10 minute read
TIPS FOR STUDYING REMOTELY
A helpful guide which explains how to study and revise remotely and effectively.
With thanks to CIT Library
https://library.cit.ie
YOUR STUDY SPACE
Many students would normally find themselves studying in one of CIT’s campus libraries in the run up to exams. Unfortunately, this isn’t an option this year. As a result, it’s important that you identify a suitable place to study while you’re at home. If you’re fortunate enough to have a desk, that’s great, but any work-surface such as a kitchen table, counter space or even an ironing board or your bed – any space where you can sit comfortably and take notes - will also be fine. The important thing is that your space works for you. It might also be a good idea to let the rest of the people you are living with know that this is your personal study place as we approach exams. Do your best to keep this study space as clean and as orderly as you can. Keeping your space organized can help create a clear mind and help you be more effective when studying. But don’t worry if that is not case. Keep all the things that you need for study close at hand. This way you won’t waste valuable time looking for such items as books, study notes, your laptop or stationery.
”Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Theodore Roosevelt ESSENTIAL TOOLS
Studying remotely places different demands on you in terms of what you need to do your work. Before you begin to work do a quick check and ensure that you have the necessary tools for remote study: 1. A device to work on e.g. computer, laptop or tablet. 2. A reliable internet connection. 3. The right software to complete your assignments. If you don’t have these tools, contact your lecturers to see if alternative arrangements can be made for you. The CIT Covid 19 Support Portal also provides some excellent and in many cases essential resources for online learning, these can be viewed here...
https://covid19.cit.ie
Our colleagus in The CIT Disability Support Service (DSS Depart
ment) also have a wide array of software that CIT students can avail of remotely, these include: - Narration (Text To Speech)
Software - Dictation Software - Flashcard / Quizlet Software - Maths & Chemistry Writing
Software - Equatio - Online Mathematics
Resource - Touch Typing Tutor Software - Mind Mapping Software. For more information on these software packages, please contact our colleagues in the DSS Department.
http://www.mycit.ie/access_disability/disability-support-service
CANVAS is the space where you are most likely to find the most useful remote learning resources for your modules or find answers in relation to end-of-term exams, assignments, course content, notes, or presentation slides.
https://its.cit.ie/canvas
What’s expected of you in an online learning environment will be different than what has been expected of you in a class or lab setting on campus. Find out as early as you can what this means for your modules. Course Module Descriptors https://courses.cit.ie are also a great way to find out what’s expected of you, explore course content, recommended reading and much more.
Quick Tip: Don’t forget about the Library, TEL, Student Engagement and Disability Support Services. Each have expertise and resources, all of which are accessible remotely plus they’re always eager to help!
At this critical time of the year with assignment deadlines and end-ofterm exams on the horizon, it’s important that you continue to engage with your coursework online. It may be tempting but try not to treat this time as though you are “off.” Set out your day in a structured way as you would on campus. This is a challenge, as our environment influences our actions, but it is worth pushing through the discomfort to ensure you keep up with your work.
Library staff are now online from 9am until the later time of 8.00pm Monday to Friday starting on Monday 11th May until Friday 29th May to answer student queries. In the run up to exams we’ll also be online on Saturday 16th and Saturday 23rd May from 9.00am to 4.00pm.
library.info@cit.ie
ENGAGING ONLINE
During your online lectures, take notes and ask questions when something is unclear. It’s also important that you continue to read all material that is recommended by lecturing staff and supervisors. You should also read all prescribed reading material that is listed in the Course Module Descriptors lists.
https://courses.cit.ie Quick Tip 1:
Any notes that you take while reading may also prove useful at a later stage and during online Open-book Exams /Quizzes.
You can interact with fellow students via e-mail, mobile phone, social media or whatever online platform that works best for you. Your lecturers may already have set up a place for your class to engage on the CANVAS Learning Management System. It’s important that you use this resource so that the collaborative aspect of your course can be maintained while the Institute remains closed. Using resources like Canvas, you and your classmates can collaborate on individual documents, share notes and much more. Read more about how Canvas can help you at the following link...
ENGAGE WITH CLASSMATES
Quick Tip 2:
Keep notes that will be available to you offline. Things can go wrong like an internet connection being temporarily unavailable, your device not working or the resource you need being checked out of the library. Having a back up plan can alleviate what is already a very stressful time.
https://its.cit.ie/canvas
By staying in contact, you can help each other get through the semester and limit the level of isolation you may be feeling.
