Aristotle, the great Greek philosopher, has said that humans are social animals and need to interact with each other to survive. Modern science has confirmed that certain hormones are released during human interactions, which are essential factors for developing happiness.
In a time where most students are still under complete or partial lockdowns and learning online, it has become difficult to find the “human touch” we were used to in our school settings before the pandemic. Educational institutions worldwide have had to find new ways for students to connect with their classmates, friends, and faculty.
But why should you seek human connections while studying at home? And what else can you do to further enhance your online learning experience? Let’s find out!
Why is there a need for human connection while you are learning from home?
Although online learning has been prevalent for a while, critics argue that it has been missing the social interaction component that is important for overall personality development. They said that students needed to meet and interact with each other in real life to learn new things and hone their communication skills.
In the current pandemic situation, where online learning formats are widespread across schools and colleges, students and institutions have to find new and innovative ways of forging those connections.
There are plenty of studies supporting that human connection is necessary for productive learning, whether you do it offline or online. A Gartner research report suggests that consistent communication and collaboration can increase productivity levels by 25-35%.
How can you stay connected with others as an online student?
Another online learning issue that has been making waves for a while now is the feeling of isolation. Another Gartner survey suggested that 66% of participants felt isolated when they were working from home.
A notable way to battle this feeling of self-isolation is to reach out to other people through different digital platforms. Here are some ways you can stay connected with others in your online academic journey.
1. Check-in with your friends and classmates
While nothing can replace in-person meetings with your friends and classmates, hearing their voices over phone calls or video chats can make you feel less lonely. Scheduling regular call times with your friends and loved ones can help you stay connected with them and motivated to do well in your studies.
2. Participate in different virtual events and activities
Hosting and participating in group activities and virtual events is another great way to connect with people digitally. Joining an online Zumba class with your classmates, hosting a virtual coffee session, or even a zoom party are perfect examples of staying in touch with your peers virtually!
3. Volunteer your time for different community events
If your friends aren’t up for an online party, perhaps you can dedicate your time towards helping the less fortunate in your community. Check out if your community is hosting any fundraisers or other events and add your contribution towards a better society.
4. Create new groups on social media platforms
Being an online student doesn’t mean you can’t have a social life. Find other like-minded people on different social media groups to discuss your favorite movies, books, recipes, and other things that fuel your interest.
What else can you do to enhance your online learning experience?
Even if you have managed to stay connected with your friends and classmates, it doesn’t guarantee constant levels of motivation to study. Here are some useful study tips for students at home to help them improve their productivity for online classes.
1. Take regular breaks
Taking short, regular breaks between study sessions allows you to spend time away from your studies and refresh your mind. There is ample research to prove that regular breaks can improve your productivity.
2. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine and eat healthily
Your mind can’t function optimally if you are feeding your body junk food and not exercising. Be sure to exercise at least half an hour each day and try to eat a balanced diet.
3. Have a designated study area
Having a designated workspace can help you keep a balanced schedule for studying at home. You can mentally switch off from your studies the minute you leave your desk space.
4. Try to keep a positive attitude
A happy mind is usually a productive mind. Cultivating a positive attitude towards your studies and life, in general, can help you keep your energy and productivity levels high.
Following these tips for studying at home can help you ace your online classes and achieve all your learning goals. Regularly keeping in touch with other people throughout your learning journey can also improve your communication and networking skills, which are essential for your professional life.
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Frequently asked questions
Question 1: Why do I feel a lack of motivation when studying at home?
Answer: Lack of productivity is usually a result of mental or physical fatigue. You can take a short break to recharge yourself by doing something you love or talking to a friend or a family member.
Question 2: I feel lonely because I am unable to speak to my friends. What should I do?
Answer: You can do plenty of other things to perk up your mood if you are unable to connect with your friends. You could spend time with your family or volunteer in your community. You can also speak to your school counsellor or a professional therapist if you are unable to speak to anyone else about your loneliness.
Question 3: Should I go to the library and study instead of my room?
Answer: An ideal space to study is the one where you feel the most comfortable and relaxed. If there are too many people at your home and not enough space, you can find a quiet library to attend your online classes if it is safe to do so.
Question 4: How do I initiate a conversation with a new classmate online?
Answer: You shouldn’t hesitate to initiate a conversation with a new person as it can help you find a potential friend and improve your networking skills. Politely introduce yourself and ask for their name. You can also start with a compliment to break the ice.
