Intro to Online Learning Environments

Emporia State’s Information Technology and Security

Online Learning Environments

• Online learning might be something new to a lot of students on Emporia State’s campus and some might have already had classes in an online format. Being either of these students, there are a few things we want to share to ensure success for our students. These are more than likely the tasks that would be the hardest for students to manage
  • Concentrating on virtual lectures
  • Time management while incorporating a new routine and learning environment
  • The process of understanding information via your screen
  • Ensuring that there is a reliable internet connection & an environment that is distraction-free

However, we have nine practical strategies that will help students manage it all.

1. Personal Surroundings
   • Having a workable space or finding a productive location to let yourself use for working. Creating a sign that you can display during the time that you’re working to let others know that you although are physically present, you are engaged and unavailable. Others respecting your boundaries is crucial and you need to make them aware so you can be productive. Your bed does not make for a good office space, even though we all know how tempting that would be. Good lighting will help reduce eye strain and finding a place that is quiet, distraction-free.
2. Confirm Secure Internet Access
   • Is internet access strong and readily available at home? Is there a local library near you? Are there other locations available for you that don’t have large crowds? Regardless of your situation, try your hardest communicate with your professors and do not be discouraged or embarrassed. If you are near another college campus, internet access might be available for you to use.
3. Acquiring the Tools
   • A couple different tools to ensure that you can access, as well as participating in online learning. Tools that are generic would be a good set of headphones, a microphone, speakers and a web camera are just a select few. If you don’t have any of these, see if you can borrow them from a family member or a friend. If purchasing isn’t an option, don’t feel like you need to spend the money on them. Communicate with your professors if these tools are needed and they will help you find a solution. Your professors are their to help you to the best of their ability, take advantage of the tools that are provided. Maintaining flexibility is helpful to you as well as your professors.
4. Maintaining Organization
   • Now being in a position that could be brand new, the likely hood of having to re-work some of your everyday regimen should be expected. Your study schedule and class ‘attendance’ schedule could possibly have to start from scratch to create a plan that works for you. While some courses reduce content, you can not rely on that factor for everything. Studying the same amount of time may still apply to what you’re doing and possibly even increase. Online learning has advantages such as having access to content multiples times as well as viewing content when it meets your schedule. It also can have disadvantages, mainly creating procrastination. Creating a schedule and sticking to it will be key in not getting behind with content and staying prepared for finals.
5. Maintaining Connection
   • Maintaining your connections, support with friends, roommates and study groups is really important. Yes, maintaining social distancing is good, but luckily we have the tools to remain connected virtually. Consider people you can gather as accountability groups. For instructional delivery, you will see that there are some combinations of Canvas, Zoom and perhaps Google Hangouts. Instructors will contact you once they have figured out what works best for their course. When you are trying to stay connected with peers, be creative and take the initiative to gather your peers together. We are all going through this troubling time together and the feeling of being isolated is not productive or healthy. We all need support and all need to give support to others. If we all do out part to support one another, managing a stressful situation is easier for the group as a whole.
6. Acknowledging the Time Boundaries
   • Faculty and staff are working their hardest to deliver content differently, and support other faculty and staff as well as students to the best of their ability. Remembering that there are still time boundaries when it comes to faculty and staff. Work hours are going to remain the same for faculty, and messaging them late at night and expecting an answer, is not realistic. Be patient - everyone is trying to do their best to figure out all of these new triumphs to overcome and communicate them as quickly and transparently as possible.
7. Practice Empathy
   • Being courteous of others, giving empathy and providing understanding is something that everyone could more than likely use a little bit more of. Everyone is stressed and is having to figure out how things are going to start working more regularly. But, what are you actively doing to be kinds to others?
8. Managing Your Stress
   • We have a handful of different ways to manage your anxiety and stress during this pivotal time.
     • Breathe - Take a deep breath sigh it out. Make noise whenever you exhale, do it multiple times to release the tension in your body. Taking a deep breath of 8 seconds inhaling through your nose, and releasing the breath lasting 10 seconds exhaling through your mouth. Repeat.
     • Give Yourself a Hug - Wrap your arms around your shoulders and squeeze tightly. Providing personal comfort and reassuring faith that you can do whatever you set your mind to!
     • Let It Out - Taking a few minutes to get your thought and feelings on paper to clear your mind out, making space for love and positivity.
     • Telling Yourself You’ve Got This - Have affirmations that you can tell yourself whenever you struggling. Creating a sense of positivity and confidence that you are okay.
       • Ex. “I’m safe”, “I am doing the best of my ability”, “You can accomplish this”.
     • Set Personal Boundaries - For most, the fear, stress, and anxiety that is produced by the current predicaments being face will be worse than any infection they get. So, pay attention to how you consume the news, people you talk to, and the thoughts and feelings you have impact your sense of well-being.
     • Manage Mental Health - Stress is very real and is very quick to wear down our immune response. Maintaining your health for yourself as well as for your family is your main priority. This means (in addition to washing your hands) eating right, getting enough sleep at night and exercising. Walking to the park, mailbox or just around the block is something that would make a difference for your health. Hang out with your pets, do some yoga or meditation outside. Keeping yourself in the present and focusing on what you CAN control reduces your stress and anxiety levels.