10 Remote Learning Tips
1. Get Help with your Technology
- Find information on Tech Support
- If you need to reach UCR's tech help, send an email to BearHelp@ucr.edu
- You can find answers to frequently asked questions at ask.ucr.edu
- Apply for UCR's Loan2Learn initiative if you need a laptop or hotspot
2. Familiarize yourself with the Learning Management System (LMS)
3. Check all your devices thoroughly
- Be sure your laptop or tablet has good battery health and you are able to access your courses
- Download Zoom, or any other apps you need for your courses on every device, so you are always able to connect to your course, instructor, and classmates wherever and whenever you want.
- For technical support and other resources, visit the ITS website.
4. Review each syllabus carefully
- Read each syllabus for every class completely so you know your responsibilities, your assignments, and all the resources available for your course.
- Take note of important dates and assignment deadlines.
- Check your syllabus several times a week to ensure you stay on top of your course and due dates.
5.Manage your time effectively
- Use a planner, app, or calendar to keep track of class meetings, assignment due dates, and office hours or special group sessions.
- Start early and work mindfully. Anticipate obstacles with technology or your personal or work deadlines.
- Avoid procrastination. Last-minute catching up can contribute to unwanted and unnecessary stress.
- Computers crash, printers fail, the software can glitch, and assignments can take longer than expected.
- Visit the ARC for workshops and information on time management. For more information on time management and links to helpful apps, visit our Time Management page.
6. Take lecture & reading notes skillfully
- Ask questions if your instructor permits. Active listening and responding helps improve your note-taking skills.
- Devise a note-taking system that works for you and stay consistent. Also, review your notes right after class or within a short time period to stay on topic of the material.
- For asynchronous (recorded) lectures; rewind, stop, review, and take notes.
7. Attend virtual office hours
- Most office hours are being held virtually (online). Take advantage of this opportunity and get to know your instructors. They are there to help you.
- Email your instructor directly if you need a different time to meet.
8. Connect with your classmates
- Hang out on Zoom, Slack (coming soon!), or Google Meet. Even though you are not on campus, you can meet your classmates virtually!
- Conduct group projects through these apps so you can enjoy each other's company and share ideas in real-time. Visit the Online Study Groups page for more information and resources.
- Other ways to get connected and engaged: Highlander Link, Ethnic & Gender programs, Student Engagement, Freshman Collective, and Student Life.
9. Manage your expectations
- Remote learning takes more planning because it is less familiar to you. Remember to take your time.
- Plan time for your relaxation, chatting with friends and family, and your alone time.
- Be mindful, slow down. Think things through.
- Give yourself a break. Alter expectations as circumstances change.
- Notify your instructor(s) if you have an issue.
- Reach out to professionals at couseling.ucr.edu if you need to talk or are feeling overly stressed.
- Be kind to yourself. This is an unusual time for everyone.
- Even though the Rec Center is closed, they do offer online group exercise classes.
10. Apply for Accommodations
- Remote learning provides the same accommodations as face to face learning. If needed, please contact the Student Disability Resource Center at sdrc.ucr.edu.