The transition to remote learning is a new experience for many students, especially adjusting to learning and interacting outside of a classroom setting. Planning for this change will help you be successful in navigating this shift in your academic career.  

We put together a few tips to help get you started. 

Create a routine  

Having a routine is essential in helping you navigate learning outside the classroom. It may be tempting to remain in bed until the last possible moment, but it’s best to get up at your normal time. Just because you’re not going to a classroom, doesn’t mean you’re not going to class. Getting dressed and having breakfast as you usually would also help create a strong foundation for the day. 

Once you’re up and ready for class, you should be working out of bed in a designated work space. This means finding somewhere you can do your work and not somewhere where you would typically lounge or relax. Separating lounging and working spaces is important to help you navigate the change. 

Also, have a list of tasks and priorities you’d like to achieve for the week. Having clear goals will help you stay on top of assignments and set objectives to work towards. 

Ask questions like you would in class 

Despite not being face-to-face with professors and other students, you can still ask plenty of questions. Communicating with not only professors, but other students will help you in navigating this course. Finding out the best way to contact professors will also help with navigating this change, your professor will have the best means of contact through their syllabus. 

If you find you’re having a hard time with remote learning, make sure you’re reaching out. Don’t wait until an assignment is due to email a professor. It’s important that you’re asking questions and clarifying any information you may not understand, the faster you seek out help, the easier it will be the navigate the course. 

Minimize distractions 

 Whether you live alone, with roommates or family, make sure you’re minimizing your distractions. It is important to let others know you need time to work on your class, finding a schedule that works best for you and those around you will help you successfully navigate this time.  

When you’re working make sure you have the television off and have your phone on silent or vibrate as you would in class. It may be tempting to have your phone near you checking social media or listening to music, but it may cause you to become distracted or unfocused. Using the same rules you would have in class will help you navigate being in an online course.  

If you find it too hard to stay off sites you can use free applications like Freedom and Cold Turkey, which block out distracting sites and phone applications for a period of time. If all else fails ask a family member or friend to hold you accountable, have check-in times to ensure work is being completed.  

Take breaks 

Take breaks throughout the day, it’s important to step away to eliminate fatigue or just to recharge. You can’t spend the entire time working on your class, and it’s not expected that you do. Whether it’s a break between classes or between work, just take a moment. On campus you’d typically have time between classes or work, you can do the same thing while taking an online course.  

Breaks can include a moment to stretch your legs, take a quick walk to the mailbox, or even stop to grab a snack. Though be cautious of breaks, and make sure you’re holding yourself accountable it’s easy to get carried away and forget to return to your work, setting an alarm can help remind you to get back to the task at hand.  

Be patient 

Being patient with yourself will help you navigate this change in learning environment, also being patient with professors who may teaching online for the first time will help the change go smoothly. Make sure you’re giving yourself time to adjust to the change, adapting to changes won’t happen overnight. While these times may be tense, you’ve got all the tools you need to make yourself and your continued learning successful at Broward College.   

For more tips, frequently asked questions, and the latest information on COVID-19 visit www.broward.edu/coronavirus.