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.