By Brooke Oberly
Let's be honest, online school has not been fun for many of us, and if we are going to all survive, we need to help each other. Whether you are a teacher, staff member, or student, everyone is having some real struggles in this virtual learning world. Don’t worry, I have got you covered. Here are seven tips on how to survive.
Avoid staring at the screen
When the teacher is taking attendance, giving general instructions, or talking about something that is not on a document, just don’t stare at the screen. Seven hours of screen time, not including after school phone time, can be exhausting on the eyes. Give those pupils a break!
2. Get Blue Light glasses
Blue light glasses are a MUST because they prevent eye strain from staring at screens all day. For the low, low price (a blue light special!) of $17.98 for TWO pairs of glasses on Amazon, you can preserve your eyesight, so you don’t go blind :)
3. Download the Teams app on your phone
Homeroom and all classes with minimal work make having teams on your phone a priority. You can stay in bed for your first few classes or walk around your house while in class without having to lug around your iPad or computer. Seriously, this tip is a game changer. 4. Set alarm between 7:35-7:39
Wake up before class starts, but only give yourself five minutes at most if you want to This will preserve your bed head. After all, the unspoken dress code is pajamas.
5. Take pictures of example problems
Use your phone to take pictures of material that was worked out in class because we all know the teacher is going too fast and you are too tired to copy it all down. This technique works perfect when you’re stuck on homework problems at 11:55 that are due at 11:59.
6. Invest in a planner
Use a planner to write down all your varying due date times. They can range from 3 p.m., 11:59 p.m., 8 a.m., and anytime is fair game apparently. You would think the due dates would always be at the start of class, but that somehow is barely ever the case (believe me, we are all confused)!
7. If you encounter a pop quiz...
Don’t panic, you got this.
Use the resources around you😉
Phone a friend for help, just kidding…
All of the above!
In all seriousness, reach out to people you trust if you are having difficulties. Reach out to your teachers if you are falling behind with assignments; most teachers will be willing to help you out. Reach out to your friends because they are going through a similar experience. Finally, remember we are all in this together and to try to find the benefits of this experience—don't focus on the negative. Good luck everyone, and remember, stay positive and test negative—well just for COVID, not on a class test!