Preparing Your Online Learning Workspace at Home

Written By Abena Sey

July 31, 2020

While online learning offers students the flexibility to do coursework at a distance, it is essential to have a dedicated workspace at home to stay productive.  An organized and practical workspace is strongly recommended to achieve positive outcomes in your online learning experience.  The following are key considerations when choosing a space that enables you to work most effectively.  Choose a space that works for you, and tailor it to your learning needs.

Sustainability

Choose a spot in your home that you can designate as your personal workspace for the duration of your program.  If you have to share this space with someone else, or for another purpose when you are not studying, the best approach is to keep your school resources and supplies organized and your learning space neat. You may choose to invest in storage or organizational tools to achieve this.   

Minimize Distractions

The idea is to remove anything that will be a distraction and thus reduce your ability to concentrate on your coursework.  You need to choose a space that is free from clutter, noise, or items that draw your attention away from the task at hand.  Only keep the items you need to work effectively while you are focused on your studies.

Good Lighting

Another factor to create a comfortable workspace conducive to learning and productivity is a good source of lighting, whether it is natural light or an artificial light source.  Good lighting brightens up your workspace and creates a positive work environment, factors that increase productivity. 

Comfort

Your level of comfort in your workspace depends entirely on your personal preferences.  For some, this may include a comfortable chair with a cushion; for others, it may be decorative items to create a personalized workspace.  Still others require the bare minimum - a desk, a chair, and a lamp.  The possibilities are endless.  I believe that a comfortable space will support sustained productivity.  Do what works best for your learning needs, and don’t hesitate to make changes along the way if something does not work for you.