How to Create the Perfect Space for Online Learning

Great Careers Start Here
  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

You’ve probably spent a lot of time in traditional classrooms so your first foray into online learning might be a little unfamiliar. That doesn’t mean, though, that it can’t be a great way for you to achieve and succeed. Set up the perfect space for online learning and you’ll set yourself up for success. Here’s what to do:

Find your spot. Carve out a special area of your house or apartment that “yours.” It doesn’t have to be big or fancy. It just has to be a space that you can dedicate to online instruction, homework and study. Make sure you have a comfortable chair, good lighting and a clutter-free surface you can work at. Add a wall or desk clock so you can set up time goals and work in increments.

Set up your supplies. Make sure your computer has a dependable internet connection and that you have other school supplies you might need. Even though it’s an online course, you might want to use some old fashioned note cards to organize your ideas and prep for exams. Do you like sketching outlines before writing papers and submitting them online? Be sure to have plenty of paper, pens and pencils.

Minimize distractions. Get rid of anything on or near your desk that might be a distraction. Set your phone to airplane mode so it doesn’t interrupt your study time. If you don’t have a noise-free work zone, consider introducing some white noise or familiar music that won’t distract you. You also might  want to introduce scents like cinnamon, lavender, lemon, or peppermint that could help keep you focused and boost your productivity.

Add some motivators. What inspires you the most? Is it your parent, your own child, or some future version of yourself? Hang some motivational quotes in you work area to encourage you to succeed. Add images of the kind of healthcare or business professional you hope to become. Maybe a picture of your child will remind you that the better you make your own life, the better you’ll make theirs.

Stay organized. Once you have your space ready and set, you need to keep it organized. When you’re done work for the day, put everything back in its place. Even organize the files on your computer so you know where all your assignments are at a moment’s notice. The better organized you are, the more ready you’ll be to get down to work when it’s time to start again.

You know an education can help you attain employment, make more money and find job security, but did you know you can get that education without ever leaving your home? Check out all the online options at Charter College. We have online programs in business, healthcare and information technology. Ready to change your life? Start here.