Zoom Tips and Tricks

With the world shutting down in March due to the ongoing pandemic, schools across the world faced many challenges with reintroducing academic learning in a time where students were unable to come to school. As a result, an application for conference calls known as “Zoom” has become our generation’s school. However, due to everything switching to virtual means, many students have struggled to adjust.

Here are 7 tips and tricks for succeeding with online school:

1. Create a workplace free of distractions: When you are attending school virtually, it can be very difficult to constantly keep your focus on what the teacher is saying due to the countless distractions you may have, like your phone, a gaming device or even something as simple as a little toy. Since it’s so easy to get distracted, you should create a school-friendly workspace by implementing little changes like actually sitting on a chair at a desk or turning your phone off during class so that you can make the most of class time.

2. Establish a routine: Because of the pandemic, your everyday schedule has changed quite a bit. Developing a routine with time slots solely for studying and others just for entertainment can help simplify and normalize this crazy time.

3. Set Goals: Attending school virtually can seem incredibly unstructured at times. This means that unlike actual school, there isn’t that underlying pressure to constantly have to study due to devious methods (I’m more than sure we’ve all committed this sin at a certain point during online classes). As a result, it is important to set realistic goals, so that you can assure you’re on the right track and are doing the best you can for yourself. (Remember to set goals for physical and mental health too! They are just as important.)

4. It is okay to take a break : School alone can feel very overwhelming at times. When schools were still open, there wasn’t really a way to escape the stress and pressure that came with school. Luckily, while learning virtually, it is much easier to find the time to take breaks when you feel overwhelmed. Sometimes you may not feel like attending a class, and that is completely fine. Oftentimes, you can take a short break to allow the mental tension to ease away. It is extremely important to look after yourself in all situations!

5. Study with friends: As the concept of socialising has become almost completely virtual now, it is difficult to have study groups and share notes. However, thanks to social media apps like Messenger and Instagram, study groups can still exist! This can be a fun way to catch up on notes you may have missed and may even help you concentrate on studying more thanks to motivation from friends.

6. Treat online classes as the same as in person classes: Always keeping your video on during class can seem annoying, but it can be really helpful. When all the students and teachers have their videos on, Zoom class really starts to feel like actual class, as you can see the faces of your peers or friends which fosters a sense of community just like at physical school.

7. Ask questions during class: Even though the whole landscape of learning may have dramatically shifted, many elements remain the same. If you ever feel confused or have any questions, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask the teacher. That’s what they’re paid to do: to teach you! After all, the Zoom call is a classroom environment and asking questions is often encouraged during a normal class environment.

By following these tips and tricks, being involved in and succeeding during online school should feel much easier. Virtual learning may be difficult to get used to, but right now we have no choice but to adapt. With that in mind, I hope my tips and tricks can enhance your virtual learning experience!

Name: Ayman Raakin

Editor: Claire Ottenstein