Study from home? Here are some tips to help you hit your new virtual university!
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Being a medical student is difficult – even in normal times. Throw in a global pandemic, and graduation from medical school might feel like an unattainable goal. With COVID-19 closing many universities and the Association of American Medical Colleges recommending that the vast majority of medical schools graduate online, many students struggle to get the most out of their education and graduate.
With health professionals in high demand across the country (and around the world), now is not the time to give up your dreams just because you are unable to attend classes in person. Instead, it's time to put on your favorite scrub jacket and start conquering your virtual university in earnest. Read on to find some tips that can help medical students with COVID.
Accept the current reality
As someone who embarked on a career in healthcare, you have likely spent years imagining what college would be like. And chances are you didn't spend countless hours at home alone staring at a computer screen in your visions. This may especially be the case if you go back to school after a personal degree or become an accelerated BSN program second degree through on-campus classes.
Although your dreams of personal tuition may have been dashed, the first step is to let go of your previous expectations and embrace the current reality. It is perfectly normal to find yourself disappointed when your studies are postponed online. However, try to replace your disappointment with gratitude that modern technology makes it possible to continue your studies amid a global pandemic. Sometimes that simple change in perception is enough to help you get through your toughest days.
Set a schedule for online learning
During “normal” times, the classes have scheduled start and end times. Students are expected to be in specific classes on specific days and times. With online learning, however, there tends to be a lot more freedom to plan. While you may have to turn in assignments on certain days, there may not be a set time to go through the class. For many students, this can be problematic.
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If you want to be successful while teaching online, time management should be a top priority. Don't postpone studying or working on an assignment just because you don't have to be in a classroom at some point. Exceptional time management skills are one of the most important characteristics of successful online learners. If you are struggling with this, take steps to strengthen your skills as soon as possible. While online courses offer a great deal of flexibility, it's important to stick to a schedule. Falling into random learning patterns can reduce your efficiency and make it difficult for you to keep track of your classes. Make up a schedule and stick to it, just as you would stick to a traditional class schedule if you were to attend medical school in person.
Pay close attention to the instructions
Online classes are different from classes for students and teachers alike. If you started medical school in person and have had to switch to virtual teaching, you need to be prepared for the fact that your teachers have different requirements than in the classroom. This is especially important for courses that traditionally take place in person and without online components, such as: B. Anatomy courses. Pay close attention to the instructions you receive. If you have any questions or don't understand the requirements, ask. Remember, your teachers are also studying as they go. Some may have never taught online courses before and may have difficulty translating in-person lessons into lessons that work in an online environment. Be patient, ask questions when needed, and follow the directions carefully.
Connect with your colleagues
For many students, one of the most difficult aspects of online learning is not being able to interact with other students in person. Even in an online classroom, it is still possible – and advisable – to connect with your colleagues. Use online discussion forums or video conferencing to get in touch with your fellow students. This will allow you to learn from each other and overcome the feelings of isolation that can come from completing courses online rather than in person. Even if you're just talking about your personal life or the best scrubs, making connections is important.
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When you are struggling with a task, connecting with your classmates is important. While your teacher should be available for clarification, working with your fellow students is one of the best ways to deepen your understanding of the subject and complete your work. Consider forming or participating in an online study group. While it's not quite the same as meeting colleagues in the library, having an online study group helps create a feeling that online community education is often lacking. Whether your school's online platform has space to connect with your fellow students or you are setting up a study group through social media, connecting with your peers should be a priority. Remember: you can also connect with other faculty members online. If you have a problem, the best way to go is to contact the appropriate faculty member via email or other online method for help while you are enrolled in a virtual university.
Conclusion
Attending medical school online is a unique and challenging experience for many students. However, one of the great things is that it is an opportunity to learn what the future of medicine is likely to be like. With telemedicine services increasing in number, Internet use is likely to be an important part of patient care throughout your career. While online medical school may not give you everything you need to know about the future of telehealth, it does help you gain experience in remote health care.
Whether you are just starting medical school or nearing the end of your education, it is possible to achieve your goals – even in a world plagued by COVID-19. With patience, perseverance and commitment, you can complete your education and conquer your virtual university.
