We’ve said in the past that designating a special study area is a great way to keep you on track with your classes. We still stand by this statement, but because of the beautiful weather we’d like to modify the location from indoors to outside.

If you have a deck or patio on the back of your residence bring your laptop, textbooks, or notes out there. You’ll get a new perspective of the assignments you’re working on by being outside of the confines of the walls in your house. One of the many perks of online learning is that you can take your education with you, so why not take it outside with a cold drink…and some sunblock!

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Studying is tough enough by itself. Studying over the loud conversation of others or amidst the screams of your children can often be next to impossible. Obviously, the best advice for dealing with distractions while studying is to find a way to be alone in a quiet place. Because this ideal situation is sometime impossible to achieve, you need some tools to help you tune out noise and tune into your studies.

The best way to deal with distractions while studying is to embrace the distraction. Have you ever walked into a room and smelled an offensive odor, only to forget about that odor a few minutes later? Somehow, our senses can get used to many different environments if we let them. As soon as you become annoyed with the music that’s playing in the coffee shop, you won’t be able to concentrate on anything else. If you tell yourself that the music is perfectly lovely, you may be able to forget about it entirely. The same goes with your kids playing in the other room. If you take their squeals in stride, thus embracing the din as the environment you’re stuck with, it’s entirely possible that you’ll forget about the noise after studying for a few minutes.

(source: WorldWideLearn.com)

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Working from the comfort of your own home has its benefits – and its dangers! You’ll need a private study area where you will be free from distractions and where you can set up your computer and other course materials. If you make a space apart from the hubbub of other activities and where others know not to disturb you, you’ll be able to stay more focused and get the most out of your studying time.

(Source: MyUniversityPortal.com)

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Your study space is critical to your ability to work effectively. After all, if you can’t concentrate, you certainly can’t expect to retain information well. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to find a place that’s completely silent and shut off from the world. Just be mindful to take cues from your personal learning style and comfort level needed to stay focused and organized.

Do you need lots of light? A fluffy, comfy chair? Soft music playing in the background? Or, maybe you need a more structured environment where you have a desk and file folders for organization. Whatever it is, establish that space early on in the semester so that you can get to work and be productive.  Investing time and a few bucks into creating the perfect study space will pay dividends by enable you to focus better and be more productive.

- Online Learning Tips Staff