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treat classes like real classes/ typically prepared asynchronously, easy to fall behind if not self disciplined. NO STRUCTURE, dedicated workspace for yourself, recurring events for classes on calendar, keep up your routine
keep up w to do list/ as task as soon as you get them, memories tied to location so o more unique location information,
Get digitally organized/ folders for certain classes, further breakdown for big projects in class, notebook for each class,
Find a way to break up your day/ get outside, switch locations during the day, stops learning time from feeling like blob
Virtual Study Group/ pair up with other people to study, decreases isolation,

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Daily lists- realize due dates don't paint perfect picture of what you can do
intention eclipse abilities
limit to what you can do, observe what you fail and plan, scheduled small chunks/time-boxing put tasks in small time boxes (avoid procrastination?)Most difficult tasks FIRST, strong ordered plans
actions need to be backed by long term plan
Kanban method-cards details about individual task, list stages of project, move cards through different stages gives Birdseye view
Different lists, Daily everyday lists, ongoing lists that need to be done, things that are able to stay back to be done in future, scheduled items that happen every once and a while

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Set an intention-don't bounce between instant gratification tasks like checking emails or quick fixes/causes procrastinations
Rule of three-choose no more than 3 meaningful tasks per day
Eliminate Distractions-easily distracted when doing higher concept work, any excuse to fixate on small stuff, novelty bias-drawn to new things, AIDA- attention, interest, desire, action
ensure you aren't exposed to distraction, remove BEFORE working
4 categories, No Control, Control, Annoying, Fun
Moving phone out of arms reach, disconnect from internet when not needed, NO form of messengers open while you work (social pressure of answering) inconvenience of thing makes less likely to do it
Distraction journal to note and learn how to work around distractions
Get rid of resistance to starting- momentum of doing it keeps you going, make task less daunting/ narrow scope of intention
commit to working to a certain amount of time, low enough to make it seem easier

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If you have trouble staying on task or paying attention to the details, eliminating distractions like your phone or trying techniques like Pomodoro timers or SMART goals may help.

Everyone can have trouble focusing. Some contributing factors may include:

being hungry

being tired or having poor-quality sleep

being stressed

feeling worried or anxious

being distracted by something in your environment

With these factors in mind, the following strategies may also help you approach your tasks.

While it is unrealistic to eliminate all distractions, you can make an effort to reduce or remove as many distractions as possible.

moving to a quiet area

silencing notifications on your phone or turning your phone off altogether

closing the door to your office

telling those around you not to distract you for a period of time

closing out of programs or apps that aren't essential on your computer

playing calming ambient music or white noise

declutter your work space

A found that caffeine may positively affect sustained attention.

The key to taking advantage of caffeine's cognitive-enhancing properties is to consume it in moderation. If you drink too much, you may feel anxious or nervous, which can reduce your ability to stay focused.

The Pomodoro technique helps you train your brain to stay on task for short periods. Here's how it works:

1. Set your timer for 25 minutes and get to work.

2. When the buzzer sounds, take a 5-minute break.

3. Set the timer again and get back to work.

4. Once you've done four rounds of this, you can take a longer break, approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

If you are frequently checking social media throughout the workday, you may want to consider an app, browser extension, or setting that blocks access to these apps.

In addition to social media, some apps also allow you to block online games as well as sites like YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, Twitter, text messages, and even email.

Your phone may also have a built-in setting that allows you to block certain apps and messages from certain people when activated.

Being hungry can impair focus.

When making meals and snacks, try to prioritize:

Additionally, be sure to keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water.

avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large meals in the evening

turn off screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime

keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and at a cool temperature

go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends

If your lack of focus results from feeling overwhelmed by a complex project, try breaking it down into smaller parts and plugging the smaller steps into the SMART formula.

Specific. What exactly needs to be done?

Measurable. How will you track your progress?

Achievable. Is it realistic? Can it be done by the deadline?

Relevant. How does it fit with the overall plan or bigger goal?

Timely. When does it need to be done?

When you take a large, complex project and break it down into smaller, bite-sized tasks, you create goals you feel like you can accomplish. This sense of accomplishment can keep you motivated to complete the entire task.

