7 EFFECTIVE WAYS TO STAY FOCUSED WHILE LEARNING ONLINE
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the dynamics of our daily lives. Right from the way we work to the way we study, humanity has had to adapt to continue with our daily lives, and let not this pandemic affect us. But this has given rise to some new challenges and one of them is studying online. Owing to the closure of schools, colleges, and offline classes, students have had to study online, and it’s not easy.
Since COVID-19 has accelerated online learning, the industry has grown exponentially. From 2020 to 2025, online learning is expected to grow an impressive 200%. Even though physical classes will start someday, students have to learn online for a while. Plus, online learning will remain strong as it gives students to access education from anywhere in the world. The only main challenge students have to tackle is of staying focused in online classes.
Learning online has been a life-saver for students during this challenging time. And with threats of new variants and further lockdowns looming large, students should adapt and evolve to this medium. It’s very easy to get distracted while studying online and teachers also have a tough time paying attention to all, so your education can suffer. But online learning also opens up many educational avenues for students, so, you should turn this challenge into an opportunity.
Create a Routine – When you are in college, you have a set routine. You wake, freshen up, get ready, eat breakfast, travel, and arrive at your college to learn. This routine gets you ready for what is to come and becomes almost like a ritual. Such a routine can also help you get ready for learning online.
We all look for consistency and this is exactly what a routine does. You need to develop a routine around learning online. Keep the routine similar to your old routine. The more often you do it, the more you train yourself and natural body clock that adapts to your daily routine. So, by creating a consistent routine before your online classes, you are giving structure to the whole procedure, making it easier to learn.
Dedicated Space – A dedicated space can create an atmosphere conducive to learning. Once you enter this space, you will automatically switch to study mode. You have to work on creating such a space where there are minimal distractions for you to concentrate better.
Do remember to use a comfortable desk and chair because you can potentially spend hours in this space, and if you are uncomfortable, you will never be able to concentrate. But you also, cannot get too comfortable, else, you’ll fall asleep. It’s all about balance.
No Distractions – When you are studying from home, it is just too easy to get distracted. Your family members keep interrupting, people ring your doorbell, there are needless phone calls and text messages, sometimes there are pets, and there’s just too much going on. You have to remove all these distractions when you are attending online classes.
Ask your family members to give you space and privacy during your classes. You have to switch off your phone or at least keep it on silent, and also resist the temptation to keep checking your phone. Keep your pets away as well. Make this time a strict, dedicated time for learning online and nothing else.
Stay Healthy – Yes, this is important. Your overall health is an important deciding factor in your concentration abilities. If your health is poor chances are your concentration is also poor. You’ll be less attentive and lethargic throughout. Therefore, a good diet and exercise are important.
Start your day with some physical exercises. This will get all the juices flowing and wake you up. Post workout, eat a healthy breakfast so your energy levels remain high and you don’t have to take breaks for unhealthy snacking. Make this a part of your routine and you’ll notice the difference.
Take Breaks – Taking a break at the right time is important too. The human body is not designed to concentrate on something for hours at a time. A break is needed. Even schools and colleges give students breaks throughout the day. This helps the students unwind and reset.
Do this when you are learning online as well. Take a short break once in a while and indulge in an activity that is completely different from your studies, so, when you get back to studying, your mind will be fresh and you’ll be able to focus better.
Cut Out or Lessen the Use of Social Media – You might find social media a useful distraction at times but studies have emerged that social media is affecting attention spans. Many UK’s National Health Surveys indicate attention spans dropping from 12 seconds to 8, and an increase in attention deficit disorder.
Plus, with social media bombarding viewers with quick media that’s barely seen for more than a few seconds, you are training yourself to concentrate less. So, during your online learning time, you have to put social media aside. You’ll be surprised at the positive impact it can have on your focus levels.
Take Help – There is no shame in asking for help. Admitting that you are struggling is half the battle won, and you’ll be surprised how willing your family, friends, and teachers can be to help you out.
They can truly help you with being less distracted. They can help you with positive reinforcement, and they can help also you with implementing all the above-mentioned tips and tricks. It’s good to have a strong support system and most successful people in life have this.
Learning online is here to stay even after normal classes begin. So, might as well tame the beast and learn how to focus during online classes. It is important that you learn to adapt to change, especially in such unpredictable times. It will help you develop as a student and prepare you for success when you become an adult.
