During this period of self-isolation, education institutions around the world have moved all lessons and interaction online. As schools and universities in Malaysia are reopening in stages during the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), most students are continuing to take their classes and study from home. But how does one make the most out of it when learning from home?
A student studying from home with computer and books
1. Adopt a Self-Initiative Attitude
When attending online classes and lectures, certain expectations are made on students. For example, reading prior lesson notes, attempting class exercises, and being punctual on the day of class. A self-initiated learner does not wait for someone else to instruct them what is already expected of their role, nor do they expect to be supervised. Students need to be intrinsically motivated toward self-learning online, especially in this contactless period where educators are experiencing limitations when it comes to monitoring their students’ learning progress. Displaying a self-initiative attitude also speaks volumes about the image you are portraying to your lecturer.
2. Be an Independent Learner
To be an independent learner is to be responsible for your own education. Your lecturer disseminates the information, but its assimilation is on you as a student. By having that mindset in place, there are some independent learning strategies students can adopt. For instance, go to other credible academic sources if you don’t understand what your textbook is saying. Being an independent learner is not equated to studying alone. In fact, independent learners are not afraid of seeking support when encountering a concept they do not understand. Start a study group with your coursemates and help each other out. Take the initiative to absorb the study material outside of class.
3. Pay Attention to Signs of Fatigue
Yes, online learning can make you feel drained. According to Harvard Business Review, video calls can lead to fatigue because we are engaged in “constant gaze” during online interaction. We become more aware of our body language, especially our eyes. Briefly looking over your laptop explicitly shows loss of focus to the person on the other side of the screen. The problem is further heightened by the fact that video calls make it easier than ever to lose focus. If you’re experiencing frequent tiredness as a student learning from home, switching off your camera may help.
4. Proactively Participate in Class
Being proactive online is one of the best ways to maintain your focus during a video call. By asking questions and sharing your views, you will feel more alert and get more out of the online class. It also leaves a positive impression on your lecturer. Be curious and engage in what they’re teaching. However, do be mindful as some educators are sensitive to abrupt interjections. If you need to ask a question in the middle of a lesson, approach with a polite and professional manner. Otherwise, wait until the end of the session to avoid disrupting the flow. Always provide a succinct question to respect the time of your tutor and classmates.
Online learning is not new to INTI International University & Colleges. Since 2012, initiatives have been taken to train academicians on the Blackboard LMS (Learning Management System). By taking advantage of available tools on the platform and weaving in a variety of applications such as Kaltura, Kahoot!, and Socrative, lecturers create engaging sessions that further enrich virtual learning. The online learning system is integrated into all programmes taught at INTI, providing course materials and spaces to help you keep in touch with the academic community.
Read more about our world-class blackboard learning methodology at https://newinti.edu.my/why-inti/the-way-we-teach/.