Despite having the tools to be more connected than ever online, virtual classes can be isolating and frustrating. However, they also present opportunities for growth. 

The fall semester was like no other. For many of us, online classes were a new experience — there was a challenging learning curve for learning online. But, with one online semester now in the rearview, I think we can do better. I’d like to share five tips I will be using that can also improve your online school experience. 

Throughout the digital semester, I struggled to reach out and make connections with my classmates and professors. It was far easier to leave my mic and camera off during class.

Deadlines also seemed to sneak up faster than normal. I found myself working later into the night far more often than in the past.

These challenges are more common than we think. A recent government of Canada study found that among post-secondary students who had all their courses moved online, almost one in ten reported they were unable to complete some or all of their courses.    

To have a better semester, my first tip is to communicate with professors and classmates. Building these relationships can make a significant difference in how your semester turns out by creating meaningful connections and support systems. Students are not the only people struggling with online classes and your professors will be glad to hear from you.

It’s daunting to scroll through a class list and not recognize any of the names. However, your classmates don’t have to stay strangers. Send out a mass email to everyone in the class about creating a group chat for the class. This is a great way to compare notes and make friends within your classes. 

The second tip is to be consistent. As Woody Allen says, “80 per cent of success is showing up.” Lectures may feel more difficult to get through when you are not attending them in person, but they are just as important. Set aside a predetermined amount of time each day for your lectures and watch them even if you feel unmotivated. The same goes for your readings. By making a small amount of progress every day you are more likely to succeed.

The third tip is to write down your assignment deadlines and stick to them. An easy way to stay organized is with a colour-coded deadline schedule that combines all of your assignments’ due dates. While a schedule is helpful, you also have to stick to it. It helps to set aside extra time the week prior to a large assignment’s due date so you can polish it up nicely before submitting it.  

Another tip is to take advantage of the variety of resources available to you through the University of Saskatchewan. Each college has a list of specific resources that are at your fingertips on the U of S website. 

Familiarize yourself with the university library website, which will be extremely helpful for your future research projects. The library also has the Student Learning Services section which can provide support for writing, math, stats, study skills, and more. The Student Wellness Centre provides mental health support that can be accessed through phone or email.

Lastly, remember to prioritize your mental health because it is more important than your marks. Take time for yourself and do something you enjoy every day. We are living in extremely stressful and uncertain times so it is normal to feel more stress than you normally would. 

Forgive yourself for a low mark and remember that it isn’t the end of the world. Take advantage of the Student Wellness Centre and the resources they provide. Listen to your body and take a mental health day every once in a while. Lastly, you should also check in with your friends and family to let them know you are thinking of them.

The academic year of 2020-21 may have gotten off to a rocky start for some, including myself. However, that gives us the opportunity to learn from our mistakes and start fresh in 2021. 

Although online, this semester is still full of opportunities that are only a click away.

This article was written by a University of Saskatchewan undergraduate student and reflects the views and opinions of the writer. If you would like to write a rebuttal, please email opinions@thesheaf.com. Amanda Tischler is a second-year undergraduate student studying Secondary Education.

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Amanda Tischler

Graphic: Akshara Dash