In the circumstances that we live in right now, certain adjustments have to be made. It’s not always easy to adapt to a new environment, but as long as you’re equipped with the proper methods, you’ll be able to easily navigate through it. Students would especially would have to employ distance learning skills if they want to continue their education in the most efficient way possible, despite not being in a traditional school setup.
Similar to a work from home arrangement, distance learning is remote learning without the normal face-to-face contact between a student and a teacher inside a school classroom. With the imposition of the lockdown in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus, students have had to do their regular coursework at home and continually engage with other classmates and their instructors. If you have a child in this kind of arrangement, then it might be in your best interest to continue reading and enable them to maximize their learning in this new set up.
Set a scheduled time for work
Learning remotely at home can be difficult because of the presence of many potential distractions. This is the place, after all, where all the comforts are located – television, video game systems, food, and the like. As such, one distance learning tip every student should follow is to set a scheduled time for work.
By regularly scheduling your time, you would be more inclined to do your work and complete them in a given duration. Furthermore, setting a time for work and religiously adhering to it can become a habit. With repeated action, you’ll eventually end up following a routine that can make doing homework or learning a topic much easier on your end.
Be familiar with the online platform
Another tip that students should follow is to first familiarize themselves with the online learning platform they’re about to use before actually using it.
Aside from avoiding technical difficulties, learning about the technology to be used enables students to more efficiently maximize and optimize the time they spend studying. By working out the kinks of the software, for example, they would be able to more quickly identify where they need to access a particular reading, refer to the syllabus, answer a quiz, or submit a homework which they need to pass.
Aside from this, it’s also a good practice for the student to keep tabs on the learning sites that they frequently visit. One simple way to achieve this is by placing bookmarks in their browsers or by making a digital list.
Ask questions
Asking questions is always the best way to go when it comes to finding solutions for problems you don’t know how to resolve on your own. While the lack of face-to-face interaction can make this practice a bit more difficult, the availability of many online platforms like messaging apps and emails can make this easier.
As a student, you should never be afraid to ask your instructor about something you may not understand – whether this be about a particular assignment or topic.
Study in a quiet place
When you’re learning from home, you should ensure that the environment is conducive for you to complete tasks or study about new topics. The place should be free from distractions that may prevent you from doing work. For example, studying in the dining room might be difficult because you might be tempted to eat snacks or meals every now and again. On the other hand, it would be easier to just sleep if you study in your bedroom.
The best kind of study environment is one where there is a sturdy table where you can place all your learning materials, ventilation has been optimized, and there is enough natural sunlight shining through.
Key Takeaway
As mentioned before, learning from home can be a challenge because this is the place where we usually kick back and relax. Nevertheless, there are many distance learning tips students can follow in order to help them maximize the time they spend studying at home. Practicing these good habits will help you adjust and make the most out of this brand new learning environment.