Whether you’ve had the opportunity to take an online course at your university or college or not, making the shift from on-campus learning to a complete remote classroom experience will likely require some adjusting. A drastic change like this one may be totally foreign to you, but keep in mind that you are not alone.  In response to COVID-19, multitudes of students across the country are making the shift from being on campus daily to studying from a laptop. We’re here to offer you some guidance to help you finish out the semester strong as we adjust to remote learning.

1. Create a study space.

Chances are, some of your family members are doing their part to promote social distancing, which may mean that they share a space with you. Stake a claim on a study spot, if you can, whether it be your favorite living room chair, the dining room table or the desk in your bedroom. Make sure the WiFi reaches whatever study space you choose and the noise levels are minimal to promote an optimal online classroom experience. Keep your textbooks nearby, along with notetaking materials and any other supplies you may need.

2. “Show up” for class.

While it may be tempting to study in your sweatpants, try to keep the routine of getting dressed for class. You wouldn’t show up to a lecture in your pajamas, would you? Before you enter your designated study space and open your computer, get dressed for the day. Keeping this element of your routine will help you feel a little more normal and boost your mental health.

3. Take it seriously.

Online classes are still classes, and the credit will count just as they would if you were there in person.  Don’t have the TV on while you study.  Netflix, hulu, Disney+ and other streaming platforms have no place in the college classroom, and they shouldn’t be incorporated into your online classroom either. By eliminating distractions, you’ll be able to focus on the subject at hand.  Create set study hours and stick to them! Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to “go to class” during normal hours, and don’t save all of your homework for the late hours of the night. Show up to study during the day just like you would if you were attending class on campus. Stay organized by referring back to the syllabus, making note of due dates and keeping documents sorted into the correct folders. Just because your environment has changed doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put in the same caliber of effort.

4. Struggling? Email your professor.

You may find that some subjects are more difficult for you in a virtual classroom setting. If you find that you’re having trouble understanding the material or the topics, reach out to your professor to ask for clarity. Your professors likely are ready to help you transition, and they will want to make sure you aren’t falling behind. It’s up to you to speak up if you’re struggling.

5. Remember, Kappa Delta is here to help.

Keeping up with online courses can be overwhelming, but you have a network of sisters and chapter members who would be happy to assist you. Reach out to your KD friends who have or are taking the classes you’re enrolled in and discuss the material with them. Contact your chapter’s Academic Excellence chairman if you need study tips or tutoring options. FaceTime with sisters to go over flashcards and study guides. For more ideas, check out the new virtual learning resources now available in the opens in a new windowKappa Delta Resource Library.