Learning in a Virtual Space

You are a few semesters into online learning. Sometimes, it is helpful to take a “step back” and think about the best ways to learn in the virtual space. I’m writing these tips as a professor who teaches both in person and online.

Here are a few tips:

1. Your professors are human. They are going through many of the same stresses as you are going through and may have had little help in creating their courses in a virtual space. Professors have needs and wants, fears and desires, just as any other human.
2. Communicate your questions and concerns as promptly as you can and put them in writing (via email). In communicating by writing, you create virtual “paper trail” for you and your professor to come back to as you two may need. As a professor, I often will refer back to these questions to ensure that I have responded appropriately and timely. Additionally, should a student find my answer unhelpful, it provides me insight into exactly what I said that wasn’t helpful.
3. Participate in ANY virtual meetings, lectures, office hours, etc. that are offered to allow full participation and to make sure you are understanding the material. In addition to enabling your professor to know who you are, this will also help you fully comprehend course material. While professors may be grading more or less pass/fail for the time being, your comprehension will be important for your future work. Take advantage of what’s offered. If you cannot participate in the times offered, ask your professor for other options or to post recordings.
4. Create virtual study groups with your classmates. Again, I cannot stress enough that you make sure you are truly learning the material. And what better way to do this, and to create a little social interaction, than to do it with your classmates. Your online university systems should allow for you to email with your fellow classmates. If it does not do so, ask the professor for a little assistance to reach out to classmates for this very reason.
5. Actually, do the work! It may be tempting to just “half-ass” it in the virtual space without anyone checking up on you or watching you in the classroom setting. However, you likely need to know the material for future courses, or general knowledge for life. So, do the work.
6. If you feel that you are not getting enough instruction in the material, speak up and document your requests and needs. I urge you to be reasonable in your requests while considering your education and learning needs.  My feeling on asking for help is this-if you ask, the worst-case scenario is someone says “no.”
7. RELAX! Times are stressful but you can do it! You’ve been through challenges in the past and you have learned from those experiences and built your resilience. Yep, today is different. Reach out for help as you need it from your university, family, friends, classmates, and professionals.