University of Nottingham Malaysia
Centre for English Language and Foundation Education
     
  

Article #18: Learning and Thriving Online During the Pandemic

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For all of us, 2020 spiralled very quickly into science fiction. If you ever watched the 2011 movie ‘Contagion’, you will notice striking similarities between the plot and our current reality. We are now well into 2021 but there seems little hope that things will ever be the same again. However, we must realise that life goes on and that the best we can do is to keep trudging. 

I must admit that I’m not one who embraces change quickly. I have had both good and bad days. On good days, I see all the positive that has come out of being in a state of lockdown.  But, on bad days, I feel thoroughly demotivated, even struggling to get out of bed. If you are like me, then this serves as a reminder – you are NOT alone. This happens to even the best of us. 

COVID-19 has forced universities and students across the globe to change rapidly. We have been successful in switching most of what we used to do to an online platform. Yet, this sudden change has caused fear, anxiety and stress for many. In this article I would like to focus on our students and offer four suggestions for thriving while learning online.

 
  1. Be kind…
    … to yourself and to others. All of us have had a challenging time adjusting from face-to-face classes to online sessions. Teachers have had to adjust their content and delivery, class dynamics have changed, group work is conducted remotely (I could go on and on) – so be kind to yourself, your teachers as well as your course mates. Be patient with technology and recognise limitations. Offer support and ask for support. 
  2. Do some things the same way
    Just like in any class, during online sessions, say hello to each other, introduce yourself, and reach out to one another. Connect with your teachers and your course mates via emails, Moodle forums and WhatsApp chat groups. Make friends, get to know your course mates, and find out your common interests. Don’t forget to stay in touch with family and friends. Call them on their birthdays, or maybe write a letter! Why not revive a dying trend?!
  3. Do some things differently
    If some previously known strategies don’t seem to work anymore, switch things up! Try a new schedule to stay motivated. For instance, a good friend suggested that I do my exercises first thing in the morning, instead of in the evening. And have a cold shower after that! Brrr… But hey! It worked! I feel more focused and energetic.
  4. Do something fun to get rid of boredom
    I am sure many of us are craving for a vacation, a weekend getaway, or even a simple meal with friends. Can we recreate activities for enjoyment? Put up a tent in the lawn, or play a game while zooming with family and friends. I have been doing the latter on a weekly basis and plan to do the former soon (fingers crossed!).

Perhaps you were looking forward to starting university on campus and learning online wasn’t what you expected to do. You can still make it an enjoyable and memorable experience. I hope you will find new and exciting ways to stay positive and motivated. Stay safe and stay well! 

Contributed by,
Salomy Krishna

Centre for English Language and Foundation Education

University of Nottingham Malaysia
Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia

telephone: +6 (03) 8924 8000
fax: +6 (03) 8924 8012

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