Tips for Students’ Academic Success during the COVID-19 Crisis
The COVID-19 situation has dramatically altered teaching and learning and resulted in the vast majority of courses to transition to online modalities. This transition proved to be challenging for instructors and students alike; therefore, we are sharing some tips to help our students adjust to a new model of teaching and interacting. We are also including references to some available resources for you to read and learn while in isolation at home.
Manage your time
Some courses are taught in real time, while others are recorded. It is important to know your professors’ class time expectations. Online learning is a challenge to students who procrastinate, are unable to stick to routine study schedules, or are not able to complete assignments without daily reminders from their instructor.
Tips for success:
- Keep a routine schedule with scheduled course time, study time, and free time.
- Make a daily “To Do” list. Check things off as you complete them.
Stay in touch with your professors
Communication skills are crucial in online learning because you must seek help when you need it. Faculty members are willing to help, but unlike in face-to-face situations, they need to be directly informed about problems.
Tips for success:
- Use the communication preference of your professor. Some prefer email, Blackboard discussion groups, WhatsApp groups, WebEx office hours or meetings, or other means. If your instructor offers online office hours, communicate and seek help.
- Use professional language in communications. Moving to online courses may cause frustration for both faculty and students.
Set up a healthy learning environment
A critical component for academic success in an online environment is a healthy learning environment.
Tips for success:
- Plan for internet access and download the recorded lectures overnight.
- Identify a quiet place to work without distractions from television, family, or friends.
- Avoid having video games or access to social media in your study environment. Consider uninstalling games and apps to avoid temptation or keep them on a different device.
- Put away or turn off your phone.
- Consider ergonomics and lighting.
Instructions for using the most out of the online learning tools
Mastering the online learning tools will allow you to communicate better with your instructor and classmates. It will also enable you to foster social learning. The Technology Resources for Students on the Center for Innovative Learning page will help you learn and understand better how to use WebEx and different features on Blackboard.
Reading and Learning Resources
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students are experiencing higher than normal stress and anxiety levels. Add to all this the sense of loneliness due to the social distancing that we must go through to limit the spread of the virus and protect our beloved ones. Staying physically and mentally active are key to combat anxiety and loneliness. Therefore, you may want to spend more time reading and learning beyond your classes. Below is a list of resources available to you or freely available on the web:
- LAU Libraries has thousands of useful e-books that you can read. Instructions for off-campus access
- LAU Libraries also offer several online databases
- Here is a link to a Lib-guide