Home Office for Online Learning
Before you can get started on any assignments, you need to find a place to study as the role of a student. A separate space for your online class will help you stay focused on your work, and keep your study materials organized. This area should be designated only for academic work and test taking.
If possible, keep your work area clutter-free and comfortable. Ideally, you would want an entire room designated for you to study, so that you can stay on task.
It's not always easy to have a space for yourself, especially if you have a family or a small home. Here are some guidelines to assist you on deciding how to design and set-up a home office area just for online learning!
- Find space
- Pick a calm location
- Make it comfortable
- Prevent distractions
- Keep everything close at hand
- Cope with noise
If possible, try to dedicate a whole room to your new library/home office. Make sure your room has a door that closes; this will help cut down on noise and interruptions. By identifying a specific area or room as your home office, it sends a clear message.
Road traffic is noisy, so try to pick a room that does not have a window facing a main thoroughfare. The kitchen is also a hotspot for noise: clanging dishes and pans; cupboards swinging shut; the refrigerator door being opened and shut. You may not notice small or repetitive noises now, but when you are reviewing for an exam or drafting a 15-page paper, these little distractions can have a big impact on your concentration.
Consider your working style, if you want a feeling of stimulation or activity, paint the walls with warm yellows or chose red drapes for your window dressing. Add some throw pillows or a beanbag. Don't be afraid to add some personality, but make sure that everything will help you stay productive. Too many pillows and you may find yourself curled up next to your laptop, asleep!
Distractions are plentiful, especially if you are a parent. A message board on the door or outside of your home office will help with communication.
Have enough storage space to keep extras around. Items like: a dictionary or thesaurus, pens, pencils, notepad paper, printer paper, highlighters, 3-hole punch, stapler, book flags or sticky notes, etc.
The perfect room is one that is completely sound-proof, but that would require renovating! If noise is a problem, consider purchasing a white noise or sound machine for your home office. These machines produce sounds that drown out other distracting noises and can help keep you focused when you're reading, posting to your discussion board, writing and studying.