Practicing mindfulness means maintaining moment-to-moment awareness of where you are and what you're doing - which is great news when trying to stay focused. By being mindful and recognizing when your attention starts to drift, you can quickly bring your focus back to where it needs to be.

You can train your brain to be more mindful by practicing breathing techniques, meditation, and mindful movement, such as yoga.

Writing down your tasks can free up room in your brain, which can help you get things done and decrease anxiety.

After you make your list, choose two or three key tasks and put them at the top. Then rank the rest of the items in order of importance. This allows you to tackle urgent tasks first. Anything you cannot accomplish by the end of the day can be rolled over to the list for the next day.

You may consider making separate lists for different types of tasks, such as one for work and one for chores.

Working on multiple tasks simultaneously comes with a cost - whether a reduction in performance accuracy or speed.

A 2019 study notes that the human brain's structure is not capable of multitasking and works much better while focusing on a single task at a time.

Pick similar tasks, group them together, and do one at a time. This makes transitions smoother, and you may get a lot more done by not jumping from one type of task to another.

Knowing how to zone in on what needs to be done can help you stay on track with your most important daily tasks. Strategies like getting enough sleep, eating regular meals, and making lists can help improve focus.

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How to Stay Focused: 10 Tips to Improve Your Focus and Concentration

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Staying focused can sometimes be a challenge. Learn proven ways to improve your focus and concentration at work, school, or with any task that needs your full attention.

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In the past, earning a college degree meant physically attending in-person classes, which often posed challenges for working professionals or those with complicated schedules. Now, thanks to advances in technology, it's easier than ever to find a degree program that offers the flexibility you need, whether through traditional in-person classes, online learning, or a blend of the two.

There are many advantages to online courses ; they allow you to learn whenever, wherever, and however works best for you, making it easier to earn a degree while balancing work and family commitments . And without having to attend classes in person, online learning affords you access to top degree programs across the country that might have otherwise been inaccessible or highly inconvenient.

Online classes can present unique challenges, however, if you're not prepared. But if you develop skills for effective online learning, you'll find the courses can be an excellent alternative to a traditional classroom setting. Here are some tips for online learning success to make sure you get the most value out of your next class.

Northeastern's Online Learning Experience

Learn what it's like to take a class online, tips for excelling in an online learning environment, and more.

Tips for Taking Online Classes

If you're considering taking online college courses (or you're already enrolled in a program) the tips and advice below can help you address their unique challenges to get the most value out of your online program.

1. Treat an online course like a "real" course.

When it comes to online classes, you need to have the discipline to sit down and say, "I am going to work on this," as well as the dedication to actually follow through. Though you can be flexible as to you choose to complete your work during the week, you can't put it off indefinitely.

One of the easiest ways to ensure follow through is to remember that you are paying to take this online course, just as you would for a traditional, in-person class. You must "show up" if you're going to get real value out of your class. Treat your online classes the same way you would a face-to-face class-or, better yet, a job-and you'll be off to the right start.

2. Hold yourself accountable

Set goals at the beginning of the semester, and check in with yourself weekly. In a traditional classroom setting, you'll often receive verbal or visual reminders of an assignment's upcoming due date. But without a professor actively reminding you, it's up to you to make sure you've allotted enough time to complete the work so you're not starting an assignment the day before it's due.

If you're having trouble holding yourself responsible, pair up with a fellow classmate, or enlist the help of a spouse or friend to check in as an accountability partner. By being organized, proactive, and self-aware, you can get the most from your online class even when life outside of school becomes chaotic.

3. Practice time management.

The flexibility to create your own schedule is often one of the biggest appeals of taking online classes. But that freedom can also be detrimental if you do not have solid time management skills. Without them, you might easily to find yourself cramming before classes or handing in subpar assignments.

Though how you manage your time will depend on your schedule, learning style, and personality, here are some universally valuable tips to help you practice and improve your time management skills :

Look at the syllabus at the start of the semester and make note of major assignments. Mark them on a calendar you check regularly so you know what workload is coming in the weeks ahead. Don't forget to factor in prior commitments that may interfere with your regular study schedule, such as weddings or vacations, so you can give yourself enough extra time to complete assignments.

