At first, I was not excited about online classes one bit. I’m a very hands-on learner and benefit from the classroom experience. This has been an adjustment for everyone, so here are six tips to stay on top of things in this trying time.
Be flexible and keep an open mind
My first class that met online was World Lit with Scott Huelin, professor of English. He’s been very adaptive and has worked with students to adjust our learning experience based on what we feel works for us. He has been great about requesting feedback from students and being willing to change his plans according to what we feel benefits our learning.
Once World Lit got on its feet and running, I started to enjoy the class more than ever. Instead of meeting over Zoom, Huelin has an optional time during our class period for us to meet in the chat function of Canvas and ask questions about the text and discuss with one another.
While that may not work for everyone, I have thoroughly enjoyed this type of learning. Because I don’t have the in-person classroom experience, I feel the pressure and responsibility of understanding what I’m reading on my own and have been reading more carefully and asking more questions along the way. Huelin also adapted to students’ preferences and began recording lectures for us to watch in addition to the online chat.
Find a new study space (in the comfort of your home)
Since we don’t have access to our beloved Barefoots and Modero right now, make a point to create your own study environment (in the confines of your own home, of course). Find a comfy couch to do your reading or a clean table to work on assignments. Make the space yours as much as your setting will allow. Bring all of your study materials, brew some coffee or steep some tea, and maybe even light a candle. Have fun reading material, art supplies or a notebook on hand for study breaks.
“I try to make a designated work and class space,” said junior theatre education major Leah Wilmoth. “But I have a separate homework space: my hammock.”
Safely take advantage of the outdoors and the sunnier weather that comes and goes. Just like Wilmoth does, remember to switch up your study space occasionally to keep you motivated and give you a change of scenery.
Stay organized
When classes switched to online, even the most organized people struggled with using their preexisting system for keeping up with classes. Sophomore public relations major Grace McMurry has always clung to her planner, but she had to switch things around with her schedule getting turned on its head.
“When it’s all online, it can get so hard to keep up with everything,” said McMurry.
So, she began using her large desk calendar to stay on top of projects, assignments and classes, which has given her an easily accessible, visual plan for the weeks to come. While this isn’t what she’s been used to, she was able to take her old system and tweak it to what she needs during this time and maintain her organization.
Be optimistic and consistent
Some classes are harder than others to navigate in an online platform. For her directing class, adjunct theatre professor Kristin Klonowski has done a great job of taking things as they come, keeping the class updated with her plans moving forward and being creative in how we will continue learning in an unorthodox manner. She also has offered great reminders in the midst of this time.
“I encourage you all to stay positive and keep your faith strong- God holds all things in His hands, and we are not alone!” said Klonowski in an email to her class.
Klonowski continued with advice for her students, encouraging them to keep to the same schedule as if they were on campus attending classes. While this may be a difficult practice while at home, the consistency of a schedule will keep you motivated and focused on your work.
Navigate with grace
Remember that we, as students, are not the only ones dealing with such a big educational and societal change. Our professors are doing their best and are going above and beyond for classes and looking out for our wellbeing.
“This is obviously a stressful time for everyone,” said Huelin to his class. “If you are having trouble getting adjusted or figuring out how to get your work done in dramatically-altered circumstances, please let me know.”
Be aware that this is new for everyone and be grateful that we have such caring professors.
Take care of yourself
In this season, it is more important than ever to be caring for your body, mind and soul. Freshman zoology major Allaina Armstrong said that keeping to a regular sleep schedule has been extremely helpful for her.
Take advantage of the access the school has provided for us to RightNow Media, an online Christian platform with video Bible studies. Give your soul some nourishment when anxieties are high and when the world is changing so quickly.
In the nursing department, professors have been sharing devotionals with their students and providing a plethora of platforms and activities for learning.
“The nursing professors and department are undeniably dedicated to us,” said junior nursing major Addie Roth.
With her time outside of online classes, Roth has been intentional with practicing yoga and working out, simultaneously taking care of mind and body. These practices offer her a time of rest and a way to unwind from the stressful days.
Photo by Neil Cole
