In our earlier blog post, we talked about changing your strategy to succeed for the rest of the semester. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, all classes at UNT have been transitioned to an online format. This was something that was drastic and unexpected. For most people, taking an online class is something they have never experienced. The fact is, the strategies to succeed in online classes are quite similar to succeeding in in-person classes.
Before we get into the tips and tricks for online classes, the first step is to change your language. Think about a phrase or word someone told you that really hurt. You may have even had a physical response to the pain caused by crying. The same way words from people hurt us, is the same way the language we use hurt ourselves. One might not have a physical response, but it definitely affects us. It affects our motivation, will power, effort, and ability. For the next few weeks (and rest of your life really), I urge you to be kind to yourself. Instead of saying “I am going to fail this class” say “I am going to try my best.” It won’t be easy, but you will get through it standing. That being said, here are 4 tips to help you to adjust to online classes.
Before we get into the tips and tricks for online classes, the first step is to change your language. Think about a phrase or word someone told you that really hurt. You may have even had a physical response to the pain caused by crying. The same way words from people hurt us, is the same way the language we use hurt ourselves. One might not have a physical response, but it definitely affects us. It affects our motivation, will power, effort, and ability. For the next few weeks (and rest of your life really), I urge you to be kind to yourself. Instead of saying “I am going to fail this class” say “I am going to try my best.” It won’t be easy, but you will get through it standing. That being said, here are 4 tips to help you to adjust to online classes.
1) Get up from your bed: Yes SWEsters, you need to stand up, make your bed, take a shower, get some food to eat, and drink water. Do all this because it is good for your health. Also, it shows you are still in control of your life. For most people, this pandemic shattered their plans and dreams. All of a sudden, the things we usually did, that made us “us” are taken away. SWEsters, just because you can’t do everything, doesn’t mean you can’t do anything. Yeah, you can’t go out and eat with friends. Still, you can brush your teeth, prepare a simple meal and video call your friends. If you can take control of little things in your life, then you will be prepared for even bigger things like online classes.
2) Make a schedule: This step is a tricky one. Making a schedule is not as easy as it seems. Hence, why a lot of people end up never following their schedule. As humans, we are creatures of habit. However, monotony drains us. That is the conflict. We make a schedule, and by the 4th day, we’re tired of doing the same thing every day. The first thing is to determine what end of the spectrum you belong to. Do you thrive in everyday consistency or do you want to do something a little different every day? That should affect your schedule and how you block out study time. Regardless, you still have to make some sort of schedule. It could be a weekly/daily schedule. You can spice things up and change up your routine every week. In future blog posts, we will go more in depth on how to make a good schedule.
3) Attend online classes and virtual office hours: This step is simple. Attend the class. Attend the class. Attend the class. Yes, you’re really tired. Yes, you are stressed. Yes, your professor has never taught an online class and is struggling. SWEsters, what are you still going to do? Attend that class. Attend the class because: you will get something out of the class (no matter how little), it shows you are trying to succeed, your professors put a lot of effort into preparing class material for you, and because you paid for it. Also, make use of office hours. With everything being online, most professors actually have more opportunities to provide office hours.
4) Set SMART goals: Set goals for the rest of the semester. Another good acronym here is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound). Your goals should consist of all five. Don’t stretch yourself beyond your breaking point. At the same time, don’t underestimate your abilities. You are not mediocre but you are not a superhero either. Be SMART. Set goals, and tell your friends about those goals so that it becomes more concrete. Also, ask one of your friends to be an accountability partner so that you have someone to hold you to your word.
4) Set SMART goals: Set goals for the rest of the semester. Another good acronym here is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound). Your goals should consist of all five. Don’t stretch yourself beyond your breaking point. At the same time, don’t underestimate your abilities. You are not mediocre but you are not a superhero either. Be SMART. Set goals, and tell your friends about those goals so that it becomes more concrete. Also, ask one of your friends to be an accountability partner so that you have someone to hold you to your word.
This is it for this week SWEsters. Online classes cannot defeat you. Get up from you bed, make a schedule, attend that class, and set SMART goals. SWEsters you got this!
