Is your Space Ready?

Studying takes focus. Where we are and the types of distractions around us matter. There is a lot we can do to minimize distractions which means we will get more accomplished when we study, which saves us time in the long run. The tabs below examine each study environment and how you can set yourself up for success.

Physical Environment
Technical Environment
Setting Time Blocks
Managing Family & Friends

Location! Location! Location!

You need to think about the physical environment where you will study in order to optimize success. Sometimes students try to do school work on the couch while watching TV, sometimes in bed, sometimes in a coffee shop. While everyone has their own preferences, a good rule of thumb is to set up or find an environment to do work for your online classes that should be free from distractions. Also, you want to make sure you don’t get distracted by other things on your computer or phone!

Having said that the key is to be able to study undistracted and the right way. As you’re watching the video below, think about your study environment.

Does your study environment allow you to study without being distracted?
Do you study the ‘right’ way?
What do you need to improve upon?

📱 Managing Distractors

Watch this 2 minute video featuring online students sharing tips for making the best use of limited time!

Your ‘Technical Environment’

Not only do you have to think about your physical location, you also need to think about your technical environment when studying…. Meaning… your computer or mobile device! From Instagram to Tik Tok to Twitter to Email and Text Messages - there may indeed be more distractions on your computer.

Use common sense when you are focusing on your coursework. If you are purposefully using social media for a class based on your teacher's instructions, that's fine. However, if you are studying for a test, writing an essay, doing math homework, or completing any assignment that requires dedicated focus, if you can't turn off your phone take a moment to pause notifications on your phone, computer, or tablet that might pull you away from your work. Multitasking is a myth. What we are really doing is "task switching" which can interrupt our thinking and can really slow us down. It really is more time efficient to focus on a single task, than trying to manage several at once.

⏱ Time Blocking

Work in focused blocks of time (i.e. 50 minutes), then take a 10 minute break. If you find social media relaxing, during your break catch up on posts and reply to text messages. Then, silence notifications so you can focus during the next 50 minutes. Consider using an online study timer to help. You can find several searching Youtube. The video below includes study music and a 50 minute timer.

💬 Communicate your Schedule

Communicate with those that count on you. We get it. You have people who depend on you and you need to be reachable. If you have a day/evening and time that you know you can dedicate to school, try letting people know that this is when you need to study and will get back to them after. Not everyone will understand and we can feel guilty for taking time to study, but they will get used to it. It is ok to set boundaries. Knowing you have time to study will reduce your stress meaning you can be more present when you are with those who rely on you.

Be sure you've explored each tab before selecting Next.