5 Techniques to Improve Focus During Online Classes

The allure of the fridge. The siren song of social media. The never-ending to-do list whispering in your ear. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, online classes have become a game changer, providing much-needed flexibility during uncertain times – but staying focused amidst the comforts (and potential distractions) of your own home? That can be a real challenge, to say the least! I mean, how do you maintain concentration when the latest episode of your favourite series is just a click away or when household chores seem more appealing than ever? Well, fear not! With a few tweaks to your routine, you can transform your online classroom experience from a struggle to a success story. 

Here are 5 powerful techniques to maximise your attention and transform your online classroom into a zone of laser-sharp concentration, ultimately boosting your overall productivity:

1. Create Your Concentration Center:

Ever notice how hard it is to focus on work when you’re nestled in bed or sprawled on the couch? That’s because our environment shapes our focus. Our brains associate certain locations with specific activities. The place you choose to take your online classes can be the difference between a productive learning zone and a concentration graveyard! 

Can you imagine trying to fall asleep at your desk? No, because it’s just as difficult to concentrate on complex lectures while lounging in your usual relaxation spots. The best way to overcome it is to ditch the cluttered desk or comfy bed. Instead, create a dedicated study space for yourself, and it doesn’t require a complete room makeover!

• Find a Quiet Corner: Choose a spot in your home where distractions are minimal. This could be a spare room, a quiet corner with a comfy chair, or even a small space in your living room.
• Organise Your Materials: Ensure your materials – computer, notebooks, pens – are organised and readily available to avoid mid-lecture scramble and establish a clutter-free environment. Plus, keep tempting distractions like your phone or TV out of sight (and ideally, out of reach!). 
• Comfort is Key: Invest in a comfortable chair and a proper study table. Make sure your desk is at the right height. Good ergonomics can prevent discomfort, keep you focused longer and boost those study vibes!

The important thing is it’s a space designated specifically for attentive work, helping you form a routine and train your brain to be ready to learn the moment you sit down.

2. Establish a Routine:

Online classes offer flexibility, but that freedom can also lead to a slippery slope of lost track of time and looming deadlines. Ever feel that familiar panic as an assignment creeps up on you like an unseen enemy? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! The key to mastering your time and transforming studying from a chore into a manageable part of your day lies in the power of consistent routines.

• Set a Schedule: Allocate specific times for attending online classes, studying, and breaks. Stick to this schedule as closely as possible.
• Morning or Night? Identify when you’re most productive. Schedule your most challenging tasks during these peak times to accelerate your efficiency.
• Consistency is Crucial: Try to start and end your study sessions at the same time each day. This regularity helps reinforce your study habits.

With a solid routine in place, you’ll find it easier to stay on top of your coursework and reduce stress.

3. Silence the Sirens of Distraction:

Is your brain a butterfly flitting from notification to notification, never quite settling on the task at hand? Social media notifications, email pings, the temptation to check the news “just for a sec” and that cat video your roommate insists you watch – these seemingly harmless interruptions are focus-killers in disguise. They do more than just yank your attention away for a moment; these distractions can actually fragment your ability to concentrate for longer periods.

But why are they so disruptive? 

The truth is, that our brains are wired to crave novelty. Every notification, ping, or glimpse of something new triggers a dopamine release, the same feel-good chemical associated with rewards. This makes it incredibly tempting to chase those little dopamine hits, even if they affect our attention span on a more important task like attending an accounting coursework help online class.

The problem is, that quick check on social media or that “just one minute” spent watching a funny video can easily morph into a 20-minute rabbit hole, leaving you feeling frustrated and much behind schedule. Here’s how to fight back:

• Silence Your Phone: Put it on silent or away in a drawer. Out of sight, out of mind (and the itch to check your socials at every minute)!
• Close Unnecessary Tabs: Limit distractions by focusing only on what you need for class, no need for background noise!
• Set boundaries: Inform housemates or significant others that you’re entering the “Do Not Disturb Zone” during class time–so that one family member who seems to have impeccable timing for impromptu visits–doesn’t make their grand entrance whenever they want.
• Consider focus apps: Utilise apps that block distracting websites for a set period, giving your brain the space it needs to concentrate.

Remember, a focused mind is a productive mind!

4. Befriend the Pomodoro Technique:

Is your attention slipping away during a long online lecture? We get it! Information overload starts to feel like mental quicksand, slowly pulling you under. Our brains, it turns out, are terrible multitaskers and crave focused attention. That’s why the Pomodoro Technique is your new best friend, setting you up for success. This time management strategy involves working in focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. 

This is how it works:

• Embrace the Power of 25 Minutes: Set a timer for 25 minutes, a manageable yet productive chunk of time to buckle down and focus solely on the class. 
• Laser-sharp Attention: During this interval, silence distractions, block out noise, and give your full attention to the online lecture. 
• Reward Yourself: When the timer rings, celebrate! Take a well-deserved 5-minute break to check your phone, grab a healthy snack, or do some light stretches before diving back in for another session. 
• Repeat & Refresh: Continue this cycle for several rounds. Longer breaks (15-30 minutes) are recommended after completing several cycles.

The method keeps your mind fresh, prevents burnout, and ultimately enhances your concentration and ability to retain information from those online lectures.

5. Embrace Active Participation:

Feeling isolated and disconnected from your peers and instructors? Don’t be a screen zombie! It’s easy to fall into the trap of passive listening, eyes glazed over with sleep. But online classes, despite the physical distance, don’t have to be isolating experiences. Here’s the secret weapon to staying engaged and absorbed: Active participation!

• Become a Note-Taking Ninja: Takes notes, and jot down key points, concepts, and questions that arise during the lecture. The act of writing itself helps solidify information in your brain. 
• Don’t Let Questions Linger: Have a question? Don’t be afraid to unmute and ask! Clarifying doubts not only benefits you but can spark discussions for the entire class.
• Enter the Interactive Arena: Many online platforms offer a treasure trove of interactive features – polls, quizzes, breakout rooms – designed to keep you mentally stimulated. Embrace these tools! Participating in discussions and activities such as dissertation help UK conference not only keep your mind from wandering but also strengthens your understanding by applying concepts in real time. 
• Discussions are Your Ally: Don’t underestimate the power of group discussions in online classes. Engaging with classmates, sharing insights, and debating ideas solidify your grasp of the material in a way passive listening can’t. 

Think of your brain as a muscle. The more you work it, the stronger it becomes. While passive listening is like leaving your brain on the couch and weakening its ability to retain information, actively interacting, on the other hand, is like taking your brain to the gym!

Wrap Up:

By implementing these techniques, you can transform your online classroom into a springboard for success. Remember, a focused mind is an absorbing mind, and the knowledge you gain is the ultimate reward. So, silence the distractions, create a space for learning, and take control of your online learning experience. Now go forth and conquer those online classes!