Expert Advice on Remote Learning from Four Recent Graduates

“Dedicate a space that is solely for work.  Having your camera on while you are in class makes you more attentive during classes.  Schedule Family Dinners with your friends. My friends and I meet at 8 pm on Sunday night; we eat together and catch up in a Zoom call.  Sometimes we have a weekly challenge to learn something new, do something different, bring a family story and are ready to share what we did that week with our friends at Family Dinner.  It’s a great way to feel connected with your friends while you are a part.  It is really easy to get distracted at home.  Make a schedule and do your best not to deviate from it.”  

Michael Barsoum, Drexel University, Class of 2020

“Take time to find a learning approach/routine that works for you.  Remote learning is different from in-person classes, so being flexible at first and reflecting on what study habits work for you in a new remote environment can help you adapt.

Schedule breaks to go outside for a walk and get some fresh air.  Moving around between in-person classes can be a nice mental break, so try to build something similar into your remote learning environment.  

Reach out to different friends on a regular basis and set up time to talk or do a video call.  Seeing friends in class and throughout the day can make academics less stressful and more social, so making the extra effort to see people virtually might make remote learning a more positive experience!”  

Tanu Balla, University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2020

“Take this opportunity to advance your learning with applied side projects.  Some of the best companies and products come out of the worst of times!”  

Jake Goldman, University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2020

“I think something that is really important is taking notes.  It is really easy to just log into the zoom call and listen, but it is harder to actually retain information.  One of my professors started doing a daily Google doc for that reason, and so we had to a record of everything we did.  We could all write things in it and collaborate, and I think that was very helpful.  Even if your professor is not doing this, it is definitely something you could replicate and will be beneficial going forward.”  

Jaiden Fallo Sauter, University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2020