Virtual Academic Skills

Roger Mancastroppa is in his fifth year as the associate director for the Academic Skills Center at UR where he assists students individually and collectively with academic skill development, such as time management, test-taking skills, note-taking, and more.

Mancastroppa offers the following:

"Learning in a new format may feel a bit daunting in the beginning. Expect the unknowns and disruptions and practice being patient with yourself, your instructors, and your classmates," he says.

"If you're learning through online means, really focus on staying engaged. If you find that your mind is wandering, notice what is occurring and gently bring back your focus to the lecture or discussion. Learning takes place when you actively engage."

You can do this by:

• participating in class, in break-out rooms, and in discussions
• writing down questions that come up through reading and class discussions
• sitting or standing in your dedicated workspace
• scheduling virtual group study sessions with classmates
• asking your teacher to define acceptable protocols. Should you raise your hand physically or digitally? What's the proper protocol for the chat function?

Contact urnews2use@richmond.edu to connect with Mancastroppa.