“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” - Arthur C. Clarke
Technology has revolutionised the world and changed the face of education. These days we can learn almost anything online, and answers to questions are usually only a few clicks away.
Taking an interactive class and using video conferencing tools have grown in popularity since the start of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, but how do virtual lessons really work and how do you prepare for online classes?
For answers to these questions, keep reading for advice on how to prepare for online class and change the way you look at your education. There are excellent ways to learn remotely if you have the right attitude and a few tips to get you started.
Here’s our advice.
Choose the Right Tutor for Your Virtual Lessons
Your first step to any attempt to prepare for online classes is to make sure that you choose the right tutor.
Making sure that your interactive online class is effective means having a qualified and experienced tutor who is a good personality fit for you too.
Without this in place, you run the danger of falling asleep on your keyboard.
Some academic support organisations will choose your tutor for you, but on many tutoring websites you get to choose your own tutor and this can sometimes be the key to unlocking the success of your virtual lessons.
Using online tutors like those on Superprof is easy. Not only do the tutor profiles provide a good idea of their experience and skills, but you can also read what other students have to say about them in their reviews section. Also, most Superprof tutors offer their introductory lessons for free which means you can ask further questions and clearly communicate why you need private virtual lessons.
How to Organise an Interactive Online Class
Being organised and knowing how to prepare for online classes is key to your success. It may seem obvious, but making sure that you have everything from the best video conferencing tools to uninterrupted quiet space will ensure your future success.
Even though virtual lessons come with a lot of flexibility, good advice is to try and schedule them at regular times of the day. In considering how to prepare for online class, setting up a routine is an excellent starting point. Also, ensure that you allocate enough time in between your lessons to be able to review or absorb everything you have learnt.
So to prepare for a successful online education it's simple: fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
Video Conferencing Tools and Other Equipment
Unfortunately, without access to a robust internet connection and even a webcam on your computer, you will struggle to get the most out of your virtual lessons.
Technology and the mishaps that can go with it is another reason why you should always prepare for online classes. Before beginning an interactive online class always take some preparation time to make sure that your chosen video conferencing tools are working and that everything is connected. Without this step, your virtual lessons can turn into an annoying and frustrating time for both you and your tutor.
Make sure that your computer can support your video conferencing tools and if necessary clean up your hard drive to make room for it to run optimally.
Take Notes During an Interactive Online Class
Without the buzz of a real-life classroom, many students worry about falling asleep in their virtual lessons, which is why an interactive online class can help.
One way to stay alert is to take notes. Even though it may seem silly, taking notes will help you pay attention and focus because you will have to listen. Forcing yourself to take notes will help your brain to focus on what you are hearing and writing.
Taking notes does not mean trying to write down every word the tutor says!
How about sketchnoting or mind mapping?
Sketchnoting is a visual approach to notetaking. You can draw and use icons to link concepts and ideas.
Sketchnoting or mind mapping is very effective, especially if you are more of a visual learner. Not only will it keep you focused, but it is also fun.
Furthermore, you certainly don’t need to be an artist to make mindmaps or take sketchnotes.
Go on then, give it a try!
Choose an Appropriate Location for Your Lessons
If you are searching how to prepare for online class one of the most important things you will find out is that choosing an appropriate location is key.
Your work environment will be critical to the success of your online lessons, so make sure that you have a comfortable and quiet place that is regularly available to you.
Don’t make the mistake of trying to have a private lesson in a room filled with people. Try to be alone if you can where you will also be free of distractions.
Make sure that your workspace is clutter-free as that will also help you to focus.
Ask Your Tutor Questions
Being curious is an excellent life skill.
Don’t be afraid of asking questions they are foundational to learning and will be key to your success.
Asking questions doesn’t mean interrupting your tutor every time they try to state a new fact. Often, if you keep quiet for a few minutes longer, the point will be made clear to you. Make a note of your question and wait for a natural break in the dialogue to ask it.
Do make sure you are clear on the concept you are discussing before the tutor moves on to a new topic.
Close Unnecessary Windows
Making sure that you stay focused on your lesson can mean closing unnecessary windows and by this, we don’t mean the windows in your living room! Make sure that your video conferencing software is the only open window on your computer because it can be very tempting to do several things at once on your computer while taking virtual lessons.
Be careful not to be distracted by the news, Facebook or other instant messaging chats all of which can make your lesson less effective.
So much like your real-life space, de-clutter your virtual workspace before starting your lesson.
If you find that other sites are still a distraction, there are tools to block them.
Keep Your Camera On
A great tip for making sure that you stay focused is to keep your camera on when taking your lesson as this will definitely ensure that you are less easily distracted.
When your camera is off you may be tempted to do something that is completely unrelated to your lesson. If you know your tutor has eyes on you, it will be easier to concentrate and stay focused.
Study Between Each Session
Regardless of whether you’re taking online or face-to-face lessons, making sure that you are committed to studying in between is very important. This will make sure that you not only internalise what you have learnt but also make sure that you have either understood it or not. If not, you can ask questions of your tutor.
These reasons, as well as the fact that your brain needs to assimilate to new concepts, is why spreading out your sessions is so beneficial.
Did you know that regular studying for about 10 or 20 minutes can often be enough? Of course, if you need more time to study – take it!
Take Breaks
Taking breaks is essential because your brain cannot focus for hours on end, particularly in front of a computer. If you’ve planned quite a lot of lessons one after the other, aim to get up in between them and move around. Even if only for a minute.
Taking breaks will give your brain a breather and help you to stay focused.
On a break, stretch your legs and get the blood flowing because sitting in a chair for hours is not good for anyone. Simply walking around your home for a minute has many benefits. Similarly, your eyes need a rest from looking at the screen. Try gazing at something about 20 metres away from you, for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes.
Learning online is rewarding for both tutors and students. For the student, it is affordable and convenient and for tutors, it is a way of scheduling more classes every week without the time and costs associated with travel to the student’s home.
Finally, with the right video conferencing tools, tutors and equipment there is no reason why your interactive online class will not be as effective as a face-to-face lesson especially when it comes to academic subjects and skills. Even sport, personal coaching and arts subjects are possible online with the right attitude and planning, why not give it a try?
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