Online classes can be great — there is so much more free time to do things you enjoy, and the flexible schedule allows you to make time to plan your work and studies accordingly. But despite the rewards, online learning is demanding and has its own particular challenges.
Most of the difficulty has to do with your level of discipline and the quality of your routines, but all of these can be slowly improved if you follow the right steps.
1. Treat It Like a "Real" Course
You have to be disciplined enough to get into a focused mode and work solely on your class assignments without distractions. Since your online classes rely on using devices, embracing a distraction-free environment demands more than just plugging in your earphones and closing the door.
- Install app-blocking software: Ensure you're not giving in to distractions on your computer or tablet.
- Hide distractions: Move video games and social platform icons into deep folders.
- Silence notifications: Block banner notifications and silence your device to maintain flow.
2. Optimize Your Software Stack
After programming your devices to transform into productivity machines, make the best use of the software available to you. You can rely on tools like Notion or OneNote to take high-quality class notes.
The secret is using simplified language, relying on a strict color-coding and formatting scheme, and incorporating media files like PDFs or relevant web resources to consolidate the material. Digital formats also make it easy to share notes with peers or ask for feedback from lecturers.
[!TIP] Use a consistent formatting scheme for all your notes. It reduces cognitive load when you're reviewing material weeks later.
3. Leverage Split-Screen Workflows
Split-screen will be your new best friend. Having access to multiple apps simultaneously boosts how much you can process at once.
Try tracking your tasks on a digital calendar while having your online classroom open in one corner and your note-taking app using the other half of the screen. This panoramic view helps you jot down quick questions or reminders without losing the thread of the lecture.
4. Adapt Your Retrieval Methods
You'll have to rethink your summarizing and consolidating techniques because an overabundance of information requires constant cross-checking. Forget typing down long paragraphs or using overcomplicated language during classes.
It has never been more important to create study guides — summaries of consolidated information where you're able to jot down everything you've learned in a shortened, digestible format. Each summary should correspond to a chapter and mention every single topic covered in the lesson.
5. Build Invisible Boundaries with Calendar Blocking
The lack of physical boundaries between your home and school can blur the lines between leisure and work. A good way to create effective boundaries is using the calendar blocking technique:
- Map your classes: Start by incorporating the exact time and duration of your online lectures.
- Buffer your sessions: Create 30-60 minute blocks before class to prepare and 30-60 minute blocks after class to review.
- Weekly Deep Dives: Block an entire morning or afternoon weekly to read through your consolidated study guides.
[!NOTE] Your calendar is a commitment to yourself. Limit when you enter "study mode" and when you leave it, and use alarms to stay honest with those boundaries.
6. Show Up Early and Engage
Prepare ahead for classes and make a ritual out of logging in early. Use that time to get familiar with the virtual classroom tools — private chatting, community notes, or recording options.
Don't be afraid to go beyond passive listening. Participate in discussions and contact classmates through virtual study groups. Slack is great for this, as it allows you to share files and create specific channels for different topics.
Whenever you have trouble practicing time management, remember to treat studying like a full-time job. This change in mindset — showing up, scheduling assignments, and setting daily goals as if a boss were supervising you — is more important to your long-term success than any individual study hack.