COVID-19 has brought many challenges to us here at Flinders University. Our lab has been mindful of the significant challenges facing undergraduate students at this time. Many students are grappling with isolation from families and friends; missing physical, financial and emotional support; and the logistical challenges of transitioning to online study.
This transition to online study has been swift, and has highlighted many challenges students are now facing. Below, our lab’s undergraduate volunteers talk about things that have helped them transition to online study, and volunteering in our lab from home.
Check in on your friends – some of them might be struggling more than others
Jordan Hefferan
How has the change to online learning affected you?
I feel like it’s really forced me to think for myself a bit more since my contact with other students and tutors has reduced. I think it’s going to benefit me in the long run though!
What has been the most difficult adjustment for you?
Trying to keep my motivation and organize myself! Without the routine of studying on campus, I feel lost!
What is one thing that has helped your transition to online learning?
I realized I needed to set up a schedule for myself. Also setting up a ‘workspace’ in my house has really helped too. I’ve always had a desk in my room, but decluttering it and making it a distraction-free zone has helped me to stay focused!
What do you recommend for students in the same position as you?
Make a space that’s comfortable enough that you can study for a decent amount of time, and plan your day! It doesn’t matter if you only get a little bit of work done that day – if you did what you planned to do, it’s a success! Make sure to really get the most out of your free time too – phone a friend, read a book, play a game, whatever – to reduce any stress and keep up your morale.
Any words of wisdom?
Don’t panic! And check in on your friends – some of them might be struggling more than others.
Stay connected to people. A Zoom coffee catch up or online board game may feel weird at first, but you will always feel better
Matthew Thompson
How has the change to online learning affected you?
Not having the chance to interact with teachers at tutorials and chat to students around campus has definitely been a challenge.
What has been the most difficult adjustment for you?
Being constantly tempted by the luxuries of my house. I’ve definitely succumbed to Netflix on a few occasions and often a fifteen-minute break will turn into an hour because I’ve found someone to talk to or something to distract myself with.
What is one thing that has helped your transition to online learning?Setting out a work schedule for each day, but also scheduling leisure time. It is a lot easier to get started on work when I know I will be able to have a break in an hour, or if I know I have a Zoom call with a friend scheduled in later in the day.
What do you recommend for students in the same position as you?
The most important thing is to look after yourself. Some days are more difficult than others and if you’re struggling to get things done, take a break, be kind to yourself and do something you really enjoy – you’ll be more productive afterwards.
Any words of wisdom?
Make any excuse to stay connected to people. A Zoom coffee catch up or online board game may feel weird at first, but you will always feel better for having had that opportunity to speak with a friend or family member and it will give you something to look forward to.
Set goals, find a routine, and take it easy!
Charles Goya
How has the change to online learning affected you?
It has given me more freedom in when I choose to study. This has allowed me to engage in other things at home such as exercise, playing my guitar, Pokemon GO and watching Star Wars. However, this freedom has me questioning whether I am devoting enough time to study, and I get pretty anxious that I am not studying enough.
What has been the most difficult adjustment for you?
In one of my topics, we were going to write a laboratory report with the guidance of a couple tutorials. However with the shift to online, this assessment has now been changed to an essay, and the essay topic has proven pretty difficult.
What is one thing that has helped your transition to online learning?
Setting daily goals. For instance, today I have planned to write one paragraph in my essay. This way, I can make sure I will have the essay complete at a reasonable date (provided I complete my daily goals). I also feel less anxious when I give myself these goals.
What do you recommend for students in the same position as you?
Experiment with strategies that can keep you up to date with your learning. Experiment what can work in a routine and stick to it. Also, try not to feel guilty that you might be spending a lot of time off of study, but don’t get too complacent – keep a balance!
Any words of wisdom?
Set goals (write them down somewhere), find a routine, and take it easy!
This time is a learning curve for us all, it’s okay to struggle
Isabelle Slattery
How has the change to online learning affected you?
I’ve found it quite difficult to adapt to online learning and studying from home.
What has been the most difficult adjustment for you?
Constantly being surrounded by distractions and trying to study in my bedroom hasn’t been the most conducive to productivity.
What is one thing that has helped your transition to online learning?
Calling my family back home has been really helpful. It’s nice to see friendly faces and feel more connected, which is also why I enjoy our Lab meetings so much.
What do you recommend for students in the same position as you?
To my fellow students, please know that it is okay to feel upset and underproductive, you’re not alone. This time is a learning curve for us all, it’s okay to struggle. Writing to-do lists has helped to keep me on track with my studies, and it feels good to tick something off your list.
Any words of wisdom?
I’ve found having a hot choccy and getting into comfy clothes has helped make me feel a little better when I’m overwhelmed and upset. It’s not the most adaptive coping style, but it soothes the soul.
Pick something and get better at it every-day, this time might have a silver lining
Lewis Cockram
How has the change to online learning affected you?
As is the case for everyone, it’s meant me getting very well acquainted with my desk. My situation is ideal for this kind of situation, but productivity is definitely down compared to having face to face classes.
What has been the most difficult adjustment for you?
I usually do most of my study outside of home whether it be at campus or at a public library. Being able to switch out of work mode is something I struggled with at first.
What is one thing that has helped your transition to online learning?Trying to create a clear division between study time and relaxation time seems to be the key. Making a daily to do list and resisting the temptation to try to get everything done at once has been really helpful.
What do you recommend for students in the same position as you?Remind yourself you aren’t just working from home; you’re also dealing with a very unique situation. There is no way you’ll produce the same quality or amount of work, there is a lot going on in the background.
Any words of wisdom?
Pick something and get better at it every-day, this time might have a silver lining. If I learnt how to make my first omelette, I’m pretty confident anyone can.