So... the big kickoff to online classes happened.
Was it awkward at first? Yes. But here's some of the information I gathered to take into week two.
Get a pair of headphones
Shop Staples for Altec Lansing 007 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, White (MZX007-WHT)Just because you're at home, that doesn't always mean life is going to stop around you. People are going to need to make phone calls, do chores, and cause distraction. Any type of headphone to get you through is the best option. The Altec Lansing 007 headphones (shown above) are for the budget-friendly student, but I use regular Apple AirPods to get through mine.
Space is key
Desk with books, a laptop, and pens.
Photo by Olena Sergienko on Unsplash
I have a very small desk, so making sure I have room for my laptop and iPad is critical. Also, making sure your surroundings are going to be beneficial to the environment so you don't get distracted.
Speaking of environment, make sure your space isn't going to show anything chaotic
Me in front of my tapestry of The Great Wave off Kanagawa
Behind me, there is all of my stuff from moving in, plus shelves of Precious Moments dolls my grandmothers got for me when I was younger, so I decided to hang a tapestry with command hooks and safety pins.
Keep beverages on hand
Bai Brasilia Blueberry
https://www.drinkbai.com/products/brasilia-blueberry
Any time I go to class, I make sure I have a bottle of Bai Brasilia Blueberry on hand. This is sold at most grocery outlets.
Distraction will happen, but make sure you stay focused
Photo by Thibault Penin on Unsplash
You think regular college was hard when it came to distraction? Well with online school, I had to learn how to hold myself accountable and make sure to focus. Especially considering nobody is around you.
There is an art to muting and unmuting the mic
This is key for if you have food that you know is on the louder side, or don't have/want to use a mic.
Technology isn't always the best for everyone
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Navigator on Unsplash
I had to boost my internet to the max just to get decent signal in my home. Other people may not have that ability, and bad technology is a thing. Besides that, lagging is also a classic issue.
Lighting! Lighting! LIGHTING!
heyday™ Cell Phone Selfie LightSome of us have the blessing (or lack thereof) of either having minimal lighting, or something that makes you look a totally different color. My bedroom/office is hot pink (I was 13), so my lighting makes me look more pink than I already am. A small ring light such as this one can go a long way.
Your educators are trying their best, and that's okay.
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
For some educators, the idea of running a class fully online with a platform such as Zoom may be daunting. They may still be learning the ropes of how to navigate the software. However, give them credit where credit is due, because they are trying their best.
