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How to Stay Focused during Online Classes

How to Stay Focused during Online Classes

February 17, 2021

by VILNIUS TECH psychologists Gintė Gudzevičiūtė and Gabija Čeledinaitė

Arguably, the biggest challenge associated with the remote studies is staying disciplined while all the classes are online. When you go to a conventional classroom class, you're already "stuck" there for the period of time, so you might as well pay attention, take notes and get something out of it. But for an online class, which can be taken at your own convenience, there may be a temptation to get distracted from the material being presented to you.

So just how can you stay focused while taking and studying for an online class? Here are some pointers:

• Establish a dedicated study area:
Don't double your kitchen or dining room table as a classroom. Instead, establish a quiet workspace where you won't be distracted by any commotion in your household. An established work area is a big step in getting and staying focused for an online class. If it is not possible to have a separate space for studying, make up your own physical sign on the “class environment”: put up a pile of books beside you / hang a poster in front of you / make your bed so there’s no temptation to stay in it.

• Eliminate distractions:
Simply establishing a study area is a big step in avoiding distractions. Take the extra step to make sure TVs and radios are turned off, and that your class work is the only item pulled up on your web browser. That's right, no YouTube, no social media – just your online class work. Turning off your phone for that time would be ideal.

• Reward yourself:
Online classes can be a real chore, so break up your study session to ensure that you're not burning yourself out. For instance, you might study for 45 minutes, then take a five minute break to do some physical activity – at least stand up and stretch. Or study for an the whole class and reward yourself with a snack or quick phone call.

• Form a study group:
You are not alone taking the online classes. If there is no such culture in your group, create it: raise questions in your group chats throughout the class, find the likeminded people and form a group. Not only can a study group be a great way to interact with your peers, but it can also ensure that you're all keeping each other in check as far as work goes. A study group can hold each other accountable or it can simply be a great support.

• Take hand written notes:
Staring at a computer screen can be take a toll on your eyes. Give yourself a break and keep a notebook and pen handy to jot notes down as your studying unfolds. Handwritten notes also help you to memorize the information better since it activates more parts of your brain than simply listening or even typing the information. And if you’ll draw some of the facts that you hear – your memory is definitely going to thank you.

Online classes can be a challenge, which is why it's important to take the necessary measures to ensure you stay disciplined and motivated while taking them.