How to Adapt to Online Learning: Tips for International Students
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the only medium of imparting educations to the students has become online learning. While all the schools and colleges have been shut down since the last 2 months, the pressure of completing the pending syllabus and conduct the exams waver over the head of the school authorities. Since online learning is the only option left, the need for the teachers and students to adapt to online learning is a must.
Especially to the international students who live in different parts of the world have online-learning as the only source learning from the home. But, considering that international students belong to different geographical locations, time zones, and backgrounds, their access to digital mediums becomes hard to determine. Then, how to make online learning remote to students becomes a challenge for the school authorities. By and large, for the international students who can access to online learning, here are some tips to follow for an adaptation with the online mode of learning.
To know more about the impact of the pandemic on education, also read:-
COVID-19: The Impact of Pandemic on Education
How is Online Learning Redefining the Mode of Education?
To be specific about international students studying in Canada, the lockdown amidst the pandemic disrupted the studies of about 6,42,480 international students. Moreover, the growing threat of the pandemic is leaving an Impact on International Student Mobility to the US. Many international students are rejecting coming back to the U.S. for pursuing a degree. Since then, almost 85% of the institutions have shifted their regular classroom studies to the online classroom via online learning apps like Google Classroom, Zoom, etc. However, online learning is redefining the value of crossing boundaries and reaching out to students worldwide – it isn’t accessible to many who ultimately miss out on their studies. This scenario is a complete see-saw, wherein it’s hard to determine the scope of online learning in the long term. Considering both sides of the spectrum, here are the few pros and cons of online learning amid lockdown.
Pro of Online Learning: Challenges Faced by Students
Since students studying at a university come from different financial and geographical backgrounds, the accessibility of online learning is a tough game. Due to network glitches and unavailability of digital devices, many students fail to attend online classes. According to the data by OECD, there is a significant gap b/w the privileged and disadvantaged backgrounds of students. Almost 25% of disadvantaged 15-year-old students do not possess a computer. Thus, to ensure equal imparting of education across the world, the ere is a necessity to widen the digital divide in the pandemic.
Cons of Online Learning: How Effective is it For the Students
Looking at the other side of this see-saw, the students who have the right access to technology, online-learning is beneficial for them in many terms. As per research, the students get access to 25-26% more study material while learning compared to 8-10% in the classroom. Online-learning gets more student-friendly since they get to study at their own pace, read, re-read, skip, and enjoy endless other features. However, this digital freedom becomes a con as Educational Week opines, “In the online setting, students may have more distractions and less oversight, which can reduce their motivation.” So, online learning if made inclusive and more personalized can create a better homeschooling environment that disciplines homeschooling in a better way. Also, digital innovations in studies capture the student’s mind more as compared to typical classroom lectures.
Online Learning Tips for Students During Lockdown
The following tips for studying online are for students who find online learning accessible and have all the resources necessary for the same:-
Tip1# Have a Reliable Internet Connection
Since technological glitches and power outrages are a drawback for uninterrupted online learning, it is essential to prevent any connectivity lapses. Talk to your network operator and have a stable connection. Also, while writing your assignments, ensure to save them in your Google Drive or Dropbox, to access them even post the network glitches.
Tip 2# Keep a Separate Study Environment
The best way to have disciplined online learning is by keeping a personalized space for your studies. Find a space that is well-lit and have a power outlet near your digital devices for an uninterrupted connection. Have all the stationery items preset and limit your family members from distributing while you’re studying/taking online classes, etc.
Tip 3# Make a Routine like Classroom Learning
Since now you’re in remote learning, become more organized to derive equal results as that of a classroom learning. Set reminders, make study schedules, use note-making, and do all that you can to have more organized online learning. Make a routine – wake up, do exercising, have your breakfast, take classes, have intervals in between, etc. By doing it this way, you tend to make your quarantine period more productive by learning the right ways.
Tip 4# Show Engagement in Online Classes
The final online learning tip is to show engagement in online classes. That is, show your interest in learning. By doing so, you not only uplift the professors’ confidence but also create a positive energy making learning fun automatically. Also, this motivates the person lecturing to bring in innovative ideas to help you learn better.
Following these tips can help you adapt to online learning faster and get the most out of it. Since the rising COVID-19 cases pose a threat to most of us, have a good time studying from home and take good care of your mental and physical health.
