With the latest shift to home-based learning and working from home, some of us might be missing the energy of academia we enjoyed whilst on campus. Even as we keep up with our assignments, we desire the mood of a rich library, or the meditative rigour of students at the Coffee Bean. It can be hard to keep motivated without the right vibes. As such, here are five ways to keep the spirit of learning alive whilst at home.
1. Learn Ecology with the American Museum of Natural History
Image by AJ Robbie on Unsplash
With the COVID-19 situation keeping everyone at home, online learning site Coursera has opened up a large range of free courses, including Ecology: Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation by the American Museum of Natural History, and Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age from the University of Toronto. These courses are only free for a limited time, so do utilise them during this period!
View a full list of the newly-free courses here.
2. Tour the Latest Exhibition of a Local Private Museum
Image courtesy of The Private Museum (TPM) Singapore
Perhaps what we are craving most now is an immersive experience. Something to take us out of these four walls. While we may not be able to head down to Haji Lane or the Zoo anytime soon, we can experience a Museum Tour online. Navigate through the latest exhibition Silhouettes by The Private Museum here. Featuring select first- and second-generation Singapore artists, this exhibition captures Singapore from a bygone era through the collections of Fermin Diez and Su-Yen Wong.
Pick up an e-copy of the catalogue here.
3. Understand the Pandemic
Image by Luke Insoll on Unsplash
What are the scholarly debates surrounding this latest global phenomenon? Perhaps one of the most pressing things we need to understand right now is the pandemic itself. What are the latest research findings, and what do experts from different fields think about its consequences for the future?
Access a compiled list of COVID-19 Research here.
4. Utilise Temporarily-Free NTU Library Resources
Image by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash
Most of us have utilised databases like JSTOR and Oxford Reference for school. Recently, the COVID-19 situation has prompted several academic publications to open up free access to previously limited resources. This includes free access to all contents within Bloomsbury Collections, and free access to the entire HTML Textbook Collection of Cambridge Core. Do note that you need an NTU student account to access these.
To support online learning during the COVID-19 outbreak, some of NTU Library’s resource vendors are now offering and/or unlimited access to their paid resources and webinars on a temporary basis.⠀
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For more information visit this link.
5. Refine your Research Skills with NTU Librarians
Image by Siora Photography on Unsplash
Feeling unsure about how to begin your literature search for an assignment? Feeling frazzled about not being on campus to seek help? You can book an appointment to chat with a trained NTU Librarian. Over an online consultation, let these experts advise you on how to develop effective search strategies, and how to navigate the extensive range of databases available.
Book a consultation appointment here.
If you are keen to further enhance your research skills, you can also consider attending the library’s upcoming webinars and workshops. These cover topics from ways to boost one’s research visibility, to introducing various reference management software like EndNote.
Register for an online workshop here.
That’s all for now. I hope this list has been helpful. Do take care and we look forward to seeing you back on campus!
