While the option of taking classes online and studying at home has been around for many years, the number of people choosing that route, whether in college or high school, has tripled since the lockdowns due to COVID-19.
While there are many careers you can prepare for by taking classes online, the reality is that it’s not the same as a brick-and-mortar classroom.
Studying online takes some preparation, and many people have a hard time settling down to study at home. In this post, you’ll find a few tips that will help you get organized and have you studying like a champ in no time at all.
Set Up a Designated Study Area
Office furniture solutions aren’t just for people who work from home. A designated study area with a desk, comfortable ergonomic chair, and all the accessories is important for taking online classes and studying.
Before you start your classes, set up your area, and organize it with the right stuff. You’ll be more comfortable and more focused once you do.
Treat Online Classes Like Brick-and-Mortar Classes
As you’ve probably discovered, there are pros and cons to taking online classes as opposed to traditional ones. However, now that you’ve made your decision it’s important to treat your online classes the same as you would if they were in a brick-and-mortar building.
Since most online classes are self-paced, you need to have the self-displicine to sit in the chair and do the work you need to do for the day.
Shut It Down
Believe it or not, something as simple as shutting your computer down for the day can give you a sense of satisfaction in a job well done. It also gives you permission to stop studying and get on to everything from family time to household chores.
It’s important not to blur the line between your home life and your school life. It’ll be too easy to focus on one over the other or try to take on too much and become burnt out if you do.
Never Study From Your Bed
If you want to study effectively, it’s best to avoid doing it from your bed, as it’s not an effective method. The same holds for going to online classes from your bed.
Instead, get up, get dressed, and go to the study area you’ve set up. You’ll be more alert and once your classes are over and study time has passed, you’ll be ready to shut the door on school and move into your social life.
Limit Distractions
From social media to Netflix and kids running in and out to the pile of dirty dishes in the sink, distractions are common when you’re going to school online.
The cure for this is to limit your distractions as much as you can. Netflix and social media you can avoid on your own. Try to schedule your study time and classes for when the kids will be in school or your spouse is home to watch them for you.
As for the dishes in the sink, it’s best to get those household chores out of the way before you begin a study session, so they aren’t worrying and distracting you while you’re in class.
The trick is to set up a schedule that you and your family can live with.
Going to school online and studying at home is a great way to further your education, especially with a pandemic out there. Following these tips will help you achieve success whether you’re in high school, working towards a college degree, or just taking a few classes.
