Because of many sources of distraction, students frequently struggle in class to focus. It can occasionally be due to the use of technology in class. Focus issues could also result from improper organization or a failure to understand what is being taught in class.
The biggest difficulty of taking an online course, in my opinion, is maintaining discipline. It makes sense to pay attention, take notes, and learn something when you attend a traditional class in a classroom because you are already “trapped” there for the entire class session. There can be a desire to divert from the material being presented to you in an online course that you can complete at your own pace.
Things that can occupy a student’s attention while taking an online course include-
Online gaming
At this point, online gaming is at its height. Demands for online gaming are rising daily. One of the problems affecting pupils’ academic performance is the distractions that the various online game programmes cause in classrooms.
Social Media
The majority of students’ time is spent on social media. They are also psychologically and emotionally impacted by these, which makes them uninterested in their education and extracurricular activities.
Entertainment Videos
Smartphones are also capable of accessing streaming services. This greatly distracts from the task at hand. Additionally, it causes ongoing distractions because students’ use of their devices and the content they access cannot always be watched.
Apps for Online Messaging
Students conversing on their internet messaging apps during lectures is another illustration of a distraction in the classroom. This distracts not only individuals who are using their devices but also the other pupils who are in the room.
Ineffective Learning
On websites and blogs, students can get a lot of information. Reading these during lectures can be disruptive, even though some of it may be helpful. The learning that takes place in the classroom is impacted, and pupils frequently miss out on essential information that their teachers might share with them.
How, therefore, can you maintain your concentration while taking and studying for an online class? Here are some tips:
Learn Your Weaknesses and Strengths
Each person experiences distractions differently. What may help one individual tune out distractions may inadvertently distract another. To assist block out distractions from their environment, some students might prefer to listen to music while they write or read.
But for certain people, a focus-aiding tool could become a distraction. The lyrics of a song or the captivating melodies of instrumental music can easily draw one in. While reading, students can find themselves singing along instead. Detecting distractions is the first step in eliminating them.
Create a designated study space
Avoid using your dining room or kitchen table as a classroom. Instead, create a calm desk where you won’t be interrupted by noise from your home. An established study space is a crucial component of focusing on an online course and maintaining it.
Pace Yourself
Break up your study session to prevent yourself from being too exhausted because taking online classes may be a real chore. You may, for instance, study for 30 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. There are numerous benefits to taking a 5-minute walk break during extended study sessions, according to research.
Every night, get adequate rest.
Most focus issues can be resolved with a good night’s sleep. Poor sleep can leave you drowsy, unfocused, and just generally “out of it.” Knowing your limits is one of the finest pieces of advice for online learning. Avoid studying so late at night that you have trouble falling asleep and can’t concentrate in class the next day. Your list of things to accomplish will be useful in this situation. To make sure you have time in your schedule to unwind after a hard day of learning, set a goal to finish everything by a certain time.
Students’ productivity is hampered by interruptions in class, which also makes them more stressed. Students will receive the assistance they deserve if they understand what creates distractions. Additionally, it will stop others from being disturbed while in class, which will enhance the environment and academic success of each student.
However, by employing the proper methods consistently, these issues can be resolved. High school children can overcome these challenges, learn to use their technology responsibly, and improve their concentration in class with the support of their parents’ or teachers’ supervision.
Article by Sujata Bayan