Attending online college classes can be a challenge, especially when you’re used to the physical presence of a professor and classmates in an actual classroom.
I know first-hand how overwhelming it can feel to stay concentrated for an entire hour or more during your lectures. I am embarrassed to admit this, but I slept through most of my online college classes at the beginning of my semester.
After much trial and error, however, I was able to develop a few tips and tricks that helped me stay focused and alert.
Here’s how you can survive (and even enjoy!) your online college classes.
How to Stay Awake and Concentrate in Online College Classes: A Guide From Someone Who Struggled at First
1. Set up alarms for an entire week
Alarms! Without them, I would have probably never been able to wake up for my virtual classes on time.
Have a look at your weekly schedule beforehand and then set alarms for every one of your classes. It is so easy to get distracted when you are at home and forget when your classes are.
Doing this will help you attend all the classes without fail. Also, make sure that you take a look at your course outline and take note if any classes are going to have quizzes or not.
Related: How to stay Organized in College: 9 Tips to Help You Conquer the College Chaos
Also as a former chronic sleeper through class, I know how hard it can be to stay awake and alert during online college classes. If you’re having trouble staying focused during your online college classes, my advice is to set up alarms for yourself throughout the class (put your phone on vibration, though!).
That way, whenever you feel like your attention is slipping away, an alarm goes off and reminds you of the task at hand – which is paying attention and understanding the lecture material!
Additionally, there are a ton of apps available that can help you concentrate.
For example, some focus timer apps like Focus Keeper or Tomato Timer will give you timed intervals of work followed by short breaks – perfect for keeping your concentration levels up throughout the class.
2. Install apps that help you stay focused
Apps such as Freedom, HocusFocus, LeechBlock, and Mindful Browsing can be a great help in allowing you to stay focused during your online college classes.
These apps prevent you from accessing websites that can be distracting or gently remind you if you are tempted to visit websites that offer nothing but entertainment.
My personal favorite for staying focused is the Freedom app. It has been a lifesaver.
Related: 56 Ways to be a Productive College Student: A Glimpse Into an Ultra-Productive Life
3. Have an assigned place for all your online college classes.
Do not attend your online college classes on the bed. Or the couch. Or anywhere that’s comfortable enough for you to lie down.
Why you ask? Because you will sleep and miss what’s happening in the class. By the time you wake up, the class would have been over and the lecturer might have conducted a quiz and told you a few details about the assignment that is due by the next class.
So, to prevent this from happening, choose a place in your house where you can comfortably SIT (not sleep) and take notes.
Create a designated spot for your online college classes. This is especially important if you have multiple classes in one day as it will help you stay organized and productive during each class. The best place is at a desk or table, with good lighting and plenty of space.
Make sure you have any necessary supplies like a laptop, textbooks, and other materials ready so you don’t have to run around trying to find them during your classes. It will also help to set up this spot in an area with minimal distractions, such as a quiet room or corner of the house.
Related: Break the Monotony: Here’s How to Achieve a Perfect Study Session!
If your professor allows you to snack during the online class, then make sure you stock up!
Having something tasty to snack on can help you stay awake and attentive, even when the lecture is less than interesting (it’s worked for me like a spell every time!). So grab some snacks before class and you just might survive!
4. Have your Webcam On: Surviving online college classes
I know how much of a bummer it is to struggle to stay focused during classes, but having your webcam on can be very helpful for staying accountable.
When I had my webcam on, I felt more like I was in an actual classroom – which helped me concentrate better in my online classes.
My friends who turned off their videos were more distracted; playing PUBG or going off to get snacks (and usually not returning), or dozing off during lectures.
5. Try to interact with the professor
Interacting with the professor can be a great way to stay awake and engaged during classes. If you have any doubts, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Even jotting down your thoughts and opinions during the session can help you focus more and get better grades at the end. Your professor will appreciate your effort and you may just get in his/her good books.
Related: Student’s Guide to Writing Professional Emails to Your Professors
6. Be sure to take notes in your Online College Classes
Taking notes during your online college classes is essential to concentrating.
Whether you prefer pen and paper or digital note-taking, it’s important to record any information you hear during class, even if it seems minimal or insignificant.
Notetaking helps you stay focused and remember what your professor has said, which can be helpful to review later or use in assignments. Here are The Best Note-taking tips for College Students that can help you make the most of your online classes.
7. Behave as if you were sitting in an actual classroom.
Will you be noshing on chips and sipping soda in an actual classroom? Heck no! Would you be playing your favorite tunes while texting your BFF? Not a chance. You get the point, I’m sure!
When you attend online college classes, act as you would if you were actually in a classroom.
Show respect, keep distractions to a minimum, and take these classes seriously. It’s the key to success!
Online college classes may seem intimidating at first, but with the right set of tools and tips, you can survive and concentrate without any trouble.
It’s all about how you approach it, how you manage your time, and how you make the most out of the virtual environment. Just keep your coffee close and follow my tips above and I am sure you will do just fine.
“When it comes to online college classes, I’ve learned the hard way how to survive: coffee, snacks, and lots of patience & strategy!”
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