You’ve been there: internet woes, heavy school workload, inconducive environment, uncomfortable study space and the list goes on. It’s been a year, and not everyone has adjusted to the demands of distance learning.

The good news is there are things you can do to make your online classes work for you, whether you’re a teacher or a student. Dr. Edward Jay Quinto and Anna Kamille Balan, both of Mapúa University, share their experiences as professor and student.

The Yuchengco-owned institution’s future-proof digital learning management system has been in place even before the pandemic struck, making it easier for students and teachers to adjust to the fully online class setup.

Quinto is an associate professor at Mapúa’s School of Social Sciences and Education, while Balan, a president’s lister, is in her third year taking up BS Psychology.

On adjusting to online classes:

Quinto: When the pandemic hit, there was an air of assurance and confidence among us teachers that everything will go on and will be supported. The provision for technical support, software and hardware, apps and instructional technologies are things that we enjoy.

Balan: I miss how teachers can execute their teaching styles through gestures and expressions that will really get you to pay attention, though in Mapúa, we didn’t have to make big adjustments since we were used to having online classes blended with [in-person]. I miss having my classmates around me physically so we can chat in between classes. This is what I found difficult at first since I love interacting with people physically. Thankfully, our teachers helped us a lot, and school organizations make sure the interaction continues even virtually.

Preparing for each class:

Quinto: I started running. I exercise. Naging plantito ako. When I wake up in the morning, I talk to my plants. When I have the time, I watch one episode of a K-drama before I start a class. It’s the luxury I have because I always make sure I come prepared for every class.

Balan: I’m a morning person so I make sure to have breakfast and take my shower para magising ang diwa ko. I have my morning devotions—I always talk to God, ‘Lord, what are your plans for me today?’ After that I make my own plans and plot the tasks for the day.

Setting up your home classroom

Quinto: There should be a demarcation between personal and professional life. Find a spot in your house where you know you can easily be in work mode. You don’t have to buy new stuff for a home setup. Just find a spot where you are most comfortable and set it up the way you feel would work for you. I bought a gaming chair online thinking it’s comfortable. But since I have a very small space to move around in, I now just use two stacked Monobloc chairs and they actually work! My desk and chair are in front of a window for natural lighting, and also so I can see my plants and won’t feel suffocated.

Balan: I already had this kind of setup even before the pandemic. I set it up in my bedroom because I think it’s the most appropriate corner in the house where there is less external noise. There will always be a temptation to take a nap, but you have to have the discipline to focus on the class. My parents invested in an ergonomic chair and a microphone for me. I bought a Bluetooth speaker so it would feel like I’m really in [an in-person] class. To ease my stress, I have a scented humidifier that I turn on during classes.

Making the most out of online classes:

Quinto: For my fellow professors, determine what matters—focus on the quality of the schoolwork rather than the quantity. Organize—make sure students will understand what you upload in the learning management system. Give learning materials in small chunks. Students tend to accomplish more when they are not overwhelmed. Make every session lively and encouraging so students will look forward to every class. Strategize—asynchronous activities will either prepare the students for the upcoming live session, or reinforce what was discussed in the live classes.

For students, have a simple goal for each day that’s achievable. Have a good home environment to help you focus. Self-evaluate—listen to what is going on inside you not just academically but mentally, physically, socially, spiritually. Seek help when things get difficult. Manage your time so you can handle tasks according to urgency and demand.

Balan: I realized that education is limitless and without boundaries because even online, we can have two-way conversations. I’m grateful that there are school organizations that helped me through a lot during this season.

If I were to give advice to fellow students, it’s to open their doors and share a part of their life to a school community. Listening to others’ thoughts and opinion teaches you discipline, productivity, leadership, time management and helps you achieve academic excellence. —CONTRIBUTED INQ