Commit to making your online coursework part of your weekly routine, and Create a weekly schedule that you follow, designating certain hours each week to reading, watching lectures, completing assignments, studying, and participating in forums. set reminders for yourself to complete these tasks.

When working on your assignments, try time-blocking, allotting yourself a certain amount of time for each task before moving on to the next one and setting a timer to keep you accountable.

Check in periodically throughout the term, and look at how you're spending your time. Ask yourself: How much time am I dedicating to course reading and assignments? Am I regularly underestimating the time it's taking me to get things done, forcing me to cram the nights before the exams? A little self-reflection and adjustment can go a long way.

4. Create a regular study space and stay organized.

Set up a dedicated learning environment for studying. By completing your work there repeatedly, you'll begin to establish a routine. Whether your workspace is your kitchen table, a library, or the corner booth in a local coffee shop, it's important to determine what type of environment will work best for you. Experiment to discover which type of setting boosts your productivity. Wherever you choose, make sure there's high-speed internet access so you're not trying to take an online course over a lagging connection. Setting up a regular workspace or office will also help you to stay organized. Knowing exactly where important dates, files, forms, syllabi, books, and assignments live will help keep you on track towards hitting your goals. When setting up your study space, make sure you:

Have a high-speed internet connection

Have the required books, materials, and software for the course

Have headphones for listening to lectures or discussions (especially important in shared spaces)

5. Eliminate distractions.

From Netflix to social media to dishes piling up in the skink, you'll be faced with many distractions that can easily derail your studies. The best online students know how to lessen these distractions and set aside time to focus.

Exactly how much of a challenge these distractions will prove to be will depend on your own unique personality and situation. Some might find that they can tune out a noisy home by listening to music. Others might choose to work from a local coffee shop or library to eliminate their urge to multitask at home. Ultimately, you will need to find a strategy that works best for you.

Regardless of where you choose to work, consider turning your cell phone off to avoid losing focus every time a text message or notification pops up. And if you're still having trouble resisting the temptation to check your email or surf the web, try downloading a website blocker. Using applications like Cold Turkey and can help eliminate distractions by blocking the apps or websites that tend to compete for your attention, such as Facebook and Twitter.

6. Figure Out How You Learn Best

Once you've established where you'll learn, think about when and how you accomplish your best work. If you're a morning person, make time to study first thing. More of a night owl? Set aside an hour or two after dinner to cozy up to your computer. If the kids require your morning and evening attention, try to carve out a study session mid-day while they're at school. Brew your usual cup of coffee, put on your go-to playlist, and do whatever you need to get into the zone and down to business. Not everyone learns the same way, so think about what types of information help you best grasp new concepts and employ relevant study strategies. If you're a visual learner, for example, print out transcripts of the video lectures to review. Learn best by listening? Make sure to build time into your schedule to play and replay all audio- and video-based course content.

7. Actively participate.

Participate in the course's online forum to help you better understand course materials and engage with fellow classmates. This might involve commenting on a classmate's paper on a discussion board or posting a question about a project you're working on. Read what other students and your professor are saying, and if you have a question, ask for clarification. Make sure you are checking in as often as you can, too. The flexibility of online learning means that if you have 30 minutes before dinner plans, you could squeeze in a discussion response around your schedule. Set a goal to check in on the class discussion threads every day.

And if you do feel yourself falling behind, speak up. Don't wait until an assignment is almost due to ask questions or report issues. Email your professor and be proactive in asking for help.

8. Leverage your network.

Online classes may sometimes make you feel like you are learning on your own, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Most online courses are built around the concept of collaboration, with professors and instructors actively encouraging that students work together to complete assignments and discuss lessons.

Build relationships with other students by introducing yourself and engaging in online discussion boards. Your peers can be a valuable resource when preparing for exams or asking for feedback on assignments. Don't be afraid to turn to them to create a virtual study group. Chances are good that they will appreciate it just as much as you will.

