During this difficult time, nearly every aspect of our lives has changed. Like many learning institutions around the world, Syracuse University has transitioned to online learning for the remainder of the semester, and the transition can be somewhat confusing at times. Here are a five tips to help you achieve success in your classes for the rest of the semester:
1. Update your calendar
Some professors have changed their original plans for courses for the rest of the semester. Some may have changed due dates, provided alternative assignments or changed assignments as a whole. Check to see what changes have been made to your courses and update your calendar with revised due dates and assignments.
2. Create a routine
Now that the schedule of traditional classes has been disrupted, you are now free to do your work whenever you want. For some, this is great, but other people rely on a more concrete schedule to be productive. Making a routine for when to get your work done is a great way to stay on top of things. If you’re a morning person, set a few hours aside each morning to work. If you work better at night, try to set aside a block of time each night to get things done. Some classes are still live during regular times, while others are now recorded. Figure out which ones are live, and find times to watch recorded lectures. The is also offering personalized one-on-one meetings with a trained tutor or coach to help in managing online learning.
3. Find a place to work
Now that you can’t go to Bird Library or your other favorite study spots on campus, your new workspace is likely somewhere in your home. Home is full of distractions, so finding a good place to focus is crucial to staying productive. To create your new workspace, find a place that’s quiet, has lots of light and has a place to sit down and organize your materials, like a desk or table. Find a comfortable chair to sit in as well. It’s important to make sure your workspace is organized and decluttered, so make sure to keep all your materials in place to ensure efficiency. Keeping a physical calendar or to-do list is another way to enhance your productivity.
4. Take breaks
Taking breaks from your work is extremely important. Humans have short attention spans and many of us can’t focus for hours on end without taking breaks. Try using the Pomodoro Technique while you’re working. The Pomodoro Technique consists of working in intervals of 25 minutes followed by a five minute break. During the 25 minutes focus on one task, and don’t worry about completing it, just devote your undivided attention to the task for the full 25 minutes. Then take a 5 minute break and do whatever you want. Repeat this cycle four times, then give yourself a 30 minute break.
5. Ask questions
If you’re uncertain about anything, make sure to reach out to your professors. Many professors and their teaching assistants have transitioned to online office hours where you can discuss any questions via video chat. In addition, it’s a good idea to reach out to your advisors with any questions about your courses. The University has given students the option to change courses from regular grading to pass/fail grading, the deadline for this is April 10. Be sure to understand how switching may impact your academics. Registration for the Fall ‘20 semester is also rapidly approaching as well, another topic you could discuss with your advisor.
Written by Noah Lowy ’21, S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications