We can all agree that this year has been crazy and we are finding ourselves shifting to a new world of virtual interaction, including our organization. I’ll be the first to admit that at times it can be dreadful to sit at a screen all day long, so I wanted to share with y'all tips and tricks that have worked for me. I hope that through this blog post you can find ways to not dread virtual learning.
It’s What You Make It - Be Positive
While situations in our lives may not be ideal, they’ll only be as good as we make them. If we aspire to gain knowledge through a meeting, conference, or whatever it may be: we must have a positive mindset to set us up for success. Being a “Negative Nancy” will make us dread every moment. Then, we won’t take anything away from the experience.
Engage Yourself
I’ve found that the best way to gain the most out of an experience is to engage with the speakers, activities, and content. This allows us to think about the information being presented and enjoy our time.
Read Emails
If I could give you one piece of advice that would make virtual experiences run more smoothly on your end this would be it. Oftentimes, email or social media platforms are filled with crucial information about online events. This is so important to recognize and apply when communicating virtually.
Take Breaks
It’s okay to take breaks. Occasionally, virtual learning can be long and when we push ourselves too far that’s when we miss out on opportunities because we aren’t focused. When we find ourselves overwhelmed, we should do an activity that will allow us to decompress. This may include taking a walk, watching an episode of netflix, listening to music, etc. This looks different for each of us, but plays a vital role in ensuring we get the most out of our experiences.
Find a Space to Work That Best Suits You
Our workplace plays a large role in our mood. I recommend being in a clutter free area that is comfortable and try to minimize distractions, such as our phones, “to-do” lists, etc. When I see my “to-do” list I immediately want to work on it, so eliminating distractions like those allow us focus on what’s at hand.
Dress for the Occasion
While pajamas are comfortable, I’ve found that getting dressed and ready for the day allows me to be more productive and focused. My friend Mackenzie and I say “look good, feel good, show good” when we go to sheep shows. This same mindset works for virtual learning. If we look good then we will feel good and eventually do good, so be sure to get dressed for the occasion (even if it’s virtual).
Ask Questions
Virtual events and programs can be confusing at times. When we have questions it's helpful to reach out to those in charge through a simple email or phone call. Organizations want to make sure you have the best experience possible! Even in a normal world statements are misunderstood, so it's even more important to ask questions when we have them. These questions can be asked before, during, and even after the event!
Give Grace
Recognize we’re all navigating through a virtual world together. Give grace to those who are doing their best because I promise they genuinely care for you. Plus, giving grace benefits both parties.
I hope these tips help you succeed during virtual learning. It’s okay to have a bad day because above all we have to take care of ourselves first. At the same time, we must recognize that the same goes for those providing virtual opportunities. Instructors aren’t always going to have it together either, so let’s be thankful for the opportunities presented to us. Besides, where would we be if we were stuck in quarantine and didn't have all these virtual opportunities to carry on with our lives? Let's make it fun together!
Kylie Schakel
2020-21 IN FFA State Secretary
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