Dealing with Challenges of Online Learning

• Create a dedicated space where you can study quietly.
• Schedule separate times for study, exercise, relaxing, having fun…
• Identify time-wasters such as web-surfing or social media posting and try to eliminate them.
• Break down your responsibilities for the week, make a plan for each day. Break larger responsibilities into smaller tasks and determine the best times to tackle each.
• Try to establish a daily routine and stick to it – perhaps use the alarm setting on your laptop.
• Enlist help (Because of your studies, you will have less time to do other things you were used to: ask others to help you with some tasks and errands).
• Avoid trying to multitask. Focus on completing one task at a time.

• Social distancing is physical; you should still stay socially connected
• Reach out for support with your studies, with practical living, with ways to relax and so on
• Reach out to other students.
• If you are anxious or worried, reach out to someone who is level-headed, thoughtful, a good listener.
• Spend time with, call, text, video-chat with supportive friends and family.
• Join or start a Student Society club.
• Join an RYI social media page, such as RYI Boudha Talk, RYI Alumni, Rangjung Yeshe Friends.
• Start a virtual club – like a book or movie club.
• Join an online group or peer forum.
• Talk through concerns, thoughts, and feelings
• Don’t let coronavirus dominate all your conversations, but laugh, share stories, about other topics.
• Share hobbies; recipes and cooking tips, art, music and so on.
• Schedule a workout or other social get-together over video-chat.

Try to get a fast, reliable internet – long before classes start.

• Join group trainings.
• Reach out to other students and staff if you need help.
• Learn about netiquette best practices for online learning environment.
• Do a “tech check”.

• Show up – log in daily. Connect with other students and share questions or perspectives. Communicate with teachers. Ask for help if needed.
• Schedule study time. Remember to focus on one task at a time and use time management techniques (see above) to make your study sessions more effective.
• Practice positive self-talk. Talking to yourself in affirming ways can help you stay focused on your goal and improve your confidence
• Keep the reasons for attending classes at the top of your mind. Write down the reasons – with your short-term and long-term goals and post them where you’ll see them. Cross off goals as you achieve them.

• Make sure you schedule a good break between video classes and chats.
• Keep healthy habits to boost your immune system, get exercise every day – walk, do yoga etc. 
• Stay hydrated. Get enough sleep. Eat healthy meals three times a day.
• One of the most successful ways to reenergize is to just sit ten minutes and not do anything. For these ten minutes don’t look at your mobile phone or computer, don’t read, don’t exercise, don’t watch things outside your window. Just sit, relax, and do nothing. Try it out!

• Reach out to teachers, staff, and other students if you need support.

• Talk to your teacher as soon as possible.
• You can also reach out to the Head of Student Services.

• Polish your writing skills.
• Ask for help!
• Reach out to your teacher.