Remote learning’s popularity has skyrocketed in the last decade, as more students are turning to the digital alternative as a flexible, self-paced and engaging way to complete their high school tenure. 

However, while online education certainly has its marked advantages, students who take high school courses online need to consider a few things that their peers at brick-and-mortar schools do not. Namely, online students have to establish an effective learning space at home. 

Done correctly, a remote learning space can be every bit as conducive to focus and productivity as a classroom – and then some. This article explores a few tips and considerations for establishing an efficient, focus-friendly and comfortable learning environment at home. 

Sourcing the Right Spot

The first thing to do is pick the right spot. If possible, you want to find a quiet room in the home far from distracting siblings and family foot traffic. Most students opt for a corner of their own bedroom, especially students whose homes are short on extra space. But if you have the luxury of a spare room, use it. 

What to Remove: Distractions and Clutter

Whichever room you choose, the first order of business will be tidying. Yes, unfortunately, that age-old order from parents to “clean your room” actually does make a difference. Studies show that cluttered areas can “ping” attention centers in the brain, causing a kind of stimuli overload. At best, clutter is distracting; at worst, it can activate your stress signals and worsen academic-based anxiety. It’s better to keep things tidy. 

Next, it’s helpful to remove distractions. Especially if you’ve chosen your personal room as a study space, you may encounter several distractors: your phone, video game consoles, comics, etc. While these entertaining pastimes are a worthwhile part of your leisurely life, they don’t belong in your academic life. It’s best to keep things separated, at least during your study hours. Unplug devices, remove distractions and – if need be – download a distraction-blocking app to limit social media time. 

What to Include: The Fundamentals for Effective Studying

Now that you’ve removed the counterproductive elements, you can start adding productive things. For online school, these fundamentals include your computer (mandatory) and a physical notepad and pen for taking manual notes (optional). 

Next, consider your basic human needs. Keep water close at hand to stay hydrated. Curate a selection of healthy snacks in case you get peckish. And keep a phone timer on hand to tell you when to take breaks. Keeping these basics close at hand ensures that you won’t have to leave your study space unnecessarily and disrupt your studies. 

Considering Ergonomics

You’re in the home stretch now. The last thing to consider is your comfort and posture. Contrary to popular belief, students can suffer from the same type of repetitive strain injury as office workers. All of that sedentary sitting, repeated typing motions and mouse/trackpad clicking can lead to discomfort and – in some serious instances – chronic pain. Stock your study space with comfortable items like an ergonomic chair, wrist rest and elbow rest. You might also include items like noise-cancelling headphones, an essential oil diffuser and a light therapy lamp to reduce stress further and remove distractions. These items can get pricey, so talk to a guardian before making any purchases. 

Now, all that’s left to do is crack open the digital books and start raking in the A’s.