What You Need To Know Before Starting Your Online Classes!

As resumption looms and the session continues online, trust the editorial board to give you the right amount of push you need to start well. I’ve outlined a couple of things you can do to make the online classes and enjoyable experience. To be candid,this is an address to myself as much as it is to you because just like you, I’ve never done it before. But I promise to make this article witty and relatable; stay with me!

 

1. Don’t hate the idea: In fact right this minute, tell yourself, “I love the idea of the online class and I can’t wait to burst brain.” You won’t want to make the mistake of hating something you haven’t even tried. Don’t listen to the opinions of students from other schools on what it is and what it is not. That’s their experience, not yours. Experience your own experience by yourself. Joo get?

2. Be ready for it: I know it may not be easynavigating whatever online platform we’ll be using, there might be a lot of glitches. Your networkmight mess up, you may require a terrific amount of subscription to mobile data or you may evenhave to purchase a WIFI modem. You lecturermight not even come up at the scheduled time for classes. Whatever it is, remind yourself that this is Nigeria, and soon, you’ll japa (relocate) to the abroad, so we’ re not giving up today!

3. Don’t let anything shock you: Just prepare your mind for whatever comes so nothing messes withyour emotions or mental health. In case it’s announced that we’ll have to pay one fee or the other, don’t let it surprise you. You’re a Nigerian sef, nothing should surprise you anymore.

4. Know that 70% will be your effort: If you’re going into resumption thinking your lecturers will“pity” you and make things easier because there’s COVID-19 pandemic, it’s best you reset that thinking. Dead that thought. They will give their best to you, no doubt but it’ll still be nothing compared to what you have to do on your own. If I were to put it in a percentage, I’d say no more than 30%. The remaining 70% is up to you. You may have to watch YouTube videos to understand some topics, read text books, discuss with classmates or meet a senior to put you through. You have to do that 70% extra so you can learn well and ultimately have a good grade.

5. Fiercely inform your folks at home: I’m just adding this tip for formality sake, I don’t want to believe you haven’t been singing it in their ears...? You informing them will make things easy for you and your family. With that, they’ll be able to distinguish between when you’re available to perform any son/daughter responsibilities and duties and when you’re busy with online classes, assignments and group discussions.

6. Sit down and plan how you’ll navigate these 5 weeks: Determine what works for you. If it’s leaving the house to stay with a group of friends somewhere or hanging a ‘do not disturb’ sign during you class hours, planning how you’ll navigate the 5 weeks would improve your productivity as the weeks progress. Just as they say, a person with a map never gets lost.

7. Get a table and chair: I have to add this! If you’ll be doing this from your bedroom in your father’s house, please get a table and a chair. Don’t assume that you’ll attend classes on your bed. A lot of people have tried that and they ended up watching Netflix all through the session. To avoid stories that touch, I strongly recommend you avoid your bed. It is the quickest path to prevent yourself from experiencing the unproductive bed phenomenon.

8. Set aside time for fun activities: all work and no play makes jack a dull boy, /I’ve said my own/. Find something to do for fun in between classes and your ol' boring routine. For me it’ll forever be checking travel destinations and fantasizing about it. We all need something to rejuvenate us after some rigorous productivity time. 

Whatever you do, just know you’re not alone in this. Have a great school session! See you in the next class! Love & Light.

 

Adekilekun Hamidah

Editor-in-chief 2020/2021