Remote Learning Tips from the WLC
“Use Active Speaker View rather than Gallery View in Zoom to limit distractions during class.”
- Kristen, Community Development
“Don’t be afraid to use the private chat function with other students. It’s a good way to ask questions, express agreement, solidify your own learning, and meet new people. Just make sure you use it in a way that won’t distract you or others during the discussion. And hide self-view!”
- Monica, Treasurer
“Try to take some time away from screens throughout the day. Go for a walk (while the weather is still nice!), listen to a podcast or audio book - anything that isn’t staring at another screen! Allow yourself to take breaks and prevent screen fatigue.”
- Marissa, Mentorship
“Remote learning is hard! A couple of things have helped me. 1) Tech: getting a monitor was a game changer to have my notes and Zoom up on separate screens; I got a keyboard that matches my laptop keyboard so it’s easier to switch back and forth; Zoom has an HD function which is a wider lens than the regular setting and makes my own face less distracting during class. 2) Home: can’t have too many plants; read with a book holder to prevent neck stiffness; drink water throughout the day (a water bottle with a straw helps). 3) Organization: scheduling my lunch and breaks helps me remember to move; I LOVE the Microsoft To Do app which allows me to set reminders to self without having it clutter up my calendar or inbox. Last misc piece of advice: get your eyes checked! I didn’t realize I was getting headaches from my screen because my prescription was off.”
- Anouk, Communications
“If you can, try to re-organize your study area. I recently moved all my furniture around to create distinct spaces in my living room. It might not make the most sense but I now have my couch in the middle of the living room to work as a room divider and provide for separate study and relax areas. It is a small change but having distinct study and relaxation zones in your apartment can help maintain focus as you create a physical & mental barrier between work time and decompressing time, something that is hard to accomplish when we live/study/relax/work out/attend class in the same space.”
- Aida, Alumnae Relations
“I have a sticky note on the desktop of my laptop with all the zoom urls for my lectures for easy access, which is particularly useful for morning classes, so I don't have to scramble on Canvas to find the link! Also, this might seem small, but sitting in the same position for long hours can take a toll on your body. I set a reminder on my phone every hour so that I remember to just stand up and walk around. I also think it's nice to have a nightly stretching routine (even for just a couple of minutes), which can help clear your mind and ground yourself after a long day.”
- Karen, Mentorship
“Try to limit any distractions while in class or studying. You can mute the sounds from your email applications, put your phone on silent and out of reach, and study in a quiet space. During class, I make the Zoom video full screen so I cannot see the computer applications at the bottom of my Macbook (if I can’t see the iMessages button, I’m less likely to click it!). Limiting these distractions will allow you to stay focused for the periods of time you are in class and studying, so that you can earn those breaks! Also – I highly recommend getting blue light glasses to save your vision!”
- Lisa, Professional Development
“Schedule some non-school time for yourself during the day! It can be easy to lose the line between school and home life when you do it all from the same place. Commit to giving yourself some time off to make sure that you take it - whether that’s for a walk outside, a home workout, reading something non-law school related, or calling a friend or family member that you know cheers you up! Taking the time away can give you something to look forward to while you study, or help you to refocus and work more efficiently when you get back to your school work afterwards.”
- Sam, Professional Development
“If we were having classes in person, there would be plenty of time spent talking to people in the hallways and transitioning between classes. It is ok to reclaim that time by taking breaks at home! Remote learning was hardest for me at first because I felt like I needed to be working all the time since my desk was so accessible. I also think it is important now, more than ever, to have things to look forward to. My roommate and I go to our favorite coffee shop every other week for a treat, and typically explore a new restaurant (to-go) or outdoor activity on the weeks in between. Don’t take these little things for granted!”
- Elisabeth, President