Imagine you have two options: sitting in a stuffy classroom for hours listening to a boring teacher or watching tutorial videos and attending classes in the comfort of your room. For less-than-enthusiastic and tech-forward students, distance learning is the definition of bliss.
However, there’s a wide gap between merely attending classes online and actually learning stuff. And this gap is what you’ll have to cross if you’ve decided to make distance learning your preferred learning method. Below, there are distance learning tips to help you create a defined, organized and productive space. Let’s dive in:
Pick a Space
We’ll start simple. Pick a space in your home that can be the locus for all your learning activities. Its going to be your classroom, study and library. Make sure all your learning activities are restricted to this space. Don’t take a class at the dining table today and take another class in your room tomorrow, no. Strive to do all learning activities in one space.
Turn the Space into a Classroom
What are the things usually found in a classroom? Books, for one. Put books in your space. Remember, its also supposed to be your library. Two, buy a chalk or white board. Having a board in your learning space is actually useful beyond making it look like a classroom.
A board will allow you to articulate your thoughts in writing. Now, what are the things you won’t find in a classroom? A bed. Don’t put a bed near your learning space. That’s counterproductive and can be too tempting. This goes for a TV or any source of visual entertainment as well. You are there to learn, not to entertain yourself or accidentally fall asleep.
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Use a Desktop Computer
A laptop computer offers the advantage of being able to learn on-the-go, but doesn’t really help you create a defined learning space. A desktop helps create a sort of stability in your learning space. You know if you need to learn, then you have to get up and go to your space where the desktop is. If you’re in your dedicated learning space, you’re less likely to get distracted and more likely to be productive. Win-win.
Personalize Your Space
Now that you’ve succeeded in creating the exact replica of the classroom we are trying to run away from, you need to personalize it. This could be a painting of a favorite sports star, a flower vase, your favorite quote, sticky notes on the walls, etc. All these help bring an element of personalization to your space that won’t be possible in a physical classroom. Make the space yours.
Lighting
It would be a shame if you went through all the above steps only to create a space where you can’t see properly at night or where the light source hurts your eyes. Try to structure your space to allow you to make use of natural light during the day and use light fixtures that are bright without being glaring at night.
Remember that light of any kind — but most powerfully blue light — can suppress the body’s natural secretion of melatonin, the hormone that regulates night and day cycles or sleep-wake cycles. Keep this in mind and try to turn off the computer and most lights a few hours before bedtime to ensure you get proper rest.
These tips can help you create a dedicated and productive distance learning space with minimal stress. Good luck!
