Advice with Aydan: Preparing For Remote Classes

Studying remotely comes with its own set of challenges; as many of us who have already experienced a schedule of Zoom classes know, focusing and engaging over video conferencing can feel very different to doing so in person. From my own experience transitioning to Zoom classes during my senior spring, I wanted to share some of the best practices that helped me adjust to remote learning in hopes that they can also be helpful for you.

Choosing a Zoom space

I have found that designating a clear space to work and Zoom in from in your home -- whether it be a desk in your room or somewhere else -- was crucial for helping me focus. Of course, not everyone has access to a room or area that is perfectly suited to serve as a study or that is ideally quiet. But even when it comes to changing positions in the same room, switching from a leisure space (like the bed or the couch) to a slightly more “formal” space (like a desk or table) helped me enter the psychological state of being ready to attend class. Remaining in one position or location throughout the day can make it difficult to distinguish the different mental zones you need to enter for different tasks. Having a consistent space or setup I used every time I had class -- even if it was just moving to the kitchen table from the sofa -- made a big difference for my focus. 

Take screen breaks

When first switching to remote learning, many of my peers and I ended up dealing with eyestrain and headaches from the sudden transition to extended periods of looking at a screen. It can be especially bad for your eyes if you stay on your devices in-between classes - which is easy to do once you’re on the devices to begin with - and don’t make a concerted effort to look away from the screen and take breaks. Even just a quick rest, like closing your eyes for a few minutes or taking a brief walk outside if you’re able in between classes, can be very helpful. 

Be an active participant

It can be easy to step back from participation on Zoom and tend towards being a passive presence online; there are often more distractions around, and getting the attention of the class to speak can feel like a little more effort than just raising your hand in a classroom. It’s important to try and counter that impulse when possible, and encourage yourself to actively, really listen to what’s being said, and make the effort to speak when you have something to say. Something else that can be helpful is setting a lockdown timer on other apps on your devices, like web browsers or social media apps - I did this during some class hours, and it definitely helped check my impulse to move my focus elsewhere or be half-present.

Try alternative ways to access reading

It’s likely that you will reading on your devices more frequently than you usually might, since not everyone has access to printers for printing readings out like they would when on campus, or to library copies of text. If it’s possible for you to print readings or access printed versions of texts via local libraries or buying them (see my other article on finding affordable textbooks from home), it might be a great idea; it would allow you to have a change of scene and perhaps take your reading outside to a park where you could work away from screens and get some fresh air at the same time. Alternatively, you might try to find audiobook versions of texts through CLIO, your local library via the Libby app, or through a service like Scribd. 

Take physical notes

It feels intuitive to type or write up notes on your device if you’re already Zooming on it, but continuing to handwrite in a notebook (if you’re able to) can be a more effective way of absorbing information. It also means that you don’t need to minimize your Zoom window to a small square while you type on another app; you can keep your focus on your peers and teachers, and have them be the central focus while taking notes to the side. Plus, if you need to look over notes later, you have the option of doing so away from your device -- as mentioned before, frequent screen breaks are important!

Good luck with your upcoming classes -- in my experience, Barnard professors and peers create such wonderfully intimate and personal academic environments even from afar, and I hope you have a great time experiencing it no matter where in the world you happen to be!