Struggling to pay attention in your zoom classes? We know the feeling.
If you look like this kindergartener in your zoom classes, don't worry. We've all been there, and sometimes watching TikToks or making dinner seems like a lot more fun than listening to your professors. No matter how old you are, paying attention in the virtual environment can be a real challenge. However, with midterms approaching, it is essential we dial in and give of full focus to our classes. Here are our best tips to keep yourself focused during zoom class!
Tip #1: Put your phone somewhere you can't see it
Even if you try your best to stay off your phone, if it is in your view, you're likely to pick it up. Every notification that appears is enticing you to direct your attention away from class and towards whoever is snapchatting, texting, or facetiming you. This can lead to more and more time spent scrolling on your phone, and less time listening to your professor. Putting your phone in a different room will remove that temptation completely. You know what they say- out of sight, out of mind.
Tip #2: Find a quiet space with minimal distractions
This can be a tricky one if you are in a dorm or have multiple roommates. Luckily, there are many quiet spots on campus where you can hide away and focus solely on the content of your zoom class rather than having to listen to your roommate watching Netflix while you're in class. One of my favorite spots is the Whitman study rooms. Other great options include Bird Library, Carnegie Library and Haven Hall study lounge. Stay tuned as we update our new favorite study spots on the blog each week!
Tip #3: Take notes to keep yourself engaged
Even if you think you're paying attention during zoom class, it's easy for the information to go in one ear and out the other. A tactic that can help you focus on your class is to take notes, whether they are hand-written or typed on your computer. A great hack that I have learned is using the split screen feature, one side being zoom and the other a Word document to easily type up notes that appear on the shared-screen slides of zoom. Because you'll be so focused on getting all the notes down, you won't even have enough time to let yourself get distracted.
Tip #4: Turn on your camera
Turning on your camera forces you to at least look like you are paying attention. This will encourage you to focus on the class, instead of doing other tasks like cleaning your room or going on your phone. You will be able to see which of your classmates are saying what, and hopefully it will help you to participate yourself.
Tip #5: Get out of bed
It is definitely tempting to log onto your zoom class from the comfort of your own bed, whether your in an apartment, dorm, or are doing this semester from home. This will evidently make you tired and will decrease your ability (and desire) to pay attention to your class. If you can't leave your environment to find a quiet study space, at least make sure you can sit at a desk or table to attend class. You will feel more professional, and are likely to pay way more attention.
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