Ways to get the most out of remote learning

As the first full week of remote learning draws to a close, students and faculty are still trying to figure out how to get the most out of their courses. While many tried and true study strategies will still work, there are some new approaches that can specifically help with working and studying remotely.

With the help of Shannon McNeal, Roanoke College’s assistant director of academic services for Academic Coaching and Retention, we’ve compiled some tips and strategies that can help students stay focused and productive at home.

Know the format of your classes
Faculty members are approaching remote instruction in different ways. While many are using an asynchronous approach by putting lectures and resources online for students to access at any time, some are still hoping to get students together for virtual classes via Zoom or another video app. 

It’s important to know what your professor expects, and to plan accordingly.

Get organized
A daily to-do list always helps; try to mark off everything on your list each day. It keeps you disciplined and focused, and also allows you to hold yourself accountable.

Make sure you have a list of all your major assignments charted in your planner or calendar so you don’t miss anything. This also helps ensure you don’t get overwhelmed with too many papers or assignments at once.

Get on a schedule
Settling into a routine, like waking up at the same time every day and eating meals at the same time, can help immensely. Blocking out time specifically for schoolwork and a time for relaxing can help keep you from getting fatigued.

Becca Marsh ‘21 says she’s found it helpful to schedule her day out a little. Marsh says keys to her success include time management and two puppies named Whiskey and Brandi.

"I think when it comes to working from home it's very easy to just sit on our computers all day and feel unmotivated to work,” Marsh says. “I find that working for a bit, like an hour or two, and then taking a break is extremely helpful. Playing with pets, going on a walk, and even Facetiming some friends is a great mental break and a reward for all the hard work I've been doing." 

Limit distractions
McNeal suggests staying away from streaming services or your phone during the hours you’ve set to do schoolwork. “Tiger King” can wait until later. 

“It’s easy to find yourself distracted by a multitude of things that seem more interesting than online assignments, so turn off Netflix and your phone and direct all of your attention to your assignments,” McNeal says.

McNeal suggests using the Forest app if you’re having a hard time staying off your phone. The app gives you credits for staying off your smartphone, planting trees if you’re off your phone for a certain amount of time.

Use your resources
If you need extra help getting organized and staying motivated, schedule an online appointment with an academic coach at www.roanoke.edu/academiccoaching. You can also schedule online appointments with a subject tutor or a Writing Center tutor at www.roanoke.edu/tutoring. Remember, these services are still on Roanoke time, so adjust your time to Eastern Standard when you schedule an appointment. 

Communicate
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re having trouble with an assignment or a class, chances are you aren’t the only one. Faculty members and advisors are here to help you, McNeal says.

Remember, many faculty came to Roanoke because they enjoy interacting with students one-on-one, and they’re more than willing to have a conversation with you and work through a problem. Many faculty members are hosting office hours via Zoom, and they would love to see you, even if it’s just through a computer.

Find accountability
Who around you can help you reach your goals? If you know you struggle to stay on schedule and meet deadlines, find someone who can help keep you motivated. If that means a parent or sibling when you’re at home, that works. If that means staying in touch with a few motivated classmates, that’s also great.