Art by Shai Libunao

As a new school year opens, students all over the country are getting ready to face another year of online learning. Despite the struggles of the virtual classroom, we've found our own little ways of coping and adapting to the new environment. 

Here are some unexpected(-ly helpful) skills we've picked up after a year online. 

Time Management is 🔑

Since most online classes are split into synchronous and asynchronous learning, students are encouraged to study at their own pace. Avoiding procrastination may get difficult when you have all the time in the world to scroll onto the next Tiktok on your for you page. When faced with all the distractions the internet has to offer, finding a time management method, whether it be pomodoro, calendar blocking, or using a bullet journal, that works for you is the first step towards improving productivity. Additionally, pacing yourself well and establishing good work-life balance is 🔑 to submitting that assignment due at 11:59PM. 
If you're still struggling to finish all those modules on time, why not explore microlearning as a new study habit to help you efficiently learn and stay motivated while doing so! 

Multitasking from chores to Zoom 

If your mom asks you to wash the dishes in the middle of a Zoom meeting, how can you say no? Dirty dishes aside, online learning has certainly made us test our own multitasking capabilities. Whether you're cooking lunch during a meeting or answering two discussion boards at once, multitasking might make you feel good for ticking off a few of your simple to-dos all at once. (Although, we still recommend you focus on one task at a time when doing those heavy projects and quizzes!) 

Sounding nice on text 🙂

Do you always end your text messages with a "hehe"? Or have you felt at ease with a professor who uses emojis in their email announcements? With most communication done through text, one skill we picked up on is on how to sound nice on text messages 🙂 

On another note, misunderstandings due to poor communication from problems like typos to poorly written messages frequently happen online. Worst case scenario, it feels like you've been challenged to interpret text messages as if they were some alien language. But have no fear! If ever you encounter this issue, just kindly ask the person to clarify what was said. And don't feel bad about adding that 🙂 at the end of your message!

The Power of Control+F

As you grow accustomed to learning via a device, there's probably a new trick or two you've discovered about using the various keyboard functions. When finishing up a creative output, you can quickly undo any mistake on your design by pressing control+Z. 

But as a student, the most powerful keyboard function has to be control+F. Constantly reading from a screen for hours on end will lead to eye strain in the long run. Choosing to use control+F to find the right key word might be more efficient than reading through article after article for your research. As they say, work smarter, not harder 💪

Channeling Your Inner BS-Information Technology

One of the biggest adjustments to the virtual classroom is having to deal with confusing online learning platforms. With so ma ny buttons, tabs, and menus at your disposal, the platform may seem like a maze at first glance. A simple Google search might help you navigate the interface easily or why not even call up a friend to help you figure it out? Give yourself a pat on the back for finally figuring out how to access that new module! 

As everyone's adjusting to the online set-up, even your professors are probably having a hard time navigating these platforms, so be patient with them! 

Have you learned any weird skills over the past year? With the next year or so confirmed to be held primarily online, learn about how to create new habits to improve your online learning experience here!