The end of the year is approaching, but virtual learning is not going anywhere. Over the course of the last seven months, students and teachers have adapted to the “new normal” of remote learning. Last spring, as teachers were asked to transition to online instruction, and students were asked to learn online for the first time, there was grace and forgiveness from schools. Through many obstacles and difficulties that have come along with remote learning, there is much to learn from and takeaway as we head into the 2021 school year.
Proactivity is extremely important as students navigate remote learning. Because the majority of classes are asynchronous or rely on zoom, the personal connection between student and teacher only works if a student is proactive in searching for resources. SOJC student, Sidney Fazekas, reiterated this statement saying, “I have taken advantage of virtual office hours to get to know my professors because the schoolwork itself is the one aspect that hasn’t changed through all of this. I have been trying to put a lot of time and dedication into being proactive about my studies.”
Perseverance, hard work and determination are all necessary for success in schoolwork. However, according to SOJC student, Jennie Menendez, “Organization is so important; not going to class in-person and having to manage everything online can be tricky.” Grabbing a planner and keeping track of all of the assignments for the week or even mapping out what the entire month looks like can save so much time and energy! Don’t get mixed up with assignments and due dates anymore and write it down! Organization can help with clarity and is such a valuable thing to learn properly.
As we start to gear up for graduating and moving our knowledge into the real working world, we need to take the healthy mental practices we have learned over the last three years.
SOJC student, Stella Kalomiris, has taken to physical activity to help keep her mental-state healthy and strong while adapting to the “new normal.” Whether it is going for daily walks, taking periodical breaks from staring at a screen all day or doing some morning yoga in her room, Stella has found that keeping active and moving is a great way to stay positive and sharp for the new online world. “Take that Saturday off and focus on yourself, dedicate a day for your body and mind to recharge. It makes all the difference!”
Take advantage of virtual opportunities! Everyone was of course originally disappointed to go into a virtual term. Senior SOJC student, Jess Rotter said, “I realized that going virtual gave me so many incredible remote opportunities. I currently intern for an app start-up based in Florida. I work on copywriting, blogging and scriptwriting for the company and it has been so rewarding to collaborate with people from all over the globe! I never would have gotten this opportunity without classes being remote!” There is no denying that classes being remote isn’t ideal for most students, but since many job and internship opportunities have also gone remote, it allows students to gain real-world virtual work experience all over the world. Go on LinkedIn, put yourself out there and you never know what opportunities might fall into your lap.
Remote learning is easier for some, but it is safe to say that many face adversity. It is imperative to take into account the struggles and differences faced while transitioning into remote learning and use what was learned as an advantage for personal growth for a smooth sailing 2021. You never know what amazing opportunities lay ahead for you because of the doors that are opening up due to remote learning and remote work. Be proactive, stay organized, take care of yourself and put yourself out there.