Photo by andrew neel via Unsplash.
In March 2020, West Chester University transitioned to online learning due to the coronavirus pandemic. Almost a year later, students are still adapting to the world of virtual learning, and many are eager to get back on campus as soon as possible. Here are five ways to continue to stay motivated during remote learning:
1.Know that you are not alone.
Students all across the world are dealing with the harsh reality of online learning. Virtual learning has presented challenges for many students who are anxious to get back on campus and continue face-to-face instruction. When taking these classes, know that you are not alone and that you have professors, advisors and faculty members from West Chester University who are willing to help and make your virtual experience as easy as possible. Take advantage of faculty’s office hours and email them whenever you are having trouble, and they will do the best they can to assist you in all your needs.
2. Take advantage of lenient grading.
West Chester University is offering a COVID-19 grading policy in which you can decide whether you want your classes to affect your GPA. The administration realizes that virtual learning causes many problems for students who prefer face-to-face interaction, and as a result of this, they are allowing you to be flexible in what goes on your student record. This is beneficial to students as they have more control over what employers can see on their record, and their grades should benefit as a result of this.
3. Stay positive.
It is important to stay positive and trust that things will get better. Students should remain confident that we will get back on campus in the fall as this a strong possibility due to a decline in COVID-19 cases and the rollout of new vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Virtual learning is not ideal for anyone — students and faculty alike — but we will get through this, and soon enough things will be back to normal. If you are struggling to stay positive, it is helpful to know that West Chester University has counseling services available through the school. Your advisor and school faculty are available to help you whenever you need them.
4. Create a schedule.
Many professors offer flexibility in terms of deadlines, and this is a great thing for students. In order to stay motivated and on track with your work, students should make a schedule and stick to it. Online classes allow you to make your own schedule, as many classes have asynchronous work sessions built into them, and this is a great way for students to remain on track and get their work done at their own pace.
5. Reward yourself.
You should reward yourself for all the hard work you have completed during this difficult learning period. Go out and treat yourself to ice cream, take study breaks to watch Netflix, go out with friends and shop for yourself. These are just some of the ways you can pat yourself on the back for your hard work. Many students have taken gap years and have dropped out as a result of virtual learning, and if you are still going strong, you should be very proud of yourself. Remote learning is not for everyone, and it is certainly not what we signed up for when we enrolled at West Chester University. You should acknowledge the work you have completed and be proud of what you have been able to overcome.
Erick Klambara is a second-year student majoring in media and culture and minoring in journalism. EK924666@wcupa.edu