Doing CS Remote?

Classes around the globe have gone 'remote', meaning for many that course meetings are either not happening, or are being recorded and placed on Zoom. School feels different now, and there are new distractions that make getting coursework done really hard. And so how do you possibly complete your 20 hour CS PSET when you are anxious about COVID, are in a new environment, haven't really been keeping up with lecture, and can't go in to office hours for help?

We at Edlyft have two suggestions— commit to Sunday planning and create course accountability crews.

Commit to Sunday planning

Sunday planning is relatively straightforward. You'll go through two main questions— what do I want to accomplish this week, and when will I do those things?

1. Create a list of the assignments, projects, and tests coming up in the next week or so.
2. Create a list of the things you'd like to get done in light of those deadlines (i.e. study topics X, Y, Z for my midterm on Thursday).
3. Go back to step 2, and put in an estimate for how each item will take you. Add 25-50% buffer to your estimate.
4. Decide when you will complete these things. Look at your calendar for the next week. In light of your scheduled "classes" and other obligations make realistic decisions about when you'll actually get your work done.
5. Add your work sessions to your calendar. This final piece is critical! This will also open up extra time for you. Those blocks of time when you're not supposed to be "in lecture" or working on an assignment? Kickback.

Create Accountability Crews

Similar to Sunday planning, your accountability crew is really all about helping you stay sane and oriented around your goals in this time of change.

1. Think of some people you wouldn't mind having light communication with every day. Maybe your old roommate or lab partner. These can be people who you did coursework with or people who were just friends
2. Decide which goals you want some extra accountability on. This could be for watching your CS lecture every Tuesday and Thursday before 1pm, or maybe reading the spec for your new assignment within 24 hours of it being released.
3. Decide which people you’d like to have as accountability buddies for each goal.
4. Hit them up and decide on timing and methods for check-in. Your check-ins can be done over the phone, a simple— "Let’s talk on Tuesdays at 2p and read the spec together after it’s released Monday nights" or through text — "I'm going to text you on Monday night after I've read my CS assignment spec. If I haven't messaged you by 9p, ask me about it."  Relationships like this work especially well when they're mutual, and so make sure your partner communicates a goal they have with you, too.

If you want some guidance on how to get these things done well, try Edlyft. Edlyft will help you get these things (and CS generally) under control.   

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