"Make a study schedule! And make a study area in your home that is just for working. Studying in bed will lead to naps." --Kailee, Microbiology & Cell Science
"Limit online distractions (such as Internet windows, computer notifications) and physical distractions (such as pets or roommates). Using headphones or earbuds can also help eliminate background noise. I try to attend Zoom classes like I would attend class in-person, even if it is as simple as working at a table and chair instead of from the couch." --Ashley, Agricultural Education & Communication
"Plan out your days. Make a separate workspace. If you don't feel motivated, get dressed and ready as you normally would for class. You can do it!" --Heather, Environmental Management in Agriculture & Natural Resources
"1) Have a massive to do list for assignments - put ideal due dates, in order. 2) Utilize the dashboard calendar of Canvas to quickly see what is coming up. 3) Complete assignments in bulk. 4) Remember to study just as much as you would for an in-person class. 5) Take as many weekends as you can. Doing so will help you come back stronger and also make school not seem as endless." --Gabriella, Microbiology & Cell Science
"The main thing I do is post my class schedule on my corkboard and label which class is what. I highlight important dates and also put due dates on my calendar that can be a dry erase one or a paper one. This helps me keep track of what I need to be doing on a daily, weekly, monthly basis. I also check off what is completed to show my progress." --T'Keyah, Microbiology & Cell Science
"Do not treat this as a vacation. Even though your physical location of learning has changed you still need to have hours dedicated to your school work. Set up a quiet place without distractions where you are able to dedicate hours to learning." --Adriana, Microbiology & Cell Science
"Self-discipline. Write out a several week schedule of when all assignments are due. Then figure out what you need to accomplish each day in order to complete assignments on time. USE YOUR DISCUSSION BOARD POSTS-classmates either have same questions or can provide helpful answers. Take really detailed notes (I type mine up in Word on one computer while listening to lectures on the other) of lectures. This is the biggest different you have with online-you cannot interact with the professors and the learning doesn't seem to solidify was well with in-person lectures. Be patient, sometimes all doesn't go smoothly, but you are not alone. Ask for help." --Jessica, Microbiology & Cell Science
"Don't stress. Online learning is the future, and you are every bit as much a Gator and connected to your Gator family as you were on Campus. COVID-19 doesn't stand a chance against Gators!" --Dariel, Microbiology & Cell Science
"Definitely keep an eye on the dashboard as it shows you what’s due each day. Take it one day at a time." --Batoul, Microbiology & Cell Science
"Always schedule your online work accordingly so that you have balanced days to work, get homework done, and still have time for yourself." --Christi, Microbiology & Cell Science
"1) Recorded lectures can be paused to take more thorough notes (use close-captioning when available... it is great!) Also, always print the lecture pdf prior to lecture. 2) Don't wait until last minute for submitting/completing assignments/quizzes (accounting for technical issues, longer time to complete work than originally expected, etc.). 3) If you have questions ask your professor via email (refer to syllabus for preferred method of communication)... professors are really great at responding quickly. Also, course discussion boards are great resources to ask peers, etc. 4) Get acquainted with ProctorU as soon as possible for proctored exams (make account, test equipment, schedule exams, etc. 5) Type discussion post in Microsoft Word prior to posting final post into discussion board assignment. 6) Organize your weekly schedule to stay on track and not fall behind. A lot of times, assignments are due at the same time each week which helps develop a weekly rhythm to managing your course work without falling behind. 7) Stay informed on class announcements which have important information/updates from the instructor." --Brooke, Microbiology & Cell Science
"Engage in discussions with your own contextualized view. Write down questions that you have during your readings/activities so that in the chat or other engagement times - you are able to remember and ask them. Don't work too far ahead, but also don't get too crammed that you don't give yourself time to accomplish the set objectives per module." --Stacy, Agronomy
"If you've never taken exams with the online proctoring software, make sure to test everything out AT LEAST a day before the exam. If using ProctorU, DON'T schedule your exam too close to the submission time. You don't want to have 1 hour before the exam is due and find that your computer suddenly won't connect to ProctorU. Give yourself plenty of time to accommodate for technical issues." --Kate, Microbiology & Cell Science
"Stay on top of your coursework. It's easy to get distracted by other things and then cram all of the videos in on the weekend, but this isn't a good idea. Treat the lectures and assignments as you would an in-person class. See if you can have a GroupMe set up for your classes for students to communicate with each other outside of Canvas. Stay on top of the work! I'd also recommend blocking all social media and keeping your phone in another room when you go online for class. It's so easy to get distracted, but after a week or so of not having your phone around, you'll find it so much easier to concentrate." --Katharine, Microbiology & Cell Science
"Do not neglect self-care. Yes, there are deadlines, but don't push yourself to the point of exhaustion. If you're too distracted to get anything done, or your mind keeps wandering, take a break or call it a night. The work will still be there tomorrow." --Nicole, Microbiology & Cell Science
"Plan out all the assignments and lectures for the week that need to be accomplished with estimated amounts of time to complete each. It is easy to forget or lose track of the days but if you allocate time in the morning (or whatever time of the day you're most productive) then you'll be able to knock out what needs to be done which will give you the rest of the day to whatever you want." --Nick , Food Science
