This transition may prove to be a challenge for students who are used to engaging with lecturers on a daily basis. It will also be harder for students who now do not have access to a dedicated study area, and those who have become accustomed to using the university library and all the other research resources available on campus, and those who belong to study groups.
Despite these challenges, we have to continue and persevere. The success or failure of your online learning experience and the results you will achieve, depend 100% on you. The first thing you should consider is to set up a daily routine and schedule for your studies, and to stick to this! Secondly, you should consider setting up your study space within your home and ask fellow house- or family members to respect this space and the time you have allocated each day to dedicate to your studies.
To be able to study on your own, you need self-discipline. A daily schedule with achievable goals will help in this regard. Here are some further hints to consider.
Make sure you have access to Moodle. If you do not, please seek help from the ICT service desk: email servicedesk@ump.ac.za
- or call 013 002 0125.
- Set up a study timetable. Use your term 1 class timetable and fill in the free spaces with different modules. Make sure you allocate an equal amount of time to each module. The advantage of using the class timetable is that at any one time you will be doing the same thing with your fellow classmates and you can engage with one another on the group chat on Moodle. Your lecturers can also engage with you on the chat to answer questions and explain concepts.
- You have a module guide, which has learning outcomes. Read content that speaks to these outcomes. Use any available sources. These may include notes on Moodle, textbooks, papers or some material from the Internet.
- If you do not understand certain concepts, please seek help from your colleagues or lecturers. You can post your questions on the chat in Moodle, WhatsApp groups or contact individuals.
- Practice answering questions. These may be practice questions at the end of each chapter you read or past test/exam questions. Share your answers and comment on each other’s answers. Choose those questions that test your understanding and those that test the achievement of learning outcomes. When you disagree, you can make further consultations and these could include your lecturer.
- Do all the quizzes, assignments and tests posted by your lecturers. Do them within the given timeframe. Do not procrastinate. Procrastination leads to shoddy work done hurriedly to fulfil submission and does not show your potential at all, and unfortunately it will determine your grade.
During the downtime we’ve all spent most of our time on social media. It’s time to prioritise and focus on your studies and online learning. Should you have any other challenges pertaining to your studies, please contact the relevant offices. First year students can also contact their mentors for assistance.
@ Source: Academic Staff Development Professional, Trust Nkomo. For more information contact: Trust.Nkomo@ump.ac.za