Many students might feel overwhelmed after a sudden shift towards online instruction.

Learning from home is not without its difficulties. But here are some tips and tricks that USF Instructional Technology faculty members James Hatten (PhD) and Sanghoon Pkrem (PhD) recommend to help students successfully transition to online learning.

Get Set for Success From the Start

1. Instruct your students to be productive learners

If you are looking to achieve productivity, it's not a good idea if your position is slouched and you're also streaming Netflix. Dr. Hatten, who is an expert in online teaching, recommends students choose an area of their home that is free from distracting distractions.

Dr. Hatten warns that "the couch might not be the most comfortable place to spend your time." "Get up! Find a spot in your house that is conducive to being your workplace." All you need to know about online class helpers in one article at globalhack.org - https://globalhack.org/articles/best-online-class-help-services/ 

2. Make a schedule of when you will complete and when you will be reviewing your assignments

One can feel stressed if there are three courses being taught at the same time. This can be prevented by making a schedule and focusing on one class only. Dr. Hatten shared the following example: Dr. Hatten recommends that you work on one class between the hours 11 a.m.-3 p.m. This schedule allows students create a structure similar to that found in traditional, in-person classes.

Dr. Hatten stated that "most people end up procrastinating, getting too involved that they won’t shut (their) computers off)," "So, set some time."

Apart from the time you need to complete your assignments, it's a good idea to schedule a time to go through the assignments for each class so that you can make an agenda for each week. Doing this will ensure you don't forget about submitting an assignment.

3. Encourage virtual interactions between your peers

It's impossible to study together with classmates or get clarifications on the spot from classmates during this time. But, it is possible to have virtual interactions with others through platforms such GroupMe or Microsoft Teams in order for that sense and community to be maintained.

4. You can segment tasks using the 'chunking’ strategy

Chunking refers the act of breaking down large tasks and large amounts of information into smaller units. Dr. Hatten suggests that students instead of staring at computers for three hours at time, he recommends that they "chunk" their time following a certain pattern.

Dr. Hatten explains, "Work on a class, determine a task, reward yourself at each end." "So, what do I mean? Get up, get some coffee and eat a snack. Then go for an hour or so. Then return to complete the next segment.

Stay Motivated by These Ideas

There are many things that you can do in order to set up a routine. But sometimes, you might feel unmotivated and have difficulty completing the task. Dr. Park, who is a motivational expert for online learners, discusses why students might feel this.

He says, "Online courses basically signify that you are learning separately from others." "The feeling of being disconnected from your peers or your instructors--that physical as well as emotional distance, is a major motivator." All you need to know about online class helpers in one article at globalhack.org - https://globalhack.org/articles/best-online-class-help-services/ 

Dr. Park recommends that individuals first identify their motivation levels and then figure out why. Here are some strategies Dr. Park suggests to students. 

5. Try to get more interest in the work

Sometimes, you may have to review a tedious assignment or task. Instead of shrugging it off and just moving on with your day, think about what you can do to make the assignment/task more interesting. This strategy is about using your imagination in order to change the work you produce.

6. Personalize the work that you do online

A lack of motivation can be caused by feeling disconnected from the task or assignment. Dr. Park encourages students faced with this feeling of lack of motivation to reflect on how that assignment could help them in the long-term.

Dr. Park advised that "you have to find ways to connect the task and what you're already interested in." "If your degree is in graduate level, it may be worth considering using any completed assignments or tasks as part of the conference presentations.

7. Imagine yourself on your way to master the subject.

This type of talk is best when you can speak clearly about your goals. The conversation you have with yourself might start as follows: What can I accomplish by completing this assignment?"

Dr. Park shares an example showing how answering the question can yield a continuous reply. The answer begins with the credit you have earned for the assignment. Next, you get a grade from the course. Finally you land the dream job that you will pursue after graduation.

Dr. Park explains, "Thinking as this is what leads one to say: It is not something I must do, it is something that will help me achieve my goals."

Maintain a positive attitude

8. Use Yourself to Find the Solution

While you may be adjusting to online work, it is important to remember that many questions can be answered if you review the instructions thoroughly and carefully go over each module. It may prove more productive to use Google to solve your problem first, even though professors may be available to answer all of your questions.

9. Focus on Your Self-Care

You can take some time off from the computer to recharge your batteries or go to bed early. It is completely acceptable. It's normal to need to rest and recover.

10. Share your compassion with others

Consider that other people are going through many similar experiences as you. Do not judge those who do not know how to set up a video chat, or who take longer to adjust.