Education has undergone significant changes in recent years, with providers now much more flexible in how they deliver their different courses.
It does not seem too long ago that people had to travel into colleges or universities if they wanted to learn new skills, but this is no longer the case.
Many educational establishments now offer a plethora of distance learning options that allow students to study at home or remotely.
Studying this way presents numerous challenges, but it can be a hugely rewarding experience for anyone who is looking to better themselves and take online English courses remotely, in their free time.
Read on as we look at some of the difficulties presented by remote learning and offer up solutions to resolve the problems.
Don’t skimp on technology
Most colleges and universities have all the technology you need to support your studies, but this may not be the case if you are learning remotely.
Whether you are taking online courses or embarking on postgraduate studies, it is imperative to invest in the technology to support your efforts.
Investing in a laptop with a decent specification will give you the tools you need to successfully undertake your chosen subject.
If your household finances are tight, some governments have useful schemes in place which can help you get on the technology ladder.
Establish a defined study space
One of the biggest difficulties that people face when they study remotely is staying completely focused on the job at hand.
For instance, studying at home can be tough if your family is around and you fail to establish a clear boundary between home life and education.
Studying remotely can also bring distractions into play, particularly if you are trying to learