Highlight news
By ACRRM registrar Rebecca Irwin
1. Location, location, location
It might seem like a good idea at the time but the bedroom or loungeroom is no place to undertake online learning. One hour in and you will have a neck cramp and a bad back. Not to mention you will end up getting hooked on a new Netflix series and forget all about your online learning. You need to have a designated study space with a comfortable supportive chair and the necessary resources around you – I’m thinking pens, highlighters, note pad, water and snacks.
2. What ARE you wearing?
I understand the wish to remain in PJ’s, I do, I have had many PJ days, but it doesn’t get you in the right frame of mind for a day of online learning. Day clothes are particularly important if you have interactive online classes where the camera needs to be turned on and you will be verbally participating in discussions. So, have a shower and get dressed, you can still pick comfortable clothes and it will help you get mentally ready to study.
3. Plan of attack
What is the plan, how many lectures are you planning on studying? Create a realistic plan which will allow you to listen, synthesise and learn the material. To successfully retain the key concepts, I find I cannot study more than three 1-hour lectures in a day. However only studying three lectures may not be a viable option, so if you are about to undertake a lecture marathon, make sure you prepare and heed my advice.
4. Multitasking is a myth
When you think online learning, you might think, fantastic whilst I am home, I can get my life in order – WRONG! The moment you decide to multitask, is the moment that you will lose focus and negatively impact your learning. So, put down that washing basket, close the multiple tabs open on your laptop and focus on the online session in front of you.
5. No phone
Self-explanatory this one. You do not need to know the Sophie had poached eggs for breakfast or Michael shared another cute dog video. Technology and our phones are a massive distraction and will make focusing on your online learning impossible. So put your notifications on silent and face your phone downwards on the table. If you need too, allocate time during your break to check social media and answer important emails.
6. No kids
Look I love kids, I have two myself, but you cannot, I repeat cannot effectively study online with your children at home in the same space as you. If you don’t have any other choice, then I lend my hat to you, you are amazing for tackling online learning whilst actively looking after your children. If you do have a choice, study when they sleep (if they sleep), or when your partner or someone else can look after them, ideally out of the house.
7. Old fashioned handwritten notes
This is a personal tip that works for me but may not work for you. We have embraced technology and many of you will prefer to type your notes, but I encourage you to give handwriting your notes a go. There is good evidence that it assists with synthesising verbal information and leads to better retention of key concepts. I also find it helps me stay focused.
8. Summarise
Whether you handwrite or type your notes, at the end of the lecture or online session take a moment to review them and summarise the key points. It assists to consolidate your learning and creates a useful summary for study later, particularly for exam cramming.
9. Take a break. Have a KitKat.
Looking at a computer screen all day is not healthy and can lead to eye strain, headaches and neck/back pain. So, aim to get up from your chair and move every hour if possible – do some stretches, escape outside into the sunlight and get yourself a glass of water or a sneaky chocolate (but not too much!).
10. Give yourself a pat on the back!
After a long day learning online, reward yourself! Take the opportunity to go outside for a walk or another enjoyable activity – your body will thank you. I also tend to reward myself with an alcoholic beverage, so cheers!
All news
By ACRRM registrar Rebecca Irwin
1. Location, location, location
It might seem like a good idea at the time but the bedroom or loungeroom is no place to undertake online learning. One hour in and you will have a neck cramp and a bad back. Not to mention you will end up getting hooked on a new Netflix series and forget all about your online learning. You need to have a designated study space with a comfortable supportive chair and the necessary resources around you – I’m thinking pens, highlighters, note pad, water and snacks.
2. What ARE you wearing?
I understand the wish to remain in PJ’s, I do, I have had many PJ days, but it doesn’t get you in the right frame of mind for a day of online learning. Day clothes are particularly important if you have interactive online classes where the camera needs to be turned on and you will be verbally participating in discussions. So, have a shower and get dressed, you can still pick comfortable clothes and it will help you get mentally ready to study.
3. Plan of attack
What is the plan, how many lectures are you planning on studying? Create a realistic plan which will allow you to listen, synthesise and learn the material. To successfully retain the key concepts, I find I cannot study more than three 1-hour lectures in a day. However only studying three lectures may not be a viable option, so if you are about to undertake a lecture marathon, make sure you prepare and heed my advice.
4. Multitasking is a myth
When you think online learning, you might think, fantastic whilst I am home, I can get my life in order – WRONG! The moment you decide to multitask, is the moment that you will lose focus and negatively impact your learning. So, put down that washing basket, close the multiple tabs open on your laptop and focus on the online session in front of you.
5. No phone
Self-explanatory this one. You do not need to know the Sophie had poached eggs for breakfast or Michael shared another cute dog video. Technology and our phones are a massive distraction and will make focusing on your online learning impossible. So put your notifications on silent and face your phone downwards on the table. If you need too, allocate time during your break to check social media and answer important emails.
6. No kids
Look I love kids, I have two myself, but you cannot, I repeat cannot effectively study online with your children at home in the same space as you. If you don’t have any other choice, then I lend my hat to you, you are amazing for tackling online learning whilst actively looking after your children. If you do have a choice, study when they sleep (if they sleep), or when your partner or someone else can look after them, ideally out of the house.
7. Old fashioned handwritten notes
This is a personal tip that works for me but may not work for you. We have embraced technology and many of you will prefer to type your notes, but I encourage you to give handwriting your notes a go. There is good evidence that it assists with synthesising verbal information and leads to better retention of key concepts. I also find it helps me stay focused.
8. Summarise
Whether you handwrite or type your notes, at the end of the lecture or online session take a moment to review them and summarise the key points. It assists to consolidate your learning and creates a useful summary for study later, particularly for exam cramming.
9. Take a break. Have a KitKat.
Looking at a computer screen all day is not healthy and can lead to eye strain, headaches and neck/back pain. So, aim to get up from your chair and move every hour if possible – do some stretches, escape outside into the sunlight and get yourself a glass of water or a sneaky chocolate (but not too much!).
10. Give yourself a pat on the back!
After a long day learning online, reward yourself! Take the opportunity to go outside for a walk or another enjoyable activity – your body will thank you. I also tend to reward myself with an alcoholic beverage, so cheers!