Online Learning Strategies

Check out some useful online learning strategies below, and download our Virtual Classroom Checklist.

Online Learning

Setting up Online Learning and Virtual Pre-Planning

If you need assistance setting up Zoom or Online Meetings check out the mySLC primer for both Online Meetings and Zoom, as well as the more Zoom-focused primer for students. The Zoom Help Center is also a good resource for setting up zoom. It includes basic set-up information for Macs, PCs, and other devices.
If you’ve already had some experience learning on zoom, whether in high school or at SLC, think about any technology-based challenges that you faced. Consider discussing them with your don, and whether it might be worth communicating any specific concerns with your faculty ahead of time.
If you are registered with Disability Services and think you might need accommodations based on the online learning experience you can reach out to Associate Dean Polly Waldman at pwaldman@sarahlawrence.edu to explore your options.
If you have particular concerns regarding wifi access or technology needs due to financial hardship please email deanofstudies@sarahlawrence.edu as soon as possible, stating your specific technology needs or concerns. In some cases the college may be able to provide support.
If you are not living on campus or commuting to campus, make sure that you keep in mind that Sarah Lawrence is part of the Eastern Time Zone (EST) and plan your schedule accordingly.

Best Practices for Virtual Learning

Find a quiet, distraction-free room from which to attend class. This includes distractions from our beloved pets, siblings, parents and partners, as much as we love and adore them. If there is no such room available to you, try to find whatever comes closest. Have a conversation with your family and housemates prior to the start of the semester explaining what your needs will be during class sessions so that, where possible, you can come to an agreement about what is needed to be zoom-ready. You may want to consider sharing and/or posting your class schedule in or near the space in which you will be in class so that others in your home are aware that you can’t be disturbed during these times.
If possible consider an alternate location from which to attend online meetings as a way to switch up your experience. While you need to maintain social distance protocols are there other possible spaces that could work well for online learning?
Set up your laptop in a stationary place for the duration of the class. Ideally you want to be sitting at a desk or table. Avoid lying down on your bed during class. There should be no walking around or doing the dishes or gardening while class is in-session. As with in-person classes, if you need to leave the room you may do so but please keep such departures to a minimum. Getting up and down, or moving around multiple times, can be distracting to others.
Make yourself comfortable-but not too comfortable. Sometimes it’s nice to have water, coffee, or tea by your side during a zoom session. You should have a sense from your faculty if they have any course policies around eating or drinking during class. Otherwise, whatever helps you stay focused is good.
Test your earphones or computer microphone prior to your first classes to ensure that your audio is working well. Earbuds or headphones in particular can be a great help for staying tuned in and obtaining good audio. You can troubleshoot here.
Create a virtual background. This is usually not required but is a good privacy option. Zoom provides instructions on how to set this up.
Don’t forget that everybody can see you!
Remember that people’s comfort and fluency with technology vary. Some of us are better versed in the world of online communication than others. Let’s be sure to conduct ourselves in the spirit of kindness and generosity.
If there’s anything your instructor can do to help improve the online learning experience, you should communicate this to them. While accommodating every request might not be possible it is worth exploring the options for creating an even better learning environment.

Being an Engaged Learner Online: Some Tips

Syllabus: Read the syllabus prior to the first day of class if possible. This can help you feel as if you have a grasp of course expectations ahead of time, and allow you to formulate any questions you may have about course requirements, assignments, or other aspects of the syllabus that may not be clear to you. You also want to be sure to review any zoom-related course policies and procedures.
Disabling Distractions: Turn off notifications on your phone and computer prior to the start of class, and close all windows and applications on your laptop. Avoid multitasking during class time, or when you are reviewing recorded class material. This will make it more difficult for you to absorb the material, and then you’ll just have to review it again.
Time Management: Whether you are on campus or learning remotely, developing a sound time management system for your academic (and non-academic) life will be essential to your learning process. If you need help creating an effective schedule be sure to check out one of the time management workshops offered by the Dean of Studies office. Or, you can meet with a dean to create a tailored time management plan.
Note-Taking: Think about how you will take notes, if needed, in the online environment. Do you prefer a pad and pencil by your side? Will you have some kind of online note-taking option? The Virtual Learning Commons has some suggestions for note-taking apps that you can check out.
Chat Function: Take advantage of the various tools at your disposal that enhance engagement and communication in zoom such as the chat function. This can be an advantage for those students that may not normally be as talkative in class. The chat function enables students to pose questions and post comments in real time during class sessions.
Self-View: Tired of seeing your lovely mug all the time on zoom? You can actually hide your self-view, which can cut down on distraction. Here’s how.
Study Groups: Study groups are a great way to review course material and make social connections as well. In some cases study groups may be organized by your professor. However you can form your own study groups too! Chances are that if you are interested in reviewing material for a particular class someone else is as well. There are a variety of ways in which your study group could meet, either virtually using the tools at your disposal or potentially in-person depending on where you are located and space availability that is COVID-19 compliant.
Self-Care: It’s not just you, online learning can be tiring on the eyes, the mind, and the body. To mitigate the impact here are some suggestions:
- Getting good sleep is as essential for your virtual courses as it is for in -person course work.
- Make sure that you are engaging in activities off-line and in-between classes that activate different parts of your brain and body.
- Even if you have a day full of zoom classes and meetings ahead it’s important to continue with your ‘get ready for the day’ routines. Toss those pajamas in the laundry pile and get dressed for the day as you normally would. It will help you to feel more ready and alert.
- Stay connected to friends and family.