By Chris Colton, Director of Communications and Marketing
In June 2008, I landed my (then) dream job at a well-known New York City radio station. For two months, each and every day I entered the building, I thanked my lucky stars. I’m here. I’ve made it. I’m surrounded by all this incredible talent, and I’m holding my own.
Then, unexpectedly, circumstances changed. In August, I told the station’s brass that I had to leave, move upstate to some place north of Albany, and be with family. Incredibly, they told me that I could do my job online—160 miles away. What?!
Fast-forward: the job was going well, and I was given a team to manage remotely. At the same time I was taking some courses online, thinking maybe someday I’d like to become a math teacher. (The classes were awesome. I did well. But the math teacher thing wasn’t happening.) In 2015, I emerged from my remote-work environment and joined Albany Law School. Suddenly, here I am again, working from home.
Along the way, I’ve stumbled across some little changes that have made a big difference for me. Of course, we all have unique challenges. But hear me out. Try one or more of these tips. They may help you adjust to—and make the most of—learning from a distance.
1. Create a routine.
Treat the time before class the same way you would as if you were traveling to school.
What does your typical morning look like? Do you get up early to shower, have coffee, catch up on social, and get dressed? Don’t change anything!
What is your typical routine before afternoon classes? Do you have lunch and talk with a friend? Don’t change anything!
I’m no expert (not even close) in human behaviors. But I’m telling you, having a real-deal morning routine put my mind in the zone for work. Every day. Without fail.
2. Keep a dedicated working space, if possible.
I was lucky to have a room with a door. You might have a room, too. Or maybe you have to log on from your couch, on your coffee table, or on the kitchen counter. The important thing is that you try to do your work in the same space, from the same place, every time you log on—if possible.
To me, having a “work place” told my brain that, hey, this is where I get stuff done. This is go time.
And just as important: having a “work place” also meant that I was OFF WORK when I left it. When I’m not in that room, I’m with my friends and my family. It’s “me time.” I’m leaving work behind, in that space, until tomorrow.
3. Make ground rules.
Most organizations have “telecommuting” or “remote work” policies—a set of rules for employees to follow when not on site.
The question for my colleagues—and a question for you, our students—is this: do you have a policy for yourself? Do you have a policy for the people who share your space?
If not, think about what your personal “remote learning” policy might look like.
For example, when I was taking those online calculus courses, my policy was this: when I’m in class or doing course work, don’t talk to me. You just got a crazy text? Tell me later. There’s a horse-drawn carriage outside full of clowns juggling bowling pins? Cool. Take a video. Show me later. A simple policy.
Another example: I’m working from home today, as I will next week and maybe some time after that. I now have a 5 year old. Here’s my policy for him: You can come downstairs and ask what I’m working on. I’ll take a few minutes to show you and explain it a little. (I think that’s great that he’s curious.) But then, it’s time to go back upstairs. When I’m done explaining, I have to start working again. A simple policy.
What rules do you want yourself—and those around you—to follow? Write them down. Talk about them. And stick to them.
4. Take advantage of technology.
AOL Instant Messenger. That’s the technology that I used to stay in touch with my bosses and my colleagues every day. This wasn’t that long ago! (Does AIM still exist?!)
Today we have so many great tools. I’m watching Professor David Walker and Professor Mary Lynch give us a tour through the 19th Amendment exhibit on Zoom, as I type this. Incredible.
Take advantage of this technology! Make a standing meeting for you and your friends to catch up via Zoom. Break up the monotony of your day. Bring some socialization to your social distancing.
And for you students, Zoom is a great tool to set up study groups!
5. Stay positive.
I mean this in two ways:
First, try to make the best of this time. Lean on each other. Lift each other up. Seek out resources, like the information on this great blog. And take the time for self-care.
Second, in written communication, keep your sentences simple, clear, and positive! Understanding irony may come second nature to us when we can see each other’s faces and read each other’s reactions—but some of those important indicators are lost via email or text. Instead, aim for clarity. Keep it light. Keep it positive!
Those are my tips. I did this (or something like it) for a long time. I can tell you that it worked for me.
By making some small adjustments, and experimenting on your own, you’ll find what works for you, too.