In addition to the recommendations below, SASS also offers a list of assistive technology to help with remote learning.
Make a schedule and keep a routine.
Set a routine/schedule for yourself and stick to it. Get up at the same time each day and work during normal school hours to help maintain a sense of normalcy and efficiency.
To keep up with your online course work, you will need to be self-motivated and self-sufficient. The best way to go about this is to set aside a certain time of the day or week during which you will complete your course assignments.
Designate certain hours each week to reading, watching lectures, completing assignments, studying and participating in forums.
Use an electronic calendar and set reminders for yourself to complete tasks.
Create a study space and stay organized.
Set up a dedicated learning environment for studying. By completing your work there repeatedly, you’ll begin to establish a routine. It’s important to determine what type of environment will work best for you and which type of setting boosts your productivity.
Make sure you know the course syllabus. Printing it out can help as it allows you to mark off assignments that you have completed and lets you highlight the ones that will be due soon.
Work ahead and hold yourself accountable.
Try to work ahead whenever possible. Doing assignments a week or more in advance will help keep you from having to scramble to complete things last minute. By being organized, proactive and self-aware, you can get the most from your online class.
Setting goals and checking in with yourself weekly is important. It’s up to you to make sure you’ve allotted enough time to complete the work so you’re not starting an assignment the day before it’s due.
If you’re having trouble holding yourself responsible, pair up with a fellow classmate, or enlist the help of a friend to check in as an accountability partner.
Seek help when needed.
The online space need not be an isolating one. Your instructor is still there to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
There are many other student services to support you! Appointments can be made online and held on the phone or through video conferencing with Thomas Hawks, Dean for Academic Advising and Support (hawkst@kenyon.edu), Dean of Student Development Robin Hart Ruthenbeck (hartruthnbeck1@kenyon.edu) and Holly Baker, Associate Director of Counseling (baker2@kenyon.edu).
If you are a student with a disability and need additional support or have questions, you can reach out to SASS@kenyon.edu.
If a student needs technological assistance accessing remote learning, the College will work with you to address access to computer hardware and/or internet access. Please visit this student resources page for additional information and contacts.
There are a number of library and research resources available to students who are learning and researching remotely: visit this page. If you have additional questions about library services please email reference@kenyon.edu.
Post in discussion boards; participate in online forums daily.
Stay on top of reading assignments! Often in a traditional classroom, group discussion will help to fill in the blanks when you may have not completed all of your reading assignments. This is not possible in a virtual classroom. You will need to post your own answers to discussion boards, and if you haven’t completed the reading, you won’t have much to contribute.
Make sure you are checking in as often as you can, too. Set a goal to check in on the class discussion threads every day.
Post on the discussion boards. Discussion posts usually count as class participation and they are often a significant part of your grade. Not only do you need to post, but you also need to post your comments on time. Make note of the deadline for online discussion posts and be sure to have yours completed and posted to the forum before it is due.
Participation in the course’s online forum helps you better understand course materials and engage with fellow classmates. This might involve commenting on a classmate’s paper on a discussion board or posting a question about a project you’re working on. Read what other students and your professor are saying, and if you have a question, ask for clarification.
If you do feel yourself falling behind, speak up. Don’t wait until an assignment is almost due to ask questions or report issues. Email your professor and be proactive in asking for help.
Stay mentally and physically healthy.
Because online instruction requires more time at your computer or on your device, make sure you take breaks, go outside for a run or walk to connect with nature.
Steer clear of crowds, don’t touch your face, and wash your hands often.
Get the recommended amount of sleep and eat foods that nourish you.
Stay in touch with loved ones. At the end of the day, your family, friends and loved ones are important and will be a crucial support to you (and vice versa).