How do you prepare for an online assessment during a COVID 19 Pandemic? (Part 2)

Below are tips you can use to successfully adjust your study habits during the transition to fully online learning.

1. Stay organized throughout the semester. This will assist you when it comes to exams. Also, look ahead to understand your important assignment or exam dates. Typically, online classes run in a modular format, where there isn't the same structure as a traditional face-to-face class. At times, you may not have a visual reminder of what exams or assignments are approaching. Students must organize their time in an online course.
2. Consider Your Learning Style: Different learners learn in different ways, so determine what types of information help you comprehend new concepts and develop relevant study strategies. If you're an auditory learner, for example, record lecture notes and listen to them during study sessions.
3. Plan your workload: Divide the hours you spend reading, watching lectures, writing assignments and studying into chunks per week. Put a timer on to remind yourself that you need to complete each task and give yourself permission to move on to the next task once the time is up.
4. Know What to Study: When it comes to studying for finals, having a list of main topics from the course and key chapters from your textbook can make a world of difference. Be sure to listen to what the professors say about the test's format and topics. Depending on the focus indicated, you may want to prioritize certain chapters over others.
5. Learn concepts instead of just words: Review course notes, marked essays, lecture videos, and important reference materials. Focus on learning concepts and ideas rather than memorizing the text. .With open book exams, you can show that you have applied what you have studied. During a test, hunting for sources can be distracting even though this takes some pressure off. One solution is to make summary sheets with key ideas, quotes and analysis. This active revision helps you understand and remember information, and also makes it easier to find what you need during the exam.
6. Eliminate Distractions: Set up a dedicated learning environment for studying. By completing your work there repeatedly, you’ll begin to establish a routine. When choosing a workspace, try to limit distractions as much as possible, both physically and online. Turn off your mobile phones, television, email, or other notifications or keep them in silent mode. Let your family members and your siblings know that you are giving an online test and ask them not to interrupt you during the exam.
7. Avoid Cramming: It is best not to cram the day before your examination. The day before your exam you should spend some time revising, go to bed early, and stay relaxed. The rest will give your brain a chance to rejuvenate, which will eventually translate into better exam performance.
8. Knowing the test guidelines is crucial: In addition to the time and date of the test, students should be aware of the length of the test, the type of questions (open-ended, multiple choice, matching, or fill in the blank) and any other important instructions.
9. Study well: As with any exam, you should be thorough with your preparation. While online learning may not have been your first choice, embracing the advice outlined in this article can help you get the most out of your courses.
10. Manage your time: Developing a plan, allocating the right time for the right activity, and developing a schedule allows you to use your time efficiently. Determine when you are most productive and set aside a specific number of hours per subject.
11. Create groups with peers: You can use several free web-based tools, such as Zoom or Skype, for coordinating video calls with groups of people. Utilize these programs to form study groups with your classmates so that you can quiz one another, analyze texts together, and exchange study tips. In addition to keeping in touch with your classmates, you will also be able to maintain the collaborative nature of your class. You may also find that social contact reduces the feeling of isolation while studying alone. You will stay on topic if you plan ahead what you will talk about. Keep on topic as much as you can.
12. Communicate often with your professor or instructor: Just as you should communicate with your classmates and groupmates, it's critical that you do the same. Reach out to your professor for help with assignments or to let them know where you are struggling. Perhaps an email once a week or even every few days to ensure you are aware of any developments in your courses or to help build a relationship.
13. Engage in your courses as much as possible: Whether you're taking courses online or in person, participation is crucial. Active participation demonstrates to your professor that you are engaged, that you are learning, and that you are willing to put forth the effort necessary to achieve success. Many perceive education as a passive process, but participation transforms it into an active one.
14. Read instructions carefully: Make sure you understand the question and each answer fully before you take your tests for your online courses. When you answer a question, you should also read it again afterward.
15. Look at your computer: Make sure that your computer or laptop and wireless connection are ready before the exam. Check and recheck that your computer or laptop is working properly to best avoid last-minute technical glitches. Verify that your equipment has the minimum hardware and software requirements for the test. The risk of accidentally terminating your exam and possibly losing results can be minimized if these technical issues are sorted out beforehand. Stay calm when faced with technical difficulties.
16. Stay focused: If you are stuck on a test question, keep working and come back to it later. Maintaining a steady pace is imperative when taking a test, especially when your time is limited. You can gain confidence and get an understanding of the test material by answering simple questions first. You may also find that you need to refer back to earlier questions later to answer subsequent questions, so you may be able to answer them correctly
17. Review your work: Verify that your answers are correct before submitting your test. Do not leave any blanks. Connect related questions if needed. Correct spellings and grammar errors.
18. Be flexible: Flexibility is key to success in online learning, for both you and your classmates—including your professors. In the same way that you transitioned into online learning, your instructors had to switch to remote teaching too. It is possible to recreate the community you had on campus just by demonstrating empathy, participating in your course material, and talking with your classmates and instructor.
19. Although it's no longer a memory test, other skills are also being tested, so it's important to prepare. If you get stressed, interrupted, or distracted during the assessment, take a break. Move, stretch, or take a break. You can do this!