Familiarise yourself with the basics of technology before you use the virtual classroom software tool. Try to log in to the software early and get yourself comfortable.
In case your school uses Zoom or Google Meet for delivering virtual classes, explore the features to get a sense of how these platforms work. Feel comfortable using basic software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or Google Docs.
Keep yourself muted when you’re not talking
If you are attending a live lecture with 60 other students, mute yourself when you’re not talking. That way you don’t interrupt your classmates if the vegetable seller is shouting in the lane or a dog barks. Most video conferring apps like Zoom have a small icon that shows you when your microphone is muted.
Unmute the microphone when you want to join the discussion.
Understanding of computers
Online learning requires a good laptop with a webcam and keyboard. It doesn’t matter whether you use a Windows laptop or a Mac, make sure your machine is up to date with an antivirus installed.
Remove any programmes you don’t use or run a disk cleanup. This will free up massive amounts of space by removing unnecessary system files, temporary files, and trash in your recycle bin.
Find out your connection speed
Figure out how fast your internet is currently. You can simply type “internet speed test” into a search engine or try speed test sites like Ookla or speedtest.net. If your speed is much slower than what you’re paying for, you may want to contact your ISP.
Be careful of web camera
Be mindful of your laptop’s web camera if you’re attending a lecture. In fact, use a web camera only if you need to. Otherwise, unplug or cover up your webcam. Webcam spying is common these days
Use smartphones as a learning tool
In India, a large section of the population lacks resources to buy a laptop and expensive broadband plan. What they do have is a basic smartphone with a data plan. For parents and their children, a smartphone is the first internet-connected device in their homes. Now that rural areas are now witnessing increasing penetration, “the digital divide” can be bridged.
Manage your time wisely
The benefit of face-to-face classes is that you can rely on them to assess where you should be in the curriculum and remember what exams and deadlines are coming. With your new circumstances, you may need to set up your own reminders.
Be kind to yourself
Spending the day hunched over the computer is rough on the body and the brain. Take breaks roughly every hour—stand up, stretch, jog in place, take a bio or coffee break, or whatever you need to do. And don’t forget to drink water!
Keep in touch
On campus, opportunities to ask questions, join study groups, visit tutors, and chat with friends are a short walk away. These activities help you keep up with the course, and keep you in touch with other people. Humans are social creatures—some more so than others, of course, but connecting with people matters for everyone.
Online, you need to make a conscious effort to stay connected. So reach out to your professor with questions, participate in online discussions through your course, join (or start) virtual study sessions, and keep in touch with your peers via phone calls, text messages, e-mail, and social media.
Above tips are Based on these Challenges of Online Classes:
Technical issues(are bound to happen in an online-only environment. Contact Support).
Distractions and time management.
Staying motivated.
Understanding course expectations.
Lack of in-person interaction.
Adapting to unfamiliar technology.
Uncertainty about the future(sudden switch to online classes).
Other Tips:
Overview of next year’s syllabus
Work on your personal health
Try Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), and Online certificate courses
