Online classes

if anyone is a student like me, online class have been so tough to focus.

What are somethingsthat you do?

[pippapeach]

Hi! It is really frustrating and it feels like the more I try to focus, the less I can. It can also change depending on my physical health and stress - if I'm tired, harder to focus, and so on.

If your class lets you turn off your camera, I've found that doing something at the same time sometimes works - dishes, crafting, cooking, something mindless that still allows for focusing on the lecture. If not, maybe ask your professor if you can use a coloring book, play-doh, silly putty, or something like that during the lecture, as that would be less distracting. If you're a note-taker (good for you!), then jazzing up your notes can add interest. This depends on the subject, but you could draw the focus of the lecture/slide, or time yourself against the professor's slides. I also used silly putty as an attention/note aid in undergrad, shaping the putty into whatever the topic was (very helpful for anatomy).

Some professors automatically record lectures, but if yours doesn't, ask if that would be ok. That way you still pay attention but have a backup plan and can listen to it later. I personally get bored listening to lectures at normal speed, and find 1.5x or 2x speed to be more interesting - it forces me to really listen in order to take notes. If your professor says no, look into your school's resource center - they may be able to help get you accommodations of recorded lectures, going over the professor's head.

I cannot personally vouch for this info, but I have heard that some people use google's or word's voice-to-text features with online classes. Basically, you turn on the feature and then it automatically writes what the professor says for you - another way of accessing the lecture. I haven't tried this yet, but I've heard good things.

Hope this helps!

[Shnookie]

Sorry U R going thru a rough time with this. My young cousin who who is 13 and has ADD had a tutor in the house to help him with online learning. Would your school permit that especially under the guidelines of the ADA and reasonable accomodations Good luck!

Please also check out if your school has a disability rights director, counselor, etc.

[Learner51]

Hi! I also struggle and I have a few tips that work, sometimes.

1. Create novelty by attending class from a different spot in your home, or your car or outside.

2. Take notes and or doodle.

3. Use supplemental materials like podcasts, books, and videos to get the information in different ways. Ask your professor for tips on finding reliable sources. I’m lucky in that many professors provide optional materials to review for each class.

4. Get peer support in the form of a study or discussion group. Ask your professor to set up a discussion thread then advocate for using it.

5. Get help from your school disability coordinator. I have access to audio books (varying quality) and recorded lectures.

6. Show an interest in the subject to the professor and show up for office hours to discuss anything you are struggling with. Tell them about your struggle with attention and talk over any strategy you use or are considering.

Good luck!

[sdbpast]

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