ADJUSTING TO ONLINE LEARNING
The Coronavirus epidemic has seen local public and private FET and higher education institutions migrate from the traditional face-to-face classrooms to online digital learning, especially during the lockdown period, where contact-mode lessons are not possible.
As a leading private college in the face to face environment, our students have over our 20-year-legacy come to enjoy our classroom-style lectures, which allows for peer engagement and the opportunity to ask questions to lecturers, enjoy the campus facility and social interaction with friends.
Migrating to the digital learning space has been an exciting but challenging journey for us as Group. This has also been the case for our students, who had to first make a mental adjustment to the change, become more technology savvy and had to also make sacrifices in terms of data costs. We are so proud of our students who after a week have made a phenomenal adjustment, and to our parents/guardians who are supporting them on this journey.
As a college, we had to invest in online infrastructure, adapt all our study lessons and guides to online materials and videos, train our staff to deliver lessons online and set-up our more than +200 teaching staff to deliver lessons from their homes to our students every day. As a college, we are thankful to our staff who have sacrificed the time with their family during this time and turned their homes into classrooms to deliver a service to our students.
Below is a quick guide on how to survive this digital move as we work together to move forward with your education and future.
Do Not Fear Change
Change is not necessarily bad. Nothing is scarier than having to adopt a new way of doing things. The move to Digital classrooms is an initiative well thought out for the benefit of students. Your lecturers have been equipped with the necessary information and guidance on how to make the transition from face-to-face to digital a smooth one, so relax you are in safe hands.
Download All the Necessary Apps
From Microsoft Office to PDF reader, in our days your smartphone can do anything. Engage with your lecturers and find out what Apps. will help you make your downloading and viewing easy.
Design a Studying Schedule
One of the benefits of Digital learning is that you don’t have to travel to campus each day. You are saving on transport costs and have the flexibility to work from anywhere. There are 24 hours in each day, work out when you will do your daily chores and when you will study. Have a balanced routine; follow it just like how you do when you are on campus guided by a timetable. Locate a designated area in your home and convert it into your personal study zone. Get comfortable furniture for your study zone. It doesn’t have to be new or fancy, as long as you keep away from your bed!
Be Proactive in Digital Classrooms
Similar to how you raise your hand during a lecture and ask a question when you don’t understand that Maths equation, do the same during online classrooms. Share your thoughts with your lecturers and peers. This shows that you are interested in your studies and want to learn. You are guided by your lecturer. They are there to assist you, so take advantage of that and don’t allow yourself to log off and still be confused. Inbox your lecturer, ask questions, put in the extra effort and stay on track.
Follow a Healthy Diet
Though you are studying at home and you can raid the fridge at any given hour, watch what you eat. Keep your system energised by eating and drinking the right foods and beverages. Make sure all your healthy meals are prepared in advance to avoid wasting time. Stay hydrated, according to BBC Food one of the best ways to maximise your focus is to stay hydrated. Water is important because even the slightest dehydration can lead to tiredness, headaches, reduced alertness and diminished concentration. Drink between 1 and 2 litres of water a day!
Quick Study Tips
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Stay calm and focused.
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Create a personal study timetable and follow it.
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Keep track of your time; make sure it coincides with your timetable.
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Monitor your personal WhatsApp. chat. Mute it during study times to avoid distraction.
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Uninstall cellphone/computer games that may be a distraction during your online lessons.
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Let your family know your study times so they know when to keep away and not distract you.
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Keep your study zone area clean and organised.
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Plan for rest! Read a book to calm your mind and don’t stop watching your favourite TV programmes. An overused brain can become less productive.
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Eat healthily and drink water throughout the day.