Making remote learning work for you

Making remote learning work for you

Whether you're among the masses who are learning remotely throughout lockdown, a distance learner or catching up on learning, it can be quite the adjustment from the classroom. Although learning remotely gives a lot of flexibility and saves on travel time, it's important that you have the right working space, mind frame and routine in place.

Here are some great tips to help:

1. Have a routine Get in the habit of waking up on time and attending all classes, it’s important to schedule in time for assignments, some sort of exercise and time for hobbies and interests. Making a list of tasks first thing in the morning will help you to focus on what you would like to get from the day and feel motivated to do them. Highlight your top three priorities for the day – that way you will feel uplifted if, or should we say ‘when’, you achieve them!

2. Communicate with your teachers and classmates Remember that the same online tools (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, the Stanmore App, Study Space etc.) being used to deliver your classes can also be a great way to keep in contact with teachers and classmates. Ask questions during classes, discuss topics in with others and reach out via email. While your teachers can’t be there physically with you, your education is still their priority and they’re there to help.

3. Practice mindfulness and be kind to yourself. Why not try a little meditation each day or if that doesn’t work for you listen to your favourite music but set a time limit as, otherwise, you might not stop! It could be as little as five minutes or as much as an hour. Meditation does help to reduce stress and anxiety, there are also free and paid mind apps that you can subscribe to like Headspace or Calm that can help you relax.

4. Make your environment easier to work in. Making a space, however small, dedicated to just studying will help you to concentrate better, even if it’s just for set hours each day. For it to work best, make sure the items around you are only those that relate to studying.
   Working by a window is good for you as you get natural light. Keep your space clutter free - don’t use your bed as a place to study. Your best should be a haven for rest.

5. Get out of your bed, get dressed (you don't have to be dressed up!) and have breakfast. It's important to get up and ready for the day. Being dressed will make you feel ready to take on any tasks.

6. Plan your lunch Having lunch is important, both for a break and to give you a boost . Have something healthy like a sandwich, fruit, nuts and seeds or pasta. Or even a portion of the main meal cooked the previous day. You might even want to set aside a portion of dinner for lunch the next day.

7. Don’t let yourself become distracted When you’re studying from home, it can be quite easy to become distracted. Distance yourself from things that might cause a distraction. Put that phone away! If you can’t bear to be away from it put it in a drawer or, at least, switch it to ‘Airplane mode’. Another way is to download ‘Cold Turkey’ on your laptop or phone, to prevent yourself from logging into social media while you’re studying. The app lets you temporarily freeze pages you know you might compulsively visit when studying.

8. Adjusting to remote classes Remember that it’s the same curriculum so the same content just being delivered in a different way. Listen to the teacher and your priority should be understanding the content.

9. Get over the afternoon slump If you find yourself feeling restless and unfocused around 2 or 3pm, drink some water, walk around a little in any break time, try some desk yoga or grab a snack. When you sit back down, you’ll have a clearer mind and be ready to focus for another few hours.

10. Have other activities planned Plan out activities at the end of the day that will help you rest and recharge. You could chat to family or call friends, watch TV, go for a walk or have a shower/bath.