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Studying Online: Online learning

Learning Online

Most of your lectures will be delivered using Panopto or the Zoom. Here are some tips on getting the most out of the experience. More advice (e.g. considering our wellbeing when learning online) is available for BU Students in the Brightspace - Me@BU: Online Learning @BU section.

Watching the lecture

Try to give yourself a routine and a structure to your day. Schedule a time to watch the video or webcast. Look at our time management resources to get some hints and tips on planning your learning.

  • Make sure that you get rid of any distractions. Turn off your phone and tell anyone living with you that you should not be disturbed.
  • Take regular breaks, don't watch several lectures back to back.
  • Make sure that you get up and move around at regular intervals, ideally every 30 minutes.
  • Take care of your eyes - look away from the screen every 20 minutes and focus on a distant object for 2-3 minutes.

Making notes

Make notes in the same way that you would in a live lecture - see our Reading & Notetaking  Study Skills Guide for more help with notetaking.

If you are watching a recording of a lecture make a note of the time stamp on the screen. Add it next to your notes and then you will be able to go back to a particular section if you need to.

Revisit your notes soon after taking them - make sure that they make sense to you! Add any extra notations where needed and possible areas to research further.

Is your device ready?

Getting your device ready

Whenever you are taking part in an online lecture/seminar or webinar, it is important you get your device ready beforehand.

You may have to download specific software, so check any information you have been sent and do this in good time. If you are intending to join on a mobile device you may need to go to your app store to do this.

Check the instructions you were given to join, does it include a link to somewhere you can test your device? If so, this will allow you to check you can hear and see everything OK well before you have to do it for real.

At the very least you will need to be able to hear your tutor, so make sure the device you are using has speakers or that you can attach headphones. Check these are enabled and you have not muted them

Whilst it is often possible to follow a webinar on your phone, you may find it harder to type into chat windows - so if you can get access to a laptop or a tablet this may be the time to ask. If you cannot, don't worry, you can at least follow along.

If you use an online calendar, add the webinar as an event and put the link you are sent into the location or the notes section. That way you are not scrabbling around looking back in your email inbox to find it when you need it.

Creative Commons License  adapted from University of Hull Remote Learning Skills Guide


Accessing the technology

Before you join an online lecture or seminar you need to make sure that you have access to the appropriate software. Follow this useful guide on Brightspace for help with -

  • Submitting assignments online
  • Accessing your assignment feedback
  • How to join a Panopto live webcast
  • How to join a Zoom session
  • Using a discussion board

Further help and support

Can't access your units?
Can't access your unit materials?
Having problems submitting online?

If you have any issues with Brightspace, or have other IT related queries please contact the IT Service Desk.

                                                       Report your problem online or chat to the Service Desk

Alternatively, call (01202) 965515
Or Freephone: 0808 196 2332