to clear any confusion on concepts or receive extra support.
  1. Review your work: You will continue to have assigned work and lessons in distance learning, and sometimes it may feel like it is more work or it never ends. Be sure to review your class material in manageable time chunks, and, of course, ask your teacher or classmates questions when they arise. This will help you understand subjects more easily and be prepared for the next lessons.
  1. Take notes and summarize topics: Before class, take notes on the material and try to summarize what you learned. This way, you are prepared for class the next day with new knowledge and any questions that came up while preparing. The day of class, be sure to also take notes in case you may have missed anything the day before. Lastly, don’t forget to ask questions. 
  1. Optional work: Distance learning can be as beneficial as you make it to be. Sometimes, teachers assign extra homework and projects that are optional or worth extra credit. It’s recommended to complete the optional work. Take some time to schedule the optional assignments in your day’s work. You’ll feel more prepared, learn more, and set yourself up for success.
  1. Always keep your agenda up to date: Make a list and keep track of all the concepts you will cover in class and assignments that need to be completed. It’s important to take some time to create this list because it can help you be organized, avoid cramming, and never have you miss an assignment. 
  1. Create a study plan: Take some time to create a study plan, including the subject and  time you wish to study, that you can devote to everyday. Ideally, you want to study at the same time of day for the same amount of time to help you create that routine. Distance learning can give you more time and flexibility with studying. Creating this plan and establishing a routine can help you keep track of your learning and avoid falling behind.  
  1. Have a study space: You want to work in an area that can keep you focused and motivated, so pick a spot in your home that can help you recreate this. Choose an area that is a quiet, well-lit area, and with no distractions. 
  1. Use a calendar: Define your studying goals and use a calendar where you can write in your weekly classes and assignments that are due. Using a calendar can give you a bird’s-eye view of how your week will look like. This can help you distribute your assignments and keep you organized.
  1. Choose the right tech tools: There are tons of online educational platforms and courses that you can use to supplement your learning at home. Be sure to pick the right ones that you believe will meet your needs and match your material in class.      

It’s also always good to check that your headphones, webcam, and internet are working. You don’t want your internet to crash during an important part of a lecture or have your video camera freeze while you’re presenting a project! 

  1. Take well-deserved breaks: It’s important that when you study you are being as productive as you can. To help you stay concentrated during each study session, make sure to pause and take breaks so that when you study again, you feel refreshed and ready. This is especially important as a lot of screen time can cause you to feel more tired and fatigued, negatively affecting your learning. 
  1. Work in teams: Just like in in-person classes, you may still be assigned group projects in distance learning. This can break the monotony in solo learning and make completing group assignments more enjoyable. And as mentioned previously, this can also help with maintaining contact and connections with your peers.
  1. Maintain your health: Just as you make schedules for your classes and assignments, you must also make time and put effort into maintaining your health. You must find a balance between classes and health. Create a routine for physical activities and eating healthy meals. 

For the majority of the time you will be sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time. From time to time, get up, stretch, and move around. Your mind and body will be grateful for the small breaks in between classes.

  1. Motivation and discipline: Don’t forget about the goals you set and want to achieve. Your goals and objectives and how to achieve them should always be clear. Maintaining motivation and discipline can get you to where you want to be. As you complete more and more assignments, you are becoming more disciplined and motivated to continue working towards your learning objectives. 

We cannot ignore that distance learning has its advantages. Some of the advantages are having flexible schedules, time for other activities, and planning our daily routines. 

However, you must be very clear in your goals and objectives that you want to achieve. Your success depends on your planning, organization, discipline, and committed effort.