Whether for the timetable flexibility, or the ease of studying from home, many Curtin students find themselves switching to studying online partway through their degree. Below we share a few tips on how you can adapt to your online classes to become a successful online learner.
- Set a daily timetable
With no more face-to-face classes, your weeks are going to look a bit different for a while, so it is important to try and establish a routine to follow. Schedule time for your different tasks like readings, watching lectures or participating in discussion activities. Doing this will give your days structure and will help you to stay on top of all your upcoming tasks.
- Take breaks
Make sure you schedule regular breaks into your timetable as it will be important to give your eyes a break away from all the screen time they will be doing. So get up and step away from your desk for a while to read a book, take a walk around the block, play a game that doesn’t involve a screen, make some food or tidy up your room. Taking breaks will mean that when you come back to your desk you will feel refreshed.
- Create a dedicated study space
If you have the space to do so, set up a dedicated study area where you can complete all your work, as this will greatly help your productivity. Try not to use your bed or couch to complete your study on as these should be areas dedicated to your relaxation time.
- Set up an online study group
You may no longer be able to meet up with your study group in person, but this doesn’t mean your study sessions have to stop. Set up a Facebook group or WhatsApp group chat where you can share resources and ask questions, and organise regular video chat sessions to talk about your studies and catch up!
- Handwrite your notes during online lectures and tutorials
The process of handwriting helps to embed knowledge in your brain and can also help you to focus on the task at hand rather than what’s on your phone screen.
- Make time to do other things
While you may have a lot of extra time on your hands, don’t just fill this time with more study. It is important to maintain a study/life balance so watch movies, call your family, exercise, play an instrument or do a hobby that makes you happy.
Most importantly, look after yourself! It’s perfectly OK to feel stressed, uncertain or anxious. If you feel like you need to talk to someone, the Student Wellbeing Advisory Service is here to help.