TIPS FOR STUDYING REMOTELY CREATING A TIMETABLE CONTINUED...
Creating a timetable will help you organize your time, schedule your breaks and is especially useful when you have multiple subjects to study. Write your schedule down so you can remember it and refer to it often. Set reasonable limits for how much time you spend studying each day and break your study session up into manageable amounts of time. It might also be a good idea to use a timer to help you keep track of time and to make sure you stick to the timetable that you’ve created. You could also download a dedicated Planner App that will allow you to create and manage your study timetable. Check out this usful list of top rated Planning Apps... https://appgrooves.com/rank/productivity/day-planner/best-day-planner-apps Microsoft Outlook & Google Calendar can also be used to help you manage your study time more effectively. The Union of Students in Ireland also provides a useful and free study guide and timetable which you can download here... https://usi.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ReCharge-Study-Guide-English.pdf
ACTIVE STUDYING
Active studying is as simple as asking questions before, during, and after study time. Not only does this help to give your study session direction, but it also helps keep you on track and reflect on how to improve for your next study session.
Questions that you should ask yourself before starting your study session
- What am I about to learn? - What do I already know about this subject?
Questions that you should ask yourself while studying
- How does this information fit into the bigger picture of my module or assignment? - Do I understand what I have just read? - Can I paraphrase it? - Are there any key words or ideas that I need to write down? Why are these words and ideas important?
Taking regular breaks when studying is essential. Now that you’re studying remotely you can build you study schedule around what works best for you in terms of your productivity but it’s still important to take regular breaks. Don’t try to force yourself to study when your brainpower isn’t at its peak. Try to study when you’re most alert, so you can process and retain the information that you are studying. Taking regular breaks from study allows you to stay mentally focused and ensures that you don’t become exhausted. Step away from your study notes and laptop once every hour and get some fresh air, talk to a friend over the phone or grab a tea/coffee. It’s also a good idea to take in some exercise between your study sessions to avoid back ache and pains related to staying in the one position for too long. Students can find some useful and simple exercising tips to avoid aches & pains
TAKING BREAKS
Questions to ask yourself when you’ve completed a study session
- What can I take away from this study session? - What do I need to review or learn during my next study session?
at the following Link... https://bit. ly/35V5J1x After a day of study, it’s a good idea to remove your study materials from your work area until the following day and enjoy the rest of your evening.
Your body and brain requires fuel and hydration to function efficiently. It can be difficult to focus when you’re hungry or dehydrated so remember to eat healthy food and take regular fluids to keep your mind and body in peak condition when studying for long periods of time in the run up to exams. Healthy Ireland provides very useful guides for healthy eating, maintaining your mental health and keeping active. Visit their website here... https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/healthy-ireland/
IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP
Students should aim to get a minimum of eight hours of sleep every night as we approach exam season. It’s the best way to ensure that the brain is refreshed and ready to process the information learned during the day. It may be tempting to stay up late and cram, but it’s far more beneficial to get enough rest. A full night’s sleep is especially important the night before an exam, a good night’s sleep makes you more alert and improves memory for test material, leading to better test results.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
This list is provided as suggestions of what may help you study. It isn’t definitive because there is no perfect or “right” way to study. If you feel things are getting on top of you the CIT Counselling Services has created a resource that may help you get through as best you can. You can find it here https://bit. ly/2Wrkrdv If you would like to avail of a session with the Counsilling Service you can email them at, counselling. admin@cit.ie. Emails are responded to during working hours, Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm. This is all new and you are learning how to adjust to your new study arrangements, so be kind to yourself, don’t put pressure on yourself. There is no particular way that you are expected to react to this situtation. Just try to keep going as best you can. Experiment with some of what we have suggested and see how it feels. If something doesn’t work move on and try something else. Below is a sound piece of advice about how to work through a daunt
ing task. Break the task down and just take it one step at a time.
Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report written on birds that he’d had three months to write, which was due the next day. We were out at our family cabin in Bolinas, and he was at the kitchen table close to tears, surrounded by binder paper and pencils and unopened books about birds, immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. Then my father sat down beside him put his arm around my brother’s shoulder, and said, “Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird. Anne Lamott
ASK FOR SUPPORT ”
At this busy time of the year for students and especially with the current coronavirus restrictions, please remember to talk to somebody if you need advice, support or assistance. Lecturing staff, library staff and other CIT Support Services are online during the week to offer you essential support and guidance. Useful Support Services for Students that are all available to contact remotely...
Contact CIT Library Staff
