Healthy Habits to Help You Thrive in the Digital Classroom

 

Students across the globe are taking advantage of online learning options now more than ever. Options such as online degree programs, virtual classrooms and asynchronous class attendance are not only considered a common service, but an essential one. Having a classroom just a click away comes with many advantages, but many online learners are quickly discovering the challenges that come with working in a digital environment. Difficulty engaging with the course material, “Zoom fatigue,” and technical difficulties can result in frustration, stress and anxiety for educators and students alike.

 

Students must develop methods to avoid these pitfalls in order to succeed in the digital classroom. These techniques, when practiced consistently, can help alleviate the challenges that online learners often face.

 

Schedule everything

The flexibility of online learning is often a major appeal for students. However, a complete lack of scheduling can be detrimental to the learning process. Online courses are meant to fit a schedule that you have already established, and it’s critical to identify when your online coursework fits into your routine. Knowing exactly when you’ll spend time dedicated to your classes can be the difference between completing the material and missing assignments entirely.

Commit to a daily and weekly schedule that is practical and consistent. This schedule should not only include time dedicated to academics, but time dedicated to other important commitments such as your employment schedule, spending time with family and friends, and other hobbies or activities you enjoy. Creating this structure can allow you to enjoy the flexibility of the digital classroom while maintaining the focus and self-discipline required to succeed in your classes.

Designate a specific workspace

Logging on without even getting out of bed can be tempting, and getting comfy with your laptop in your favorite spot on the couch sounds great, especially when you can have your favorite show on the TV in the background. Choosing your own learning environment is a great perk of online learning, but can lead to distractions and poor academic performance if not done carefully.

 

Opting to take on coursework where you’d typically rest or sleep can also lead to a heightened sense of stress and anxiety by mixing up your priorities, blurring the lines between when you should be working and when you should be relaxing. With the constant connectivity of the digital classroom, online learners may feel compelled to exhaust themselves with late-night study sessions if they’re used to logging in from the comfort of their own bed.

 

Consider designating a specific, distraction-free workspace that allows you to focus on the task at hand. This space should be comfortable, but also separate from where you typically enjoy your rest and relaxation. It might be the kitchen table, a work desk, a study room at the library, or a quiet place outside of your home. Choosing an appropriate workspace can not only improve your productivity, but increase your enjoyment of your online learning.

 

Make a “Mental Commute”

The term “mental commute” may sound like a clever name for daydreaming, but this tried and true mental health tactic can help online learners manage their busy schedules. A “mental commute” is a deliberate mental transition from one task or activity into another. It is designed to prevent the burnout from jumping straight into consecutive tasks without taking time to decompress from the previous one. Online learners are especially susceptible to this burnout and may experience stress when taking on tasks immediately after a coursework session.

 

Allow yourself at least 10-15 minutes to decompress after each online course session. Use this time to put down your devices and reflect on the work you’ve completed, as well as prepare yourself for the next item on your agenda. This is the perfect opportunity to take a walk, stretch or grab a snack. Scheduling these small intervals between tasks can help you perform your best throughout the entire day.

Get Familiar With Your Resources, and Use Them

There is no shortage of resources available for online students, but they are only helpful if you know what those resources are and how to access them. Students are often hesitant to use tutoring or support services, especially online learners who may feel that it’s their responsibility to understand the course material on their own. Using student support services is not a sign of inadequacy or failure. In fact, it is a smart decision and a strong indicator of responsibility, determination and a drive to do what it takes to complete your academic goals.

 

Knowing how to reach your institution’s technical support team when a connectivity issue occurs will help resolve the problem much more quickly. Getting familiar with the online tutoring schedule can help alleviate the stress of a challenging assignment, and reaching out to the Writing Center early in the semester can pay off when it’s time to write your final term paper. Don’t wait until you’re already experiencing these challenges to access the tools and resources that will contribute to your success.

 

Successful online learning requires planning, focus and self-discipline. Incorporating these techniques into your routine can increase your motivation, improve your productivity and make a positive impact in your learning experience. Develop these healthy habits and discover a few of your own as you enjoy the benefits the digital classroom has to offer.