Adapting to online learning during the Coronavirus pandemic

Due to the current global health emergency, your daily routine and learning habits have probably been disrupted. You have to spend more time in a confined space and don’t have access to the library or your regular public study spaces or study center. More and more people are turning to online learning in these unprecedented times. At Kiron, we want to share our best tips that we have picked up over the years for studying online, so that you can succeed as a Kiron student.

1.  Stay organised
Online learning gives you more flexibility but can also make it more difficult to dedicate time to studying.  The usual “structure” of your daily life may have changed, so planning could help you optimise your learning.

• Identify your learning objectives and goals Keeping in mind what you hope to accomplish by the end of your course will help you stay on track.
• Build a study plan If you have a written, coherent plan, you’ll be more likely to follow it and complete your course.
• Make use of online tools Use tools like Trello or Google Calendar to organise and keep track of your tasks. This can also help you keep your study area tidy if you have limited space. Find more information about study tools here.
• Set aside specific time for learning In the same way as you take time to eat or relax, put some time aside to study. Online courses are flexible, so you can choose the best time for you.

2. Optimise your learning
There are different strategies and methods you can use to make your studying time more efficient and productive.

• Have a dedicated study space If you can, find a space where you feel comfortable studying, this will help you include learning time into your routine and increase your productivity.
• Improve your digital literacy Our living in a digital world course on Kiron Campus introduces you to the skills and tools necessary to become a successful online learner.
• If it’s possible, download learning material. You can read the content or watch the videos offline anytime even if the connection is not stable. Use the time you don’t have access to the internet to review your notes, read texts and reflect on your learning.

3. Adapt your learning habits
Studying alone, you may struggle to stay concentrated and complete assignments. Here are some ways you could improve your focus.

• Find the right study technique for you Some of the most popular ones include the Pomodoro or the Feynman technique.
• Diversify your learning If you’re struggling to concentrate on an article you’re reading, watch a documentary on the topic you’re studying or listen to a podcast. Videos are not the only way to learn. Try to re-write your notes with colors or draw concept maps, and have fun!
  

4. Connect with others
Studying online can make you feel lonely. Now you may no longer have access to exterior study spaces or the possibility to meet up with other students. Staying connected with others can keep you motivated.

• Connect with other learners, interact with other Kiron students who are studying the same program as you, create virtual study groups, and try to find a supportive learning community. You can connect with other students on these Facebook groups: Kiron | Syrian Youth AssemblyKiron Community – Learning beyond limits
• Ask for help The Kiron team is here to provide you with the support you need! Between 10h and 17h (German time) you can talk to us using the online chat. If we are not online, write an email to student-support@kiron.ngo.

5. Stay positive and informed
In these times, it can be easy to feel stressed by all the negative information in the news and it’s important to look after yourself.

• Take study breaks. Your brain, like your body, needs rest.
• Exercise Your brain will be more productive if your body is active. Find time to stretch and take care of yourself.
• Reward yourself for your work A reward system sends positive messages to your brain. A reward can be something you like watching an episode of your favorite TV series or eating your favorite food when you finish a unit or an exercise in your course. This way you’ll get a taste for more knowledge.‍