As FCPS enters its second round of online learning, some students still haven’t found their footing in this remote environment. Here are some tips for online learning.

Many have been missing the in-person experience of school. Something that could help create the same school experience is to create an established place to work, sort of like a desk. This will help to build a routine and create an academic mindset, just like in a regular school building.

“Being in school makes the whole difference,” sophomore Joey Gerken said. “At home, you’re just sitting in the same chair all day, and it gets boring.”

Many students have found themselves in a similar boat. According to Northeastern University, one way to boost excitement is to stay involved in class. That means messaging teachers and students and getting a better knowledge of the people in these classes. This will help build that feeling as if it were a real classroom.

Another common problem that is consistent with students is keeping attention in class and not on a phone.

“I’d probably say my biggest weakness is just staying focused,” freshman Braeden Dunham said. “When you have your phone on you it’s really hard to pay attention really well”

Keeping phones in a room separate from working environments tends to counter this impulse. According to a 2013 study, just the presence of a phone reduces attention span and produces weaker work. There are also alternatives such as weblockers like Cold Turkey which block distracting websites.

In addition to attention, another aspect of learning that could be lost in this new setting is organization. This is because many think resources like agendas and planners are less needed. According to Solving Procrastination, procrastination happens when one is afraid to fail at a task that needs to be completed. Now that there is no in-person teacher that can help soothe that fear, it has become easier to put off assignments. They go on to say that following a schedule and using an agenda are two helpful habits to have and to help defeat procrastination. 

Because of the lack of routine that quarantine has presented, sleep schedules have also moved later according to Stanford Children’s Health. They also say that a consistent and healthy sleep schedule will improve memory and productivity. Thus, trying to go to bed earlier is really important to an individual’s learning. 

In addition to sleep schedules being disrupted, time spent outside has also been reduced for many. Many would find time to get outside through sports or clubs, but those aren’t happening as often as in the past. To obtain the exercise needed, it is recommended that students get outside whenever possible. Treat the time away from the computer like it was recess. 

“I try to be active about an hour or two a day… just to take a breather from school,” Gerken said.