Keeping up with Virtual Classes

Many of us are continuing our virtual learning online, with many of you being new to the MSU virtual learning experience. I would like to share my helpful tips on how to keep up this year with virtual classes.

1. Meet your Instructor
   1. Meeting your instructor will provide you will the necessary tools for success in that class. It is important, especially during virtual learning, that your instructors know who you are. This becomes especially important if a conflict arises in your schedule and you have to miss a Zoom meeting. Connect with them!
2. Fill out a Planner
   1. Zoom meetings become repetitive at times and students often forget to log into their weekly zoom meetings. For those of you that are hybrid, you may even forget that your next class takes place on campus! This is why filling out a planner is useful for virtual learning. Include things such as:
      1. Deadlines
      2. Meeting Times
      3. Weekly Readings
      4. Exams/Tests/Quizzes
      5. Virtual Office Hours
      6. Extracurricular Activities (Volunteering, Shadowing, Club Meetings)
   2. If you find yourself to be having trouble with creating a schedule, feel free to make an appointment with Sue Stoltzfus, Student Success Advisor through the College of Natural Science, or with any of the pre-health peer advisors.
3. Create Study Methods
   1. Virtual learning can often encompass a wide array of study techniques used by students. Depending on the classes you are enrolled into, some study methods may be useful over others. For example, if you are taking Anthropology, a useful study method could be to type a summary of the weekly readings prior to taking a test. If you are taking biology, a common study method could be active recall of biological processes. I found that re-teaching myself the material and acting like the professor would improve my understanding before taking an exam. Find what works best for you!
   2. Common Study Tools:
      1. Anki – Flash cards
      2. Quizlet – Flash cards, Mock tests, Mix and Match
      3. Flora – Plants a tree if you stay off your phone while you study
4. Limit Distractions
   1. I compare online learning to starting as a CEO of a company with beginner-level experience. We are handed various tasks and assignments to be completed with minimal supervision. We are the CEO of our own academic progress. Being at home can be distracting for many of us. I will admit myself that I have scrolled through social media during a lecture and then struggled later with much of the material. Avoid that!
   2. Limit your distractions at home by:
      1. Finding a quiet space
      2. Turning your phone off and/or put it on Do Not Disturb
      3. Turn your camera on during Zoom meetings (This personally helps me keep focused because I know that I am being watched by others)
      4. Have snacks nearby to limit ambulation away from your study area
5. Join a Group Chat
   1. Most students create GroupMe chats for certain classes. These chats can be useful for discussions of class material, setting up study groups, and asking questions to peers. Ask around your classes if there is a GroupMe chat!

 

These are only a few tips for keeping up with virtual classes, but start with these and you will do great!

 

By,

Kaylee