Learning to Learn Online: Resources, Strategies, and Tips: Take a Break

The Student Recreation and Wellness Center has developed numerous virtual recreation activities for students, faculty, and staff.  Some of these offerings include virtual workouts with rec services instructors, as well as virtual wellness and outdoor activities. 

There is already a long list of virtual fitness classes available, and the instructors look to try to add new ones every few days.  Workouts that are already available include:

• Boom Move 
• Yoga 
• Pilates
• HIIT 

Virtual Rec Center Options

Most libraries are closed temporarily, but you can still utilize some really wonderful digtial libraries and apps to read and borrow materials.  For example, the National Emergency Library was announced back in March to provide students and the public access to digitized books.  You have to create an account to borrow materials, but the process is very quick and easy.  Likewise, there is now a feature on the homepage that allows you to view resources for children based on grade level.  You can also use the search box at the top of the page to search for books by author or title.  You may be surprised by just how vast this digitized collection is!

You can also use apps like Libby and Hoopla to borrow e-books and audiobooks (and more) through your local public library.  Libby can be installed on most iOS and Android devices.  Hoopla is compatible with most mobile devices and content can also be streamed by logging into your Hoopla account through your desktop web browser.  Both apps require that you have a valid library card from a library that offers content through the apps.

Do you not have a library card?  That's okay!  Many public libraries offer you the option of signing up for and receiving a digital library card.  If interested, take a look at your options at some of our local public libraries:

Carnegie Public Library

Columbiana Public Library

Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County

Salem Public Library

Stark County District Library

We all know certain streaming services well.  Services like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ are the usual contenders.  However, did you know that you currently have access to other streaming platforms through the University?  It's true!  A full listing of video streaming resources can be found here, but here a few to pay particular attention to:

Kanopy Streaming: Kanopy offers you on-demand access to thousands of movies, documentaries, and even some TV series.  If you feel overwhelmed by the number of videos available, start by browsing the "Staff Picks" category using the menu at the top of the page.  However, please be aware that you may not be able to access Kanopy on some mobile devices or Chromebooks.  

Swank Digital Campus: Like Kanopy, Swank allows you access to on-demand movies and documentaries.  Swank's collections are not as vast as Kanopy's, but the site is nicely laid out and easy to navigate.

Digital Theatre+: If you are a theatre or performing arts enthusiast, this may be the streaming platform for you!  Digital Theatre+ allows you access to about 1000 full-length productions, documentaries, and other resources.  

Please note that in order to successfully access any of these resources, you need to use the links provided to you in this guide or in the full listing of video streaming resources included above.  Additionally, prior to being given access to any of these resources, you should be prompted to sign into something called the KSU Proxy.  The Proxy simply authenticates you as a current Kent State student.  Whenever you are prompted to sign into the Proxy, do so using your FlashLine username and password. 

So, simply click on the link for the resource you are interested in exploring and, when briefly redirected to the Proxy, enter your FlashLine username and password as prompted.  From there, you will be taken directly to the resource in question.

One of the hardest things, if not the hardest thing, about experiencing this pandemic is our inability to spend time with family and friends in all the ways we're most used to: meeting at restaurants or coffee shops after work or school, having people over for dinner or binge watching a shared favorite show, and celebrating holidays, birthdays, and other big life events together.  However, we can use technology in a lot of different ways to continue socializing with the friends and family we miss.

• Set up weekly group phone calls or video chats using Facetime, Skype, Google Hangouts, or Zoom.
• Host virtual game nights using some of the below articles for ideas.  Or, get creative and do your own thing.  If things end up going awry, that's okay because, at the very least, you'll probably get some good laughs out of the trials by error!
  • How to Host a Virtual Game Night by PCMag
  • #Quarantinelife: Have an Epic Virtual Game Night with These Apps
• Continue binge watching your favorites shows and movies with friends by using one of the video conferencing options mentioned above or try something new, like Netflix Party.
• Share recipes and host virtual dinners with your favorite people.
• If you have children who are missing social events too, explore the availability of activities like virtual story times through your local public libraries.

As an added bonus, you should not have to spend any money on these types of activities unless you want to!