Participating in Remote Learning
Going to Class on Zoom
Use the Zoom Prep Checklist.
- Use the Zoom Prep Checklist to make sure you are ready to go.
Minimize interruptions.
- Make sure that anyone who shares your space knows when you will be in class. Request that you aren't interrupted during those times, if possible.
Pay attention to your time zone.
- Pay attention to what time zone you are in and what time your class is taking place (most likely Eastern Time). If you live in a time zone that makes it very challenging to attend class during its scheduled time, contact your professor or TF.
Close all additional programs.
- Close all additional programs running on your computer to increase bandwidth to help Zoom function in the most optimal way.
Put your phone away.
- Unless you are using your phone to Zoom into class, put your phone away and block notifications, so it does not make noise or distract you during class.
Double check your readiness.
- Double-check your readiness by reading the flyer on Learning Online Using Zoom.
Practicing Good Etiquette in the Zoom Classroom
Remember that your instructors can see you.
- Be conscious of the image you are projecting and whatever is going on behind you.
Act as if you're in a classroom.
- Don't walk around or leave the room unless your instructor has said that is OK.
Follow the instructor's ground rules.
- Has your instructor set any ground rules for their Zoom classroom? If so, be sure to read them. If not, it is OK to ask for some ground rules. (Be sure to check the syllabus; the ground rules might be spelled out there.)
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Some questions to ask:
- What are your expectations for class participation?
- Should I raise my hand digitally?
- Do you want us to use the chat function?
- Don’t assume you know the ground rules unless your professor has explicitly stated them.
Communicate with your instructors.
- If you know your environment may include unavoidable distractions (e.g., people walking around, children, noise), consider letting your instructor know ahead of time. At minimum, stay muted whenever you are not talking. You might also ask if it would be helpful to have your camera turned off.
Managing Your Time While Learning Remotely
Create a daily schedule.
- Create a daily schedule with consistent wake-up and sleep times.
- For simplicity, consider using this blank weekly schedule.
- There are also many scheduling and calendar apps available.
Set goals for each week.
- What specific things do you want to achieve?
- How will you break your work down into smaller, manageable pieces?
- Here is an example weekly goals plan.
Break your day into 30-minute or 1-hour increments.
- Break your day into 30-minute or 1-hour increments, with a specific activity devoted to each one. We often think that we'll be more productive working in big chunks of time, but research shows the opposite is true. We tend to get more work done if we work in small bursts.
Act like you're going to class.
- Shower, get dressed, eat, and use the time you'd spend walking to class to prepare mentally for lecture.
Schedule intentional breaks.
Don’t forget to schedule intentional breaks for eating, exercise, and socializing. Do try to schedule these during low-energy times of the day. Research shows that sleep and exercise actually help you learn. Make time for them!
If you are having trouble creating a schedule, setting goals for yourself, or breaking down your work into manageable chunks, consider booking an appointment with an Academic Coach at the Academic Resource Center or attending one of the ARC’s upcoming scheduling workshops. The Academic Coaches are available via Zoom for one-on-one appointments that can be booked on the ARC website.