Online learning is the new normal for students worldwide, whether for higher education or basic elementary and high school instructions. But online classes are especially dull, so to make sure that you are doing all the things you can to get the most out of it, here are tricks you can employ:
6 Tips To Make Online Classes Work For You
1. Use an online, web-based PDF editor and converter for PDF edits
You probably already know this, but PDF, or portable document format, is going to be the file extension that’s most used for fact sheets and resources shared online. As an online learner, you will work with this file extension – splitting, merging, even converting frequently – so a handy PDF editor and converter should be at the ready when it happens.
You’ll also probably ask yourself at one point in time how to extract text from PDF. With browser-based PDF converters with OCR functions, you can do this easily and effectively. Forget about installing a heavy, standalone PDF software; just bookmark an online PDF editor that can do simple edits and conversions in so that you won’t have to allot storage space and precious RAM on a third-party one.
2. Use the Pomodoro technique for studying
The Pomodoro technique is a time management style that lets you focus on one thing at a time with breaks in between to maximize brain power. If you are experiencing a lack of focus, just spend 25 minutes straight on the study session, then take 5-10 minute breaks, and dive deep into the task again. With this technique, you’ll find that you will be better equipped in terms of memory and retention.
3. Set a grade goal for every subject
Let’s say you have four different subjects in a semester. One or two subjects from this set won’t be as important as your major subjects. So prioritize your time and focus on the subjects that matter. Put them in a hierarchy and decide which you would want to excel on. If you can excel at all of them, then great. But if you have other things on your plate aside from online classes, then setting a grade goal is probably helpful.
4. Beat deadlines by organization
Cramming is the worst thing you can do. It doesn’t work, and you’ll be stressed for weeks before and after the deadline because of it. To beat cramming, organize your daily loads in a way where you can focus on it one subject at a time. If you have deadlines, it’s a great idea to put them into a calendar and organize the steps you need to make to beat that particular deadline.
5. If possible, your study area should be outside your bedroom
The most ideal place to do online classes should be outside your bedroom. If you have space, even if it’s in the living room, it should be a better choice than doing classes inside your bedroom. If the living room has too much traffic, allot a room as an office. If you don’t have space, a bedroom setup should do.
Make sure to have proper ventilation in the area as well. Lights and air should be top-notch. And if you can have natural light in the morning, better. Controlled temperature is key to making your computer or laptop work the best. Plus, it also puts you in a better mood. There’s nothing more annoying than listening to a class while sweating in humid weather!
6. Place everything you need at an arm’s length
Drinks, food, ballpens, notepads, etc. should be at an arm’s length. Keep your things on a computer table so you can just pull out everything without going out of frame. This is very important, so you won’t miss important details your teacher is talking about.
Takeaway
With these tricks, online classes should be a breeze. You won’t find yourself bored and especially unmotivated even though the class is anything but. Remember that discipline is the key to make everything work. So stick with these tricks, and if something doesn’t work, find a way to circumvent it!
