Welcoming technology with open arms and implementing healthy habits
By Amber Lee
While COVID-19 has caused much inconvenience, I like to frame these events as 'opportunity for change'. Opportunity to adapt and re-evaluate study habits and the strategies that we employ to combat stressors.
By now, the vast majority of courses across all Victorian universities have migrated to an online format. Something we can all appreciate is the convenience that this offers especially for those who spend hours commuting to University. You may miss the face-to-face interactions with your tutors and peers. Still, collaboration is key but bear in mind that your learning doesn't stop just because you can't see them in person. Try reaching out on social media to your peers. WeChat, WhatsApp and Facebook are a couple of my favourites. Calling and sharing resources is available through these apps and benefits everybody. Even before this situation, students would organise group projects through these platforms.
We are fortunate enough to be born in a society that embraces technology, so why not use it to your advantage? Here are my tips on welcoming technology with open arms:
Aside from studies, take the time to find something that will bring balance to your life. You don't want to become stir crazy as a result of social distancing! Don't stream five lectures that you missed in one day. You are unlikely to retain most of what you see. Break it down over days. Study for two hours or so, give yourself a good twenty to thirty-minute break and repeat. During your breaks, do something that doesn't involve a screen. Perhaps start a push-up challenge with your friends or take up a craft hobby. If you find yourself procrastinating too much, create an online schedule and put together a checklist to tick off as you progress.
Don't forget that we are all in this together!
Amber Lee, BCom student