If you are new to the idea of virtual classes and are experiencing some difficulties adjusting to it, you are not alone! We have put together some easy tips to help guide you through studying from home.
First things first. Prepare yourself for being productive.
Studying from home doesn’t mean you can’t have a fixed routine
While studying from home, you need to stay focused and prepare yourself to pursue your studies like any other normal day. Micro manage your time or you will find yourself wasting away minutes or even hours on social media. You may find yourself doing everything else this week except finish the major assignment. Manage time carefully. Set goals for each day and each hour within the day.
- Make a schedule
- Wake up on time
- Have a fixed time for breakfast (and pre-plan) what you will eat
- Avoid the temptation to ‘snack hunt’
- Drink water throughout the day, minimum 2litres
- Adhere to the times of your virtual class
Set up your own ‘classroom space’ for getting started
- If you have a nice & quiet corner with a desk for studies, then make an effort to turn into a nice space – consider plants, some nice pictures, stationery. You need a space which inspires you and your goals.
- Declutter – put away the gaming console or your iPad, or any other distraction from that part of the room.
- Have a notepad and pen handy to take quick notes, and make sure your laptop or PC is near a charging point.
Give yourself a sense of going to class
- Like every other on-campus day, get dressed or maybe even just change into a fresh pair of clothes.
- Fight the temptation to study in bed – there is nothing more inviting than being in bed all day, but you are likely to more easily sleep through the class, become uncomfortable in a slouching position and do you really want your class mates to see you in bed?
Be inspired
A drive to keep studying and doing your assignments can be tough if you are not motivated. The end goal is what gives you energy and determination. So think about why you are doing your course and where you want it to lead,
Inform your friends and family you are in training
Whether you are sharing an apartment with your friends, or staying home with your family, let them know about your class schedule and when you are not available to them. Virtual classes have a set time and you would need to login to join the class on time. You would need to focus for your live interactions with your trainer and classmates. You will need to focus since you will be interacting live with the trainer and other students, so make sure that you are not disturbed during the live session.
Staying from home and having our normal routines completely overturned is new to all of us. Our virtual classes are designed to ensure that you receive the same level of quality training even from the comfort of your home. Our trainers are working extensively to ensure that you are supported to continue to participate in your training and studies even during these times.
We have put together some more tips to help you make the most of your time.
Interact during the virtual class- communication is important
Your virtual classes are delivered live and interactively, closely resembling a face-to-face-classroom. Make sure that you interact with your trainer and class mates, if you have any questions. Listening actively, replying and being alert during the live session will make the class even more interesting and engaging for you.
Take regular breaks
Between classes, make sure that you move around, even if it’s inside the house. Since you are spending a lot of time in front of the computer screen during your classes, it’s important to give your eyes a break. With break from screen time between classes, you can get back to the next session with a fresh mind.
Make time for your hobbies
While you are studying from home, it’s also important to spend some time doing activities that you enjoy. Use this time to catch up on the books that you have meaning to read. Spend more time talking to your family and pick up some indoor activities or hobbies that you enjoy such as cooking, sketching or painting. Keep up with your studies and assignments but don’t forget to play.
Give yourself small targets
When studying from home, give yourself small but regular targets. Appreciate your small accomplishments and keep a daily to-do list to stay on track with your studies.
Be empathetic
Use this time carefully and leverage your virtual classes to continue your studies as effectively as you can. Connect and interact with your trainers and classmates during live sessions, as you would do on any other regular day. Appreciate everyone’s effort, this is a challenging and difficult time for everyone. We can get through it together.
Stay safe– If you need wellbeing support, you can call our Student Welfare Co-ordinator on 1300 737 004 or 0412 278 654
Need IT support? * – Send a request to techsupport@mcie.edu.au *( for MCIE students)
At MCIE, we are committed to help and support our staff and students during this Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please visit https://www.mcie.edu.au/support-4-covid-19/ for more up to date information.
