With gloomy eyes and the sleepy atmosphere, you bet I find it tough to pay attention. Another issue is that I don't eat until the break in between.
Online classes have started for those students who have the privilege of an internet connection during these tough times. We're all cozy and safe in our homes from the dangers of a minuscule yet deadly virus. We are perhaps too cozy, in my case, to focus on what is being taught.
Initially I was super excited for this academic year, with only economics to focus on, I thought it would be a garden of roses without thorns. I was also excited about the experience of online classes, for years I'd complain whenever I travelled all the way to college, only for the lecture I was rushing for, to get cancelled at last minute.
Within a few weeks of online classes, I got over the excitement. It was tougher than I first imagined, because for the first time, I had trouble focusing in class.
Blame it on the lack of exercise first thing in the morning, running around the place to reach the finish line on time. Or blame it on not being able to see my professors face while they teach. Maybe the issue is in the lack of non-verbal interaction between student and teacher which doesn't take place when the video is off and the teacher goes on explaining. Maybe it's my habit of using my phone/computer for recreational needs and not education (though I'd sometimes watch educational videos as well).
We all know that every real world problem is a multi-factorial issue, and this certainly is.
But if I could blame a single major cause of my impaired focus, I'd blame it on how lazy my brain has become due to quarantine.
Online classes are great, but the structure that gets students into the study mode isn't really there.
So how do I get my focus back? I found some helpful tricks.
The truth is, online classes need to be more interactive. And this interaction need not be the traditional way of reading student's facial expressions.
Teachers can make online classes better/more interactive by:
1. Asking easy and relevant questions in between lectures, not just the beginning and end. For example, if the lecture is about Game Theory, a simple and relevant question to ask would be, "Does anyone like to play Chess? Or Clash of Clans? Or Call of duty?" Most games that are popular today have some aspect of strategy.
2. Having a short (no marks allotted) verbal/written quiz at the end of every lecture to see if everyone has understood. Ask random students, but make sure to distribute rewards to person who gets the answer right. (Rewards like, compliments and praise....or if you're rich then courier a gift box :P)
Another tip for teachers is:
3. Having Power Points full of colour and pictures. (Yes, my attention span is that of a Kinder Garden student)
Ways for students to improve their attention during online classes:
1. Asking lots of questions. (I use this, unfortunately too often sometimes because my attention randomly diverts....I'm so sorry, Professors)
2. Stop surfing the net during lectures, Pearl(/other unfocused students)!! Oh my gosh, gotta get this girl a fidget spinner or something.
3. Don't watch your lectures in bed. I tried this once and I kept dozing off for that one lecture.
4. Exercise a little before lectures start. It wakes us up.
5. Eating a good breakfast.
6. Getting someone to supervise you sometimes, like your mom or dad or sibling.
It is really difficult for many teachers and professors to suddenly adapt to such high level technology. Even I had to learn, because I had never been in a Zoom meeting before my lectures began. But since I'm a Generation Z kid, I learnt it relatively easily. I am really grateful for all my teachers who worked so hard to learn so much in so little time to continue earning from their jobs.
These are tough times but to still have a job, or to still be studying is really a blessing.
Please note : Students and Teachers who suddenly start screaming/speaking loudly...please have mercy on my ear-drums, I use headphones.
