Distance Learning Survival Guide: Tips for Online School and Boredom

Written by: Noelle Hanek 

Right now is a troubling and uncertain time for everyone around the world, and this certainly does not exclude Sparta students. A major and sudden change has occurred due to the spread of the coronavirus, in which the school has closed through spring break and students are required to take their courses in the safety of their own homes. In addition, everyone is advised to stay in their homes at all times unless it is absolutely necessary to leave. This drastic change may take some time getting used to, for it is nothing we have ever seen before. Therefore, here is a quick guide to help students succeed on an average home instruction day. 

Step 1: Wake up at a good time. One of the best things about home instruction is that we get to sleep in, so use this to your advantage and get more sleep. However, make sure to wake up at a suitable time to get a good head start on your day! This can vary for different people, for not everyone is a morning person, but choose the time that works best for you! 

Source: Illustoon

Step 2: Get a good start on your schoolwork, of course after you are fully awake and have had your nice strong breakfast. Getting started early will lead to finishing the school day at an appropriate time. Try to avoid any distractions such as your phone before starting your work, otherwise, this may hold you up and keep you from getting an early start! 

Source: TeachHub

Step 3: Devise a schedule that works best for you. For instance, working on your classes in the same order that you would on a regular school day can be very helpful for keeping you on track. Jumping around all of your classes may result in you never going back to them, or pushing work off until midnight instead of tackling it right away. Others may find it better for them to get started with lighter work before moving on to the more difficult work. Either way, pick a schedule that you feel the most comfortable with and stick with it. 

Source: Call Centre Helper

Step 4: Take appropriate breaks. Do not exhaust yourself. Take adequate breaks when you begin to feel like you need one. After this first week, you may have realized when you begin to lose focus. Between classes, it is a good idea to take a small break from about 5 to 10 minutes to breathe, stretch, walk around, etc. Don’t forget to go back to work! 

Source: Information Week

Step 5: Don’t forget to have snacks if you are hungry throughout the day, and do not forget about eating lunch between your work! A good idea is to set time aside halfway through your courses to sit down and have a good lunch to fuel you for the rest of your distance learning day. 

Source: Clip Dealer

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the day! Around 2-5 pm is about the appropriate time you should be completed with your classes, and with no homework to do as well. Of course, this will vary each day based on how much work there is and all of the other factors listed above. It is a good idea to finish early so you can have time reserved for yourself for the rest of the day. Also, if you have any questions for your teachers, they can answer you sooner instead of hoping they will respond at 11:59 pm when the assignment is due at 12. 

Now that your school day is complete, one of the hardest things you may realize is finding what to do during your leisure time during this lockdown.  Here are some ideas you can take on during this time!

1. Read a book!

2. Take up a new hobby, and or learn a new skill!

3. Spend time with family!

4. Facetime friends!

5. Spend time with your pet!

6. Go bike riding in your neighborhood!

7. Watch movies and relax!

And remember Spartans, this may take some time getting used to, and this may be upsetting for many. During this time we must all support each other and help each other. We are Spartan strong and will make it through this! 

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