Author: Sofarelli, Rebecca

Take Care of Yourself

Know Where to Turn for Help

We all need a break from class time and study time. Stay focused for the 9:30 T/R class and then take a break. Remember, even on campus there are 15 minutes between classes.
Resting and eating correctly is very important. Taking care of your body gives your brain the momentum to work well. Make sure you fill your body with protein and vegetables and all the nutrients your body needs to function.
Be careful of too much caffeine, too many energy boosting drinks, and too many alcoholic beverages.
Use positive self talk.

Writing and Reading Lab:
Room 110 of the Rosenwald Classroom Building
https://www.picktime.com/gcscwritingandreadinglab
Math Lab:
Student Union West, 2nd Floor, Room 261 (850)-769-1551 ext. 2916.
Online Student Resources
https://www.gulfcoast.edu/current-students/academic-divisions/social-sciences/early-childhood-education/studentresources.html
TRIO
Student Union West, Room 81
https://www.gulfcoast.edu/current-students/trio/contact.html

Pathways to College Success

Reward Yourself

When you have finished working hard and assignments are done, reward yourself!
Watch a little TV, read a book, go outside and play, take a walk, watch a movie, dance, sleep!

For more information contact:

Leigh Bailey, Counselor 769-1551 x4861 lbailey@gulfcoast.edu
Becca Sofarelli, Academic Coach 769-1551 x2829 rsofarell@gulfcoast.edu

Resources Used
Ccu.edu/blogs/cags/2014102/how-to-stay-focused-while-studying-for-online-classeselearningindustry.com/online-students-stay-focused-nowadays-ways
https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/tips-for-taking-online-classes/
https://online.osu.edu/5-tips-online-student-learning-success

Compiled by
The Counseling Center
Of
Gulf Coast State College
October 2020

Tips for
On-line Classes

Keep a Normal Schedule

Avoid Distractions

Helpful Tips

Start your day as you would have if you were coming to college. Get up at your normal time, shower, get dressed, and eat breakfast. Doing all of these activities will help keep you in a normal routine.
If you normally had a T/R 9:30 class on campus, then that is when you have your online class at home. Then work in your study time as best you can.
Have a schedule that works for you and stick with it.

Stay Organized

Staying organized is essential to keeping you focused. Have everything you need and keep it in your study area or in a folder, a bag, on the desk, or wherever is best for your situation.
Have your computer, folders, books, pens, paper, headphones, cellphone (if you need it), and anything else. If you are constantly getting up and having to find things you need, you will never get started and then never complete.
Have a plan for what needs to be done in each class and know what assignments are due.
Use a calendar to keep up with everything. It helps if everything is on one calendar (paper or electronic) so nothing is forgotten and you can mark things off as they are completed.

Be in a comfortable, well lit room. Hopefully designated to your studies-at least while you are doing them. Be careful, though, to not make it too comfortable. If your space is “too comfortable,” it can be tempting to just “take a break” for two hours. You might even change rooms, areas, or inside vs outside just to change your environment.
Turn off the TV, cell phone, etc.
Work with your children, family, roommates, etc. to set the best schedule for you. Remember, this is your time.
Know your limitations. How long can you focus at one time?
Know yourself. Do you study better in a quiet environment or with soft music playing? In the morning or at night?

Take handwritten notes. It keeps you from just staring at the screen. Just like when you read a textbook and take notes while you are reading, activity helps keep us focused.
Break assignments down into small goals. As you complete the small goals, the larger goal does not seem as big and scary and it gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Create a virtual study group with classmates. Study groups help us stay focused and helps most people with learning. Check with your instructor and see if they can assist you with this.
Have an accountability partner. Someone that keeps you on track even when you start slacking off. Someone who is kind, but will get you back on track.
Check in throughout the term to see how you are spending your time. Reflect, and adjust accordingly.
Actively participate in your courses. Utilize online forums and discussions to make sure you understand the information and engage with classmates.