In this blog, we are going to talk you through how to successfully learn online. How to create the perfect environment for online learning. How to be productive and ensure that you stick with it! Learning online requires determination and dedication, there is no one else there but you. It is up to you to ensure that there are no distractions and you concentrate on the task in hand. A good starting point is creating a pleasant environment to learn in. Here are a few recommendations that have helped the FutureLearn team with their own online learning.
Make space
Stacks of paper and books might look impressive, but a sudden book avalanche is a distraction at best and a hazard at worst. Make sure you have plenty of room for the device you’re leaning on and an area to take notes if required. Clear your immediate working area of clutter and distractions and you should be able to improve your focus.
Get the temperature right
The next distraction to remove is temperature. Make sure you’re not too hot or cold. If you find yourself shivering (or sweating) over your computer at home try visiting a local library or cafe, their temperature is usually constant.
Adjust the lights
Like temperature, how much light you want when studying can sometimes come down to personal preference: maybe you like a room as full of natural light as possible, or maybe you prefer it cosy and dark. Either way, make sure you’re able to clearly see your screen and there’s not too much glare, else you might end up with eye strain.
Get comfortable
If you’re using a computer for a long period of time making sure your computer is positioned appropriately and that you’re sitting appropriately. How do you do that? If you’re in an uncomfortable seat or position you’re not going to be able to focus on your studies, so try and make yourself as comfortable as possible (without falling asleep).
Turn up (or down) the volume
When you’re doing an online course you’re most likely going to have videos to watch, so music isn’t always useful. But if you’ve got reading to do, an assignment to write or notes to organise it might spur you on. Work out if music helps you, and then investigate if certain genres of music are better than others. Sometimes lyrics can be distracting so try searching for lyric-free playlists.
Successfully learn online
Lastly, and most importantly, you need to learn what works for you. Maybe you learn best amongst the clutter in the heat of the summer sun. Maybe you learn exceptionally well listening to 90s club anthems. Treat our advice as a starting point and try adjusting your environment, eventually, you should find something that works for you.
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