Getting More Productive in Online Classes

The sudden switch to virtual mode of education by top international schools in Gurgaon was a new experience for both learners and teachers. Nevertheless, they accustomed themselves to this ‘new normal’, and using digital devices to attend classes became an everyday activity.

As the schools in Gurgaon — and India at large — are getting ready for the academic year 2021–2022, and the COVID vaccination drive is still in its earliest stage, the academic community must brace for online classes for some more time. While permissions have been granted for senior students following the IB Diploma Programme and other boards’ curriculums in Classes 10th and 12th to visit their campuses on a voluntary basis, the younger learners still need to study from home.

Here are some ways in which they can continue to make their online classes more valuable and result-oriented:

Build a plan to achieve pre-set goals

Students must have short-term and long-term goals to make the most of what they learn digitally. These can be with regards to revision of lessons taught during a day, practising a certain number of Maths problems or reading the reference books suggested by teachers. By writing down a schedule it becomes easier to reach the goals that we set for ourselves. Parents can help their younger children in documenting and reviewing the goals that help them to get more productive in virtual classes.

Claim and customise a study space

The human mind gets conditioned to associate environment and things with their daily activities. A child may not be able to concentrate well in online classes while lying in a bed which is a place to relax. She / he must have a corner that replicates the classroom with a desk and chair. Depending on the grade in which their child studies, parents can also tailor the environment using academic charts or posters to create an ambience that helps in focusing on lessons or makes them engaging.

Keep collaboration with classmates active

Staying within their homes, online learners must remain self-motivated. However, at times they also seek some support from their friends. Regular interaction with classmates and collaborative study times help students to become aware of creative ways of learning. Study mates become friendly supervisors for each other while sharing their thoughts, ideas and doubts. Besides building a string social connection between students, group studies also help them to improve their communication skills.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

To be able to concentrate on their studies and keep fit, students need to maintain a healthy routine with a good balance between diet, exercise and rest. Parents must include a mix of seasonal fruits and vegetables along with grains and milk in their daily meals. Although it is natural for them to crave for fast food, its quantity must be limited, preferably to only once a week. Learners should also spend some time at yoga, aerobics or other exercises and if the weather permits, should go out for a walk. They can maintain a good lifestyle by regulating time for studies, meals, physical activities and rest.

As we look forward to 2021, we hope that it will not be bleak like 2020 and students can enjoy a normal school life like they did in pre-COVID days. At the same time, we’ve realised the benefits of online learning and know that it will be relevant in days to come as the industry gets digitally transformed. It is therefore good to remember the strategies that help to get more productive in the virtual world.

Author bio — The Gurgaon based campus of Amity Global School enrolled its first batch of students in 2008 and has been helping young scholars imbibe the virtues of education year after year. A tailored approach to academics, sports and extra-curricular activities is the hallmark of the institution.