Coronavirus – How to learn effectively during the pandemic at home

You probably hear and see this enough but staying at home is the most useful thing you can do now to stop the coronavirus epidemic. Since all the Hungarian and other schools and universities worldwide closed, distance learning methods were introduced, and everyone attends classes and courses through a screen. 

Read alsoWe stay at home! Some thoughts on self-quarantine

It might be strange and unusual that you let the university or school enter your private place; your room and home. That is the feeling I had when I sat down to attend my first online course. On the other hand, it has many benefits, like you do not have to get up early to make it to the class on time and you can sit in front of the computer in the most comfortable clothing you have. 

Although our generation does not have a problem with using digital devices and platforms, we still need to learn and do some research on the platforms we are going to use until the end of the semester.

My first advice would be exactly this: take some time to discover the platforms carefully. If you already know the basics of Microsoft Teams including how to chat, use your smartphone or organise video conferences, upload files, documents, and how to be present at teams, dig deeper cause it has many other benefits.

For example, One Note provides you with a platform to make your notes about tasks, daily tasks and other activities not to forget. One Drive is a Google Drive 2.0 which has the same function and operation, furthermore here you can use Word, Excel and even PowerPoint online. Last but not least, Sharepoint is also a useful platform where teachers upload documents and videos for you. 

The second advice would be paying attention. Do not let your home environment trick you. Even though you listen to your courses or classes in your room, it is still school-time which requires every attention and effort you have. It is not only for your benefit but for the teachers who spent many hours and days to come up with the system for distance learning. Try not to play on your phone, watch videos, play games while you attend a course.

Yes, it is only a simulation, but it is still school. 

The third one is time management. Keep up with the classes, and keep the deadlines as well. If it requires, flood your smartphone or computer with reminders or make paper notes about what you have to do every week or day. After everything is done, it can be quite relaxing.

The fourth one would be to think further. Many courses now require assignments and some teachers already uploaded the necessary material and requirements for these tasks. If you finished every school task but still feel active start one of these to have more free time and less stress in the future. 

The fifth one is harmony. What do I mean under that? It is simply a clean and organised environment. Believe me; it will give you more energy and effectiveness if your table is clean and organised alongside with your room as well. Sometimes do not forget to open the window for some fresh air and to let some sunshine in to warm and cheer you up. After the day is finished, relaxation is the most important thing to do, which means you only have to open the school and university platforms tomorrow morning. 

The last one would be doing some exercises. During home-quarantine it is advisable to work out or stretch to refresh your body inside your home or outside in the garden. But if you have to attend a course and have pain in your legs at the same time, you do not have the opportunity to stand up, leave your computer, and run a few circles somewhere.

Did you know that there are exercises you can do while sitting in front of the computer? Have a look at these two pictures below. 

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Here are some other articles you might find useful

• How to cope with emotional distress in self-quarantine
• How to work from home without burning out
• Some tips what do to during home-quarantine
• Six positive things to help you survive home-quarantine

Source: Daily News Hungary