Virtual school is more popular than ever these days–so much so that now, many kids who began virtual education as a result of COVID-19 are now attending virtual or remote schooling part- or full-time. And while most people think that attending school on a screen is a piece of cake, not all parts of virtual school are easy for many kids–and one of those factors is note-taking.

Considering that I’ve been attending virtual school for nearly 6 years, you could say that I’m pretty experienced with creating a note-taking system. And I’d like to help new virtual students–or students who just want a more organized way to study–to do the same. Here are 5 quick tips that will help steer every remote student onto the road to note-taking mastery! Let’s get started!

1. Use your resources

One of the many benefits of being a virtual student is that we have so many different ways to learn and study at the click of a button. In case you are still learning how to navigate your online education platform, ask your teacher if there’s any guided notes (meaning notes that outline lectures, but allow students to fill in the blanks with material found in a lesson), tutorials, or other helpful resources to help you with your notetaking and studying. And don’t forget to take advantage of opportunities to ask your teachers questions through tutoring sessions, live lessons with your instructor and fellow students, or your teacher’s contact information.

Online education gives us so many methods to seeking the help we need: all we have to do is use them.

2.Write down the highlights of each lesson

I know, I know. How exactly are you supposed to tell which parts of each lesson are truly important? Well, the truth is, sometimes it can be hard as a virtual student. But the number one thing that helps me is asking myself, “What do I think is going to be on the test?” and “Is this something that I think is important?” When we think about the definitions or topics that we will likely be tested on in the future, or simply what that we think we will need to know, it becomes a little easier to see what is truly worth jotting down and what isn’t.

3. Find your own style

The truth is, the style of notes that are best suited for helping us remember our subject’s material depends on the person. Some students prefer to split their pages in two, where one side is for definitions and the other is for important notes. While others like to use lists, bullet points, and headings to keep their notes organized. And people like me may just make up a style of their own. Either way, make sure that you are taking your notes in a way that will be the most helpful to your learning. After all, you’re the one who’ll have to use your notes for the rest of the year.

4. Write like you talk

I’m not sure who is responsible for writing our lessons, but–even though they do an awesome job–sometimes we need to reword the important information the way we would explain it to a friend. The way we talk is a reflection of the way that we process information. This means that reading notes that are written in our own words is the best way to help us truly absorb the information that we learn.

5. Consider color-coding

Not only is this a method that I love, but many students (both in-person and virtual) do as well. Bright colors from markers such as highlighters are meant to catch our attention. So if there’s anything that you jot down and feel like you’ll need to revisit later, make it stand out with some color. Not only is it really functional, but also really cool if you want to add some extra ✨ pizazz ✨ to your notes.

What? There’s nothing wrong with getting a little fancy!

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Note-taking is a must for students of all ages—it’s like the golden rule to truly remember all the things that we learn on a daily basis. To all my fellow students out there, hopefully with the use of both these tips and the ones that you discover in the future, you’ll all become note-taking experts!

What are your favorite methods for taking notes? Do you use color or do you prefer notes that are straight to the point? And finally, do you have any tips for students who are trying to find a method for taking notes? Feel free to share your responses down below in the comments.

I pray that each and every one of you will have a peaceful rest of your day or night. God bless you all, and I will catch you next time! Peace in! ♡