Helping students survive online learning during the pandemic
The COVID pandemic has been challenging in unprecedented ways. Every one of us has been forced to adjust our lives, and for many, the adjustments have not been easy. One group that is particularly challenged are post-secondary students. Colleges and Universities have had to turn to online methods of learning for the 2020-21 academic year, and students are reporting a number of difficulties in coping with this reality:
- Students spend all of their learning time in front of a computer screen.
- Digital content is often without instructor supervision nor the usual gathering of students for live classes. Live synchronous classes lead by instructors are the exception rather than the norm.
- Students have the added responsibility of guiding their own learning, with minimal structured help from instructors.
- Students feel alienated from their peers and often have no support system in place to assist with learning.
- Completing assignments, tests and getting questions answered takes longer.
- Students are reporting higher levels of anxiety as they work to adjust their planning to make sure all work is completed at the right time.
- Traditional scoring rubrics without the usual instructor contact are adding uncertainty to marks and students are feeling less confident of where their grades stand.
- Students may be forced to study from ‘home,’ either with parents and family close by, or in crowded residential houses, without regular access to campus.
- Many students are forced to use internet speeds that are less than adequate for online learning.
- Making to-do lists seems to add anxiety rather than productivity.
All students are facing some or all of these challenges depending on their program, learning styles, financial position, or current state of health and wellness.
I am offering what I call “Wellness and Academic Coaching” to post-secondary students at reduced rates for the rest of this academic year. If you are looking for ways to better manage your time, overcome fatigue, connect more meaningfully with others, and become a more productive student, you may find benefit in working with a coach who understands what you are going through. Email coaching@derekoger.com to learn more.
