5 Online Learning Office Setup Tips from Grantham University

By Brandon Swenson June 25, 2020

Your working environment plays a strong role in your productivity. Consider a few compelling statistics:

• A recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of workers said that listening to music at work increases their productivity.
• By contrast, over half of respondents in another survey said that they were less productive when their workspace was too cold.
• Open space layouts, such as cubicle style workspaces, created a 32% reduction in perceived well-being and a subsequent 15% loss in productivity.
• 86% of people prefer to work alone.

Based on these stats, it’s obvious that your workspace or working environment can significantly impact how productive you are. A separate space dedicated to your online education can help you focus on your schoolwork while staying organized. Here’s how to best set up your home studying space for academic success.

Choose the Right Location

The key to a productive workspace is all about location. Spreading your materials out over an already crowded kitchen table is not ideal, as common areas create too many distractions. 61% of people claim that loud co-workers are their biggest distraction. In a home learning environment, your “co-workers”—whether it’s a roommate, spouse or children—can distract you from your studies. A quiet, private working environment allows you to concentrate and digest the information you are learning.

When choosing a dedicated workspace at home:

• Choose an area with lots of natural light. Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology found that workers bathed in natural light experienced higher levels of energy compared to those in offices that were artificially lit. Natural light reduces eyestrain and even improves productivity. Exposure to sunlight also suppresses melatonin production in your body, which helps promote more restful sleep in the evening. In other words, plenty of natural light can help you become a more engaged, effective learner.
• Don’t forget about comfort! Do yourself a favor and invest in an ergonomic office chair that improves your sitting posture by aligning the shoulders, hips and spine. This reduces strain on the body that can lead to pain and headaches.

Keep Your Materials Close By

As you map out the perfect location for your workspace, keep in mind that you should have enough room for a computer and all your necessary study materials. For example, you’ll likely want your space to have:

• An easily accessible outlet for charging your laptop, computer or tablet
• A power cord that offers surge protection
• High-quality, noise-canceling headphones for listening to lectures, giving presentations or participating in virtual meetings or conferences
• An office program for taking notes (or a writing utensil and paper, if that helps you better retain and review information)
• A printer for producing paper copies of course materials and assignments, if necessary
• Office supplies such as staples, paper clips, highlighters and index cards

Lack of preparation is the biggest factor driving both academic probation and college dropout. By ensuring you have all the materials necessary for your coursework, you can save time and frustration spent searching for the things you need.

Stay Organized While Reducing Distractions

If there is one place where academic experts agree, it is that organization plays a key role in student performance. Studies show that any increase in student organization improves student grades and subsequent self-efficacy. Additionally, a survey of 18,000 business leaders found 57% lost six working hours per week as the result of disorganization. This makes sense—the harder it is to locate your assignments and course materials, the longer it will take to complete your assignments.

It’s essential to keep your workspace organized. Try:

• Keeping your work area free of clutter
• Throwing away or recycling anything you don’t need
• Neatly organizing your desk accessories and office supplies
• Reducing distractions by keeping your smartphone and other devices out of reach

Time management can be difficult, but proper planning and scheduling will put you on the path to success. Remember that organization can look different from person to person. Find a system that works for you and stick with it.

Set a Realistic Schedule

One of the areas where distance learners struggle the most is creating a realistic schedule. Most universities use the Carnegie method for determining the amount of workload per course: For every hour of in-class work, expect to spend two hours outside of class completing assignments and studying. For example, three hours of in-class time will require six hours of out-of-class work, though actual study habits will vary by individual. Take some time to outline your other obligations, such as work, sleep and family, then carve out time for your schoolwork. Use an online tool like this one to create a realistic study plan.

Define Your Potential Struggles Before You Start

Finally, participate in a little introspection and determine what your potential distractions and struggles will be as an online learner. For some, social media serves as a distraction that prevents you from getting work done. For others, procrastination leads to cramming and poor academic outcomes. Every learner has strengths and weaknesses. By identifying and labeling them, you can more easily address them and move forward. Research shows that knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you to unlock your greatest potential.

Your learning environment plays a key role in your academic success, especially in a distance learning format. Set yourself up for success by choosing a dedicated location for learning, stocking it with all the necessary materials, and keeping yourself as organized as possible. Carve out a realistic study schedule that meshes well with your other work and family obligations. Identify any barriers that may hinder your remote learning and address them as soon as possible. By following these tips, you can better facilitate your online education and succeed in a distance learning environment.