If you are new to online or cloud-based learning, transitioning to online studies can be a difficult move. You will find these tips helpful in adapting to online studies and keeping your motivation high throughout the academic term.

1. Preparing your study space is step one

The best learning environment is a dedicated space for learning that you can devote to your studies when you switch from classroom-based to home learning. You will find it easier to adjust and engage in your studies when you have a dedicated learning space.

A dedicated desk is an essential element of transitioning to online study. In addition to headsets, hard drives, stationery, and books, make sure all the tools that are needed for your study are there. Furthermore, you can decorate the space with some small decorative items to enhance your relaxation in the space. By doing this you can greatly improve your ability to show up for studies even while being at home.

Living in a confined space or a shared apartment, creating a dedicated study area might not be possible or easy. In such a case, consider claiming part of the kitchen or dining room table for your studies, and make sure your household members know that you are using that space.

                                                              
                                                                    Get Free Consultation Now!

Organize your study area into a productive workspace after you have set up your study area. Your study area needs to be tidy and organized; mess can be very distracting and can make it difficult for you to focus. Whenever your workspace isn't tidy, allow yourself 15 to 30 minutes before starting to tidy it up. Do not make yourself wait too long because this can be considered procrastination.

2. Having a routine and adhering to it is important!

Establishing a consistent routine for studying is important after you have established a study area. To get into the mindset for studying, keep in mind that we are all creatures of habits. Having a designated and regular study space should go hand in hand with a dedicated study schedule.

One of the benefits of home study or online learning is that people have different preferences when it comes to how and when they learn. To be a productive student, you have to find out what time of day you are most productive, and whether you prefer to study in long sessions or short ones.

You must schedule your study time based on your preferences once you have established your preferences. Depending on how many study sessions your subject requires, the amount of work and time you have to spend on each of your sessions will vary.

You should be able to tend to arrange your studies before and after dinner if you are more productive in the evening. For that, before dinner, you can schedule lectures and readings, whereas, after dinner, you can schedule tasks and writing assignments. Besides being convenient, it will also fit your work schedule. For those who prefer waking up early and studying before you get to the rest of the day, a routine can be managed and created accordingly.

Remember to factor in your breaks when you schedule your routine study sessions. Taking breaks does not need to be roastered, just ensure that you establish limits on the number of breaks you can take, and how long each break lasts. Stay on track if you want to avoid turning a short break into a Netflix binge.

3. Avoid distractions by blocking them out

We spend most of our time in our homes, which is a source of distraction when we are studying online. Aside from social media, TV, the internet, Netflix, games, YouTube, and books, the list continues...

Some tips and applications can assist you in blocking out distractions, but it is much easier said than done. The first thing that is recommended is leaving your phone in another room or on the other side of the room. In order to avoid procrastination, you need to distance yourself from it and make it less easy for you to reach.

The use of a website blocker can also help you increase productivity. Most of these tools work on multiple platforms and have additional functionality. There are some website blockers that are free while there are others that require a lump sum one time payment or reoccurring fees. You can often try free trials before investing in paid programs to see if they are worth spending money on. When you need to focus during stressful times, these programs will surely be able to help you.

4. Measure your achievements in landmarks instead of time

In the beginning, it might be tempting to gauge your progress based on how much time you have spent sitting at your desk, but tracking time might not be the most appropriate method to monitor your progress.

Keep track of how you are progressing in relation to your actual study targets, not how long you spent repeating the same paragraph.

Before you start your study session, it is easiest to establish your study goals. Identify the milestones you want to achieve during your study session and break them down into manageable tasks. It could be your goal to read through a week's worth of material, so identifying the articles and chapters that you want to cover could be your individual milestone.

Don't forget to set realistic and attainable milestones. You must not overestimate your ability in case you fail, nor must you underestimate your ability to complete the task in half the time.

To-do lists are useful for tracking progress. You can create them in Word documents, on your desktop, or even physically with pen and paper. With virtual Kanban boards, you can implement a task tracking system with additional functionality. If you choose to use something, make sure it is close to you so you always remember what the 'right' things are.

You should not beat yourself up if you do not meet your milestones. With practice, you will find out how to pace yourself more effectively, so in your next session of study, make sure you allow yourself adequate time to achieve those milestones.

5. Become a member of a virtual study group

When you suddenly switch from the crowded environment of the classroom to the solitude of home study, it can be overwhelming and difficult. It does not mean you are alone just because you are self-isolated; many of your classmates are going through the same thing.

When it comes to learning, it is important to be surrounded by friends and peers, so maybe it's time to venture out and establish a virtual study group. Your virtual study group can be arranged using social media and a virtual meeting time.