By Thao Hoai Phuong Do

We know that this time is really tough for all of us, but we can, and we will get through it together. So, keep it up and focus on our primary goal, which is education!

At Lane Community College, all classes are switched to online courses for the spring term. Remote learning and online classes have some real differences from face-to-face courses. It must be new for some people, or at least would make some changes in our daily life habits. During this period of time, we all need to get more skills for remote learning methods.

Tips for forming a new study habit

The new method of lecturing requires the new method of learning! Now, we cannot rely on the in-person class to build our study habits. But we have to decide for ourselves what will work the best for us.

• Review the course carefully and syllabus, especially the class schedule. Make sure to know all the deadlines.
• Plan to dedicate enough time for all of the classes. For a three-credit class meeting three times a week, the minimum at home time would be three hours, but six may be more likely (three hours of class + three completing homework).
• Plot out blocks of time during the week when you can attend to classwork.
• For homework and self-studying, pick a time of day when you usually feel most productive.
• Don't cram all study time into one day (or into long last-minute blocks). While this is sometimes necessary, it's not productive: You'll remember less and be more inclined to be frustrated by complex homework.

Once you know the how, focus on when.

• Make sure to be aware of all the due dates and deadlines.
• If possible, set up a schedule for all of the work that needs to be done and make sure to spend enough time for all of it. Because we cannot rely on those in-person classes, we have to create our own reminders.
• Also, are you still able to spend the scheduled time "in class"? If not, let your instructors know as soon as possible, and work on a plan to make sure you're counted as "present" for any class activities.

Stay on top of work.

• It's easy to let deadlines slip past when there's no face-to-face space to turn things in.
• You have to be prepared for technical problems, internet problems, and many other problems that might come up; therefore, don’t wait until the due date!
• If you're falling behind, communicate early and often with your instructors.
• Look for a clear communication way with your instructor.
• Many courses will move to Moodle (the site where Lane's remote/ online courses live) during the remote period, but some may continue through email or other means. Make sure to know which class is using which way!
• Lots of instructors are preferred to communicate via online course message tools such as Moodle messages, so make sure to check with them and choose the fastest way to do so.
• Remember to use your school email if contacting your instructor. It will be more noticeable than your personal email.

It doesn’t sound that hard, does it? I can do it, so you all can do it, and we will do this together. Let’s keep it up for the next few weeks, and never stop studying hard!

Thao Hoai Phuong Do from Bien Hoa City, Vietnam, is studying business at Lane Community College. Her favorite course has been Applied Economics. She loves all kinds of music, chatting with friends, binge watching TV shows and eating! She is also passionate about art and fashion. Thao especially loves Lane International Programs because of their caring and always welcoming atmosphere for all international students. She also loves the peaceful environment in Eugene and the beautiful nature of Oregon.