If you’re anything like me, you skipped 87% of your classes this virtual semester (even though HEC recommends at least 75% attendance for it to be considered a full semester taken). You also probably copied all course work (because it’s virtual) from your friends instead of doing it yourself. And the longer ones you didn’t even attempt. And if you’re exactly like me, you probably wrote emails to professors stating how not only inadequately equipped you were to submit the quiz on time but how you also had all the cursed diseases from The Mummy along with Covid-19. So, I’ve compiled a list of things to do and not to do so that there isn’t any question about how to take a digital semester (I hope you got the reference).
Take Classes
This part couldn’t be simple enough. Try your absolute best to take as many classes as you can this virtual semester whether live or recorded. It allows you to go through a good chunk of the syllabus before you have to study for the finals. Or at the very least it allows you to be AWARE of what’s happening so that you’re not 100% clueless near the end.
The major criticism we often hear is that you don’t understand or learn anything in online classes. But believe me while the person delivering the lecture may not be a tech geek, they have enough experience with the subject that prevents them from speaking gibberish. Give it a chance. You won’t regret it at all.
Do Your Own Work
I understand the need to get a good grade so I won’t stop you from copying assignments (I’d be as effective as Smokey the Bear anyway). But at least attempt to do yourself. Not only will it prepare you for any kind of final assessments but it’s actually more rewarding when you do submit and get good marks by yourself.
Study
Yes, study in this online semester. Just like you would do in a regular semester, take time out and study. Download the course outline, look up the topics and pick up the book. Honestly, just an hour or two every week per course is all you need for a more than decent GPA.
Trust
I think this is the most important reason. We often lose faith in the system. We think of a list of factors which prevents us from getting a good grade. Those could range from unstable internet connectivity to the teacher not being tech savvy enough. This prevents us from going through the regular channels on which we usually work on. Even though this is a virtual semester, it shouldn’t change how we do things.
Conclusion
In the end I think we just have ourselves to blame for bad performance. We think of this being too much out of the ordinary but really this can become the new ordinary. Our schedules for the next semester show certain teachers opting for full online semesters. This opens up new possibilities. While studying in a university in Karachi, we can possibly take courses from teachers from other cities or even other countries. Life is changing. Isn’t of simply completing semesters, we should try to adopt to this new way of life in a positive manner.
