How to Create a Productive Space to Take an Online Course

By Victoria Robertson on December 12, 2017

Online courses can be misleadingly challenging, and often require an environment that’s conducive for such a course. For this reason, it’s essential that, as a college student, you are preparing for this challenge and creating a productive space for yourself in order to be successful. While this may all appear to be common sense on the surface, online courses are often misjudged as “easy” or “blow-offs” when in fact, they are just the opposite.

So with that specific challenge in mind, here are six ways for you to create a productive space to take online courses.

via Pixabay

1. Pick a Quiet Space

To get started in creating your productive space, you’ll want to pick a space that’s quiet and out of the way, but one that you will also feel comfortable in. Many students opt to stay in their rooms, which can work if you have a desk that’s away from noise and your day-to-day activities. What I don’t recommend is picking a common space, as this increases the likelihood of distractions and noise. If you are forced to choose a common area, speak with your roommates about your needs ahead of time so they’re aware of your class schedule and can provide you that privacy when it’s needed. Otherwise, you can always visit the library or any other areas that are quiet and conducive environments for your online class needs.

2. Get Organized

Organization is key when it comes to succeeding in online coursework, as the work is entirely on your own and requires your own personal organizational needs. For that reason, your work space should mimic this level of organization. If you’re someone that requires complete organization, make sure you have papers and other items filed away neatly in order for you to work without distraction. The more organized your work space is, the better off you are!

3. Remove Distractions

Distractions are very easy to come by when you’re taking online courses. While it’s not always possible to remove them all, the more you’re able to remove the better. Set aside your cell phone, get away from the noise, turn off the TV (ideally, you should be in a room without one) and avoid perusing the internet when you should be working. Staying on task is not easy, but it’s going to be a huge part of your success in online courses, so cut those distractions out of your life!

4. Get Comfortable, But Not Too Comfortable

It’s a common idea that, since students don’t need to leave the dorm/apartment for classes, it’s acceptable to say in bed, in PJ’s, and conduct your coursework. This is a misconception, as it makes you less likely to succeed. While you do want to be comfortable, you also want to be focused, and you’re much more likely to get distracted if you’re too comfortable. I recommend sitting at a desk, but maybe using a cushion or blanket for that added comfort. So get comfortable, but not too comfortable.

5. Prepare the Materials

Not all online courses require the same materials, so you’ll want to take a look ahead of time to see what you’ll need in order to get started. If you’re in a math course that requires frequent scratch paper, have a pile ready on the desk. Or if you’re in an English course that has long, reading assignments, have post-its or highlighters at the ready. You’ll want all the materials that you need to be within arm’s reach so that you can continue working without having to take constant breaks to grab something else from another room. Again, the more organized you can get beforehand, the better off you are.

6. Designate Your Space

Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want to ensure that the space you choose is designated solely to you. While you can visit libraries and other quiet spaces on campus, it’s best to pick one space and consistently work there for increased retention. For this reason, picking a desk space that you will have continued access to is ideal. If you need to designate space in your apartment, again, just speak with your roommates to make sure everyone is on the same page as far as your needs go. Communication is key, and so is consistency.

While these tips are a great starting point, you can always do more to create that productive environment and ensure that you are entirely prepared for the most challenging of courses. Don’t underestimate the dedication it takes to complete online courses, as the more prepared you are, the better off you will be.

So begin with these six tips and come up with additional ones that may be unique to your work ethic, and you’ll be sure to pass all of your online courses with flying colors!

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