5 Steps to Maximize Virtual Learning w/ ADHD + Zoom Tips [2021]
Ahhhhhh ”Virtual Learning” — This phrase either makes you relieved or cringingly exhausted at the thought of it. For some of us, the flexibility of Zoom classes and their ability to allow you to learn and work at your OWN pace is a breath of fresh air and our grades are doing way better than when we were sitting in geometry with our best friend and (let’s face it) not really paying attention because we’re laughing too hard.
Or you may be apart of the other camp, where the virtual classroom has become a significant burden and you can’t wait until the pandemic is over and everything can go back to normal. There’s also a third option where you feel a little bit of both. Either way, we could all use some help in learning to navigate and manage our new “stay-at-home ife” and anything that takes a little stress of our overflowing plates is absolutely needed. That’s why we’ve put together 6 steps to nailing the virtual classroom and making the most out of it, with the least amount of stress and time. These are a combination of the best tips that we’ve found in our research from e-learning pros at UVA, Northeastern University and Zoom.
Set A Space
Location. Location. Location.
The space you choose to work in matters and it makes a huge difference when you designate a space for a task versus not having a designated space for a task. Being mindful about working in a quiet, distraction-free room you can use at any time of the day. Your study “environment” includes minimizing distractions from electronic devices like tablets and phones. I recommend turning notifications off and put them on “do not disturb” mode. Whatever you do, make sure it supports your study routine. As an online learner, your environment needs to be a top priority because it contributes a ton to your success (or lack of success). If you live in a smaller home or apartment this can be a little harder but it isn’t hard to work around. You might consider designating a corner of a room or a time of day to have a space to yourself for a few hours (let your family know). I would even recommend a pair of noise cancelling headphones for this if you have a more active house or investing in a pair by asking your parents (Since these will be meant to help you with school, they should be open to it)
Speaking of routines…you need to have one. This brings us right into the next step on how to make the most out of virtual learning .
2. Nail A Routine
Not planning and trying to manage online classes without a routine is like trying to catch papers in a tornado. A lot harder than it needs to be. Having a regular routine that you do everyday when you sit down at the computer, in your study space will help you to keep your head spinning, keep your classes and your work 10x more manageable and easy to do. Keep in mind that a little bit of organization and planning can go a long way. Your study space will help you to naturally develop a routine but for example, your routine might be something like this:
Example Study Routine #1
1) I grab a snack and then sit down at the kitchen table
2) I pull out my planner and check what assignments are due and when
3) Then I pull textbook for the math (always the first subject I work on because it takes the most amount of time and I want to do it the least)
4) I pull out my worksheet and calculator then work through my problems for math
5) I check my answers (if they’re available)
6) Circle problem questions that I need to go over with my tutor
7) Then I repeat for my other subjects
In this kid’s routine, their designated study space is the kitchen table. Your routine might not be exactly the same as this one, but you should have a few things that you do every single time you sit down to study. Over time, this will trick your brain into shifting into “pay attention” mode.
3. Participate Actively
Now this isn’t a tip for when you’re studying but more for when you’re actually in the class. With this one it’s pretty straightforward— the more you participate actively the better you do. If you go through the class and you’re just sitting there for 45 minutes and staring at the screen, not taking notes, not asking any questions, answering any questions or working out the practice problems — Thats’s a BAD sign. You want to be participating in the class even though you’re not there physically, as If you were in the FRONT of the classroom raising your hand and answering questions. In Zoom you can actually do this and I highly recommend taking advantage of Zooms “reactions” and chat feature. You can raise your hand, indicate your teacher to go slower or faster and even answer yes or no to questions. You can also use the chat feature to ask/answer questions and make comments. Take advantage of these features because participating in the class with your full attention will allow you to hold on to what you learn better and do better in the class and with your grades. This goes back to having a designated, distraction free study space that makes giving your full attention to the class- easy.
4. Use Zoom’s HIDDEN features
Last but not least we have a tech tip for kids who are taking their classes on zoom this year. Many do not know this, but Zoom has many “hidden” accessibility features that can make online learning easier for those with and without additional needs. These hidden features are so easy to take advantage of and extremely useful for everyone. Some of the features we find most useful are Automatic Transcripts, Video Rearranging, Auto Closed Captioning and Screen Reader Support. Find our more about these features and how to use them in your next class here.
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5. Incorporate movement Breaks + Get Creative
Plan ahead for movement breaks while you’re studying. Sitting in one spot for a prolonged period of time feels like a prison sentence to a kid diagnosed with ADHD. Plan walks, jumping jacks, or just jump around for 10 minutes while you’re studying or in between classes. Take advantage of being at home with practically no one watching and move around — even take this time to dance like nobody’s watching! This will get your blood flowing, oxygenate your brain and make it easier to focus for the rest of the time. This is also the time to experiment and get creative with where you take your classes. If your room offers the least distractions then stick with it, but if you find that being outdoors like I the backyard relaxes and focuses you don’t be afraid to switch it up
We hope that these strategies help you develop your own plan for crushing the virtual classroom this year. We know it’s a difficult and uncertain time for kids and their parents right now so we’ll keep providing ways to help! If you enjoyd these subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on events, tips and promotions and more.
