How to survive your online class and not fall asleep

Schools are now resorting to distance learning such as online classes to avoid physical contact between students and help lessen the spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Now that online classes are part of the "new normal," students are learning how to adjust to school outside the classroom walls.

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To help students cope with their new learning environment, we have compiled a few tips and techniques on taking classes online. Read them, below:

1. Find a dedicated study/work space at home

Having a dedicated study space for your online classes at home can help you focus on your task at hand. This space will also help condition your mind to know when and where to study.

According to Ransom Patterson of College Info Geek, you can get creative with the space you have at home such as "a nook in your bedroom, a spot at your kitchen table, or even a chair on your balcony." He also advises to avoid spots that are too comfortable such as your bed or too distracting like near the TV.

2. Eliminate/Minimize distractions

Speaking of distractions, we know how easy it is to lose your focus during an online class, it may be through a notification on your phone or having a situation happen inside the home. Without a teacher's physical presence to capture your complete attention you may find yourself browsing social media, chatting with your family, or doing any other activity aside from studying.

Try to eliminate or minimize these distractions as much as possible so you can stay on the straight and narrow. A blog post from Northeastern University suggests downloading apps such as Cold Turkey and Freedom that block distractions from sites like Facebook and Twitter.

3. Treat the class like an actual in-person class

Now that you're in your distraction-free dedicated study space, next comes the proper mindset in approaching these online classes. Both Patterson and the Northeastern University post agree that you should treat this online class no different like how you would an actual in-person class.

Patterson says that preparing for your online class by showering, getting dressed, and eating breakfast--like how you would a regular class--will have a positive effect in your motivation and productivity.

4. Form an online/virtual study group

Online classes may make you feel as if you're studying and learning all this alone. While that may be ideal for some students, others prefer the collaborative aspect of a classroom setting where they also get to learn from their mates.

If you're the kind of student who prefers the latter, you can form a virtual study group with your like-minded peers!

"You'll get the learning benefits of studying in a group and have someone to hold you accountable," says Patterson.

5. Participate in class

Just because you're not inside a classroom doesn't mean that you can't participate in class, ask questions and engage with your classmates!

Also, don't be afraid to ask for help when you feel like you're falling behind. The article on the Northeastern University site suggests to be proactive. Email your teachers about any inquiries you have regarding the project or assignment and don't wait until the deadline is near to do so.

6. Take Notes

With classes now taking place online, you can also find the information regarding your lectures and lessons on the Internet. Knowing that you can readily access this information with a quick Google search, you may just skip on taking notes altogether.

However, Patterson notes that jotting your lessons down is still beneficial for students.

"After all, the main value in taking notes isn't to produce an archive of the material.

"The real benefit of taking notes is that it helps you engage with the material and put it in your own words. This boosts both your comprehension and retention," he writes.

Following the tips and techniques above will help you find success in your online classes!