As law students across the country are shifting to online learning for a period of time, it is critically important to establish and maintain good habits at the outset. If you plan to learn and study at home, consider setting both mental and physical boundaries.
Be mindful that distance learning is just as time consuming as in-person learning. I have received a few student messages today saying things like, “now that I’ll have more time ….” No, no, no. This can only be true if you are eliminating a long commute to and from law school each day. Otherwise, the time will be the same. The time has to be the same because ABA standards apply (2 hours of outside work for every 1 hour in class). These ABA time requirements still apply when you learn online.
This is far from a vacation. As jubilant as some students were when they heard the news, it seemed as though the law school was giving away As for no work. I’m picturing an enthusiastic Oprah shouting, “You get an A; you get an A.” Online, the responsibility for learning falls squarely on students’ shoulders. Whether you have synchronous or asynchronous classes, it is on you to make sure you are engaged and getting the most out of the experience. You may be tempted to be less disciplined with devices; for example, asking if the professor will really know if you are staring at your phone while listening. The answer is: it doesn’t matter. Whether or not the professor knows (and, incidentally, there are many ways to track student use), you know. And you are responsible for the material during assessments (both in law school and on the bar exam).
Make and stick to a routine. Find out when and how your classes will take place. You need to develop a “new normal.” And with so few weeks in the semester, you need to find that normal quickly. This not only includes your online course requirements, but also your designated study time. Set a schedule and stick to it. Use the Pomodoro technique to ensure efficiency and concentration. Avoid letting your daily chores impede your time for learning and studying. In other words, don’t watch and listen to a recorded PowerPoint presentation while folding your laundry. If you wouldn’t do it in the physical classroom, don’t do it in the virtual classroom. If you are a morning person, continue to wake up early. If you find dressing professionally makes you more attentive in class, then do that. If you work out daily, continue to do so. Don’t make the mistake of picking up extra work hours to make more money. You have invested a substantial amount of time and money in your legal education, so don’t sell yourself short.
Give yourself a physically-defined space. Whether it is at a desk, a table, or in your favorite chair, designate a physical space for law school. This will help you be in the right mindset, putting aside your distractions from home. To the extent possible, make it a quiet space away from roommates or family members.
Remind your friends and family that you are still at school, albeit virtually. Make sure that the people in your life know that you aren’t free to run errands or go out to lunch. You are “at school” studying, and they need to respect that boundary.
Don’t go it alone. Although we are practicing “social distancing,” it doesn’t mean you need to ditch a study group or a study partner. Use Skype, zoom, google docs, or even the phone to engage with your classmates. Keep one another motivated to stay on task. Additionally, law school resources continue to be available remotely. Whether you need academic coaching or have a financial aid question, school resources are still available to you. Please use them.
As a student said to me yesterday, “sometimes curveballs bring the best learning experiences.” Continue to be the professional student you are in a professional school setting, and you should be just fine. Stay well.