COVID-19 MOVED ALL MY CLASSES ONLINE... NOW WHAT?
Our Center for Academic Success and Transition (CAST) Coaches often talk to students about how different the Spring semester can be. It can take a few days to get in the groove after the long holiday break, and then there’s the looooooong stretch without a day off until Spring Break finally hits and provides some relief just in time for the stress of finals.
Somehow, that all seems way easier to handle now that COVID-19 has been complicating things.
So here we are, out in the deep, trying to navigate these uncharted waters and figure out how to best complete the Spring semester. You may be feeling anxious faced with so many unknowns right now. We are too! The good news is -- we’re all in this together. And we’re here to help you come up with a plan to see you through.
LET'S GET STARTED!
MAKE A PLAN FOR INTERNET ACCESS
• Do you have reliable internet at home?
• If not, where can you get access for your coursework?
CHECK YOUR HUSKER EMAIL
• No more excuses - log in and check your @huskers.unl.edu email daily for important updates and messages from instructors.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS
• Husker email
• Office 365
• Canvas
• Zoom
• Skype
• Course materials (textbooks, notes, updated syllabi, etc.)
TURN ON CANVAS NOTIFICATIONS
• As instructors move courses online, there may be a lot more activity in Canvas. Click here to turn on notifications.
BOOKMARK UNL’S COVID19 INFO PAGE
• Keep up with the latest University updates and keep track of new info by visiting https://covid19.unl.edu.
LET'S GET ORGANIZED!
Faculty and staff have been working hard for the last two weeks to move all coursework online, which means you are likely waiting for some of the details you need to put a really solid plan in place. However, there are some things you can be doing now to prepare and help make the transition go more smoothly. Here are some things to think about:
EMAIL TRIAGE
A lot of email has probably hit your inbox already, and there’s going to be more as classes shift online. Now is the time to get organized!
• Check email daily (probably more)
• Create a folder for each class and sort messages regularly
• Email professors and support staff (like advisors and CAST coaches) with questions. We’re here to help!
PLAN YOUR TIME
If you’ve never mapped out a study schedule, no more excuses! If you’ve been rockin’ one all semester, it’s going to be time for an update.
• Print out a study schedule
• Make sure you’re dedicating enough time to each of your classes.
• Discuss your schedule with family/roommates and set boundaries if needed.
SET UP A STUDY SPACE
Some spaces are just better for studying than others (like studying in the library vs. sitting on your bed in your room). Now that you’re home, you might need to rethink your study space to maximize learning.
• Create a “distraction free” zone (no TV, put away phones, etc.)
• Get comfortable (but not too comfortable)
• Look for good lighting and keep things tidy.
CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIVE TEACHING
The Center for Transformative Teaching has also put together a great guide to get started with online, remote learning: "Keep Learning" - A Quickstart Guide to Learning in an Online Environment
ACADEMIC SUCCESS COACH MEETINGS
Academic Success Coaches are available to help you make the transition to remote instruction with 1-1 appointments via Zoom or telephone. You can make an individual appointment via MyPLAN, by calling 402-472-1880, or emailing success@unl.edu.
Coaches are also available to talk, answer questions, and provide you a space to practice Zoom in their CAST Lounge hours. You can view each coach's lounge link and schedule here: https://success.unl.edu/CAST_ZoomLounge_COVID.pdf