Practice Makes Perfect

Online classes are an excellent option to help you earn that degree you need to fulfill your goals. Though they come with their own unique challenges, following the advice above can help you be successful even in the most chaotic of times.
For more on how to be a successful online learner, explore our related online learning tips and advice posts, or watch the recorded webinar below.

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8 Strategies for Getting the Most out of an Online Class

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Online learning provides unique benefits and challenges. Embrace these eight tips for taking online classes to get the most value out of your program.

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I chose this article and most of the other ones in the padlet as I feel it is not only very difficult to balance working at home with other around the house responsibilities, but its also difficult to know what to do in an online situation. Without a clear structure its up to the student to figure out what works best for them and the ambiguity of that can be off-putting for most (including myself) and having a concrete place to start can take away those fears. The strategies discussed talk about how to remove distractions and practice time management, but more importantly it talks about how to take advantage of an online class. Simple actions such as reaching out and collaborating with peers, actively participating in discussion boards, and building a relationship with your teachers all lead to a better experience and are harder online, but can offer extremely beneficial results to a students time.

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I chose this video as online classes pose as a problem to me in recent time, scathing by to get assignment's in and turning some in late after not properly managing time.  Pairing this with not being able to focus on assignments long enough to get them done its been a struggle to survive in online class, and that's what this video strives to solve. All five of the tips provided are extremely helpful and I advise everyone to take them, but the ones that I feel will especially help me are treating online class like real school and moving locations throughout the day. Oftentimes my online day starts at whatever random time I wake up, and I do the assignment that is due that day for a class. This unorganized cramping is a stressful habit that I have built for myself and blocking my work day into segments so that I work on work for every class simultaneously will definitely give me more free time and less stress. The other tip that I feel will help me greatly is moving to different spaces for each class. Being at the same desk everyday, all day, for every class makes the days meld into one blob. A key benefit of in person school is memories tied to specific locations for each class and can try and emulate this at home by doing something as simple as moving to different rooms for each class. Overall the advice in this video can clearly be utilized to take control of your online classes and not get overwhelmed.

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I chose this video as focusing at home is something that greatly hinders the rate of which I finish work at home. The slightest thing will set me so far off course and I will have fruitless days because of it. I agree with mostly all of the advice given in the video but the two I believe will truly help me are setting an intention and eliminating distractions. When sitting down to do long laborious tasks the gratification of completion is not in quick succession, making the work feel never ending and prompting you to do something else to get such gratification. Preventing yourself from checking emails, small assignments such as castle learning, or other small assignments that still count can help you stay focused on larger more important ones way easier. the other piece of advice that I believe will really help is eliminating distractions way before you work. Of course you cant control certain distractions like loud traffic outside or the actions of others around you, but you can control distractions such as your phone, distracting websites, and music. Simple things like placing your phone out of arms reach, restricting certain websites at time of work, and taking care of any busywork before hand will make sure all you have to care about is the task at hand and you can stay focused. Overall I feel like all the advice in the video will definitely help me and others who struggle with a short attention span.

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I chose this video as it focusses on the possible increased level of productivity that working from home can offer a student or traditional worker. At home there is much more freedom in when and how you complete most assignments however deadlines are still present. This video is extremely useful in instructing someone on how to use their time to their advantage and tips such as daily lists, time blocking, and multiple lists running are key to this. Using a four lists system of tasks that need to be done everyday, ongoing tasks with upcoming dates, longer tasks broken up and due at a later date, and scheduled tasks can help reclaim your workload. Daily tasks are things such as attendance and checking emails should be checked off everyday on the daily list before moving on. The ongoing tasks would be things such as assignments due in the next week, and the long tasks would be something like an upcoming project. Another useful organization method is the Kanban method where cards are moved through categories of production, letting you know at a glance what's done and what needs to be worked on. Overall lists and organization are the way to planning a work day and sticking to the plan and that is extremely helpful to know.

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As preciously discussed focus at home is imperative to completing schoolwork efficiently and there is obviously more methods to enhance that then the handful mentioned in the video. Simple tips such as locking social media apps and making sure you're properly fed through out a work session are good ideas and often overlooked. The article highlights these seemingly trivial things that can definitely make a difference on learning.