Online Education has change the way we interact with the educational content and the Teachers. In some online classes their is one way delivery of recorded lecture and students have to understand the topic. In other mode of online education, the teaching is live and a mentor engages with the students live and uses online tools to teach students.
The live online mode is still better as students have to engage with the mentor so it is active and their is less boredom. However, in recorded videos the onous of study and keeping oneself engaged is entirely on the students and this is were the problem of boredom hits the students.
The good news is that by incorporating some simple habits, and by changing the outlook towards online classes, students can actually beat the boredom.
In this article, you would be learning about how to approach online classes. You will also get to know about simple methods by which you can increase the energy level to remain agile and zealous throughout the classes. So, become your teacherâs favourite students and kill the boredom during the online classes. Scroll down to know in detail about the same.
Tips To Kill Boredom During Online Classes
1. Have a seekers mind because a seeker never gets bored- How many times do you seek answers while attending class? (Deeply Introspect). Most of the time, students simply attend the classes because the timetable says so. On a lighter note, sometimes after listening to their parentsâ scolding, do these students attend the online classes. So without a speck of doubt, the kids are going to get bored during the online classes because they are being told to do so. It is not coming out of their will. The question is how to beat that boredom and monotony? It is simple. Have a seekers approach!
2. Do your personal research as well- How many of us go back and study what we read in the online classes? Exactly, the common answer to this question is a big No. Naturally, anyone will lose interest in the subject. So here are some important steps to do the research: â
a. We are almost one âGoogleâ away in the current times. So go back and read articles and blogs. Read research papers and understand the depth of the topic. In this way, you will be able to discuss greater insights with your teacher and peers. The boredom will itself go away.
Many students will think about how they would research mathematical problems. Or maybe about a literature poem they studied in the afternoon class today. So, letâs take two instances for such cases only. Consider the following examples: â
Example 1. On Mathematics- For example, you studied about compound interest and simple interest today. So a dull mind would go back and relax and will just shun it throughout the day. However, the seeking mind will try to relate the topic to real-life situations. They would understand how compound interest works in banks, loans etc. They will try to find how simple interest and compound interest will give different results within the same time duration. Also, they will form their own inference as to which is a better way of investment.
Example 2. English- So, for instance, a student read the Information Bureau poem today. This poem talks about the role of a mother. On reading it, the seeker mind would try to observe his/her mother. They would try to see how she plays such an important role and take care of so many things at the same time.
So by inculcating a seekersâ mind and researching and observing by oneself, students will actually lead the class with great zeal and enthusiasm. They will be able to initiate discussions and talks. This will not only involve the teachers but also the other students. So, this is a creative way to beat boredom in the classroom.
3. Turn off the mobile notifications– Students either sign in through their mobile phones or computer. In most of the cases, it is through a former one (cell phone) due to its portability. So, many times, they may receive a text from a close friend or maybe a video call from relatives. Also, since almost every student is active on social media, they also receive notification of likes, dislike, comments, latest posts etc. While attending the classes, this can become a major cause of distraction. As 85% of these students are going to check these updates and get engaged from one post to another. This completely breaks the momentum of the class. So completely turn off all the notifications from the social media applications and put all the messages in âMuteâ mode. Keep your phone in DND mode for some time and focus on the class with full attention.
4. Have an active approach– There are two kinds of learners in this world- Active and Passive Learner.
An active learner is a student who participates in the class with interest. These people call for discussions and talks. They try to indulge in the subject with full zeal and curiosity. Passive learners are those who just take the information. Store it in their notes and get the job done. By learning passively, one is not able to develop relevant cognitive skills.
On the other hand, the active approach involves a lot of discussion and exploration. It encourages the seeking spirit in the students. So always have a dynamic approach while taking online classes as it promotes individual learning.
5. Use of graphics and videos- It is scientifically proven fact that what we watch, we retain more than what we read. So, by using graphical illustration and video explanation, a boring class can simply become an exciting platform of creativity and innovation. Students can also help their teachers with videos and designs. In this way, they not only kill the boredom but forge friendly bonds amongst each other.
In fact, people can voluntarily take up PowerPoint presentation projects as well, video editing projects etc.
6. Act interactive â The online classes allow you to raise questions through messaging. Hence, you can interactively participate in the online classes without facing any boredom. Also, you can type your questions in the common chat box and get it resolved by the mentor. The more you interact, the less you are vulnerable to boredom.
7. Make notes â Make it a habit to create notes of all the important points mentioned by the mentor in the class. Even if they share the PPT after class completion in most of the online classes. Still, you can make notes to ensure easy revisions in the exam time. This activity also keeps you busy while attending classes and you will be active throughout the class.
Conclusion – Most of the events are our own making. So, it is completely up to individuals whether they want to attend hours of lectures bored and dull, or if theyâre going to make each moment worthwhile and interesting. Yes, the human attention time is decreasing day after day, but the human mind is a highly advanced which can direct the path the way it wants. Undeniably, sometimes online lectures do get boring. However, these are not some events; these are actually consequences of ignorant actions.
By making simple lifestyle changes and by changing the outlook towards studies, students can make the same boring class interesting. Always remember, it takes a single person to bring a change. By becoming an example, himself/herself, a student can bring about a change in the whole class outlook. By adopting the seekersâ mindset, the other students and also the teachers can expand their horizons manifolds. So, take charge and kill the boredom of that usual online class on your own.
Frequently Asked Question
Active learning involves meaningful learning which involves doubting, discussing and exploring the topic. It makes an online class interesting through a lot of interactions and discussions.
There are various ways to make online classes enjoyable, some of these are seekers mind because a seeker never gets bored
It is scientifically proven, and one can observe it as well, that what they see, they remember it better. Also, it develops a great interest in the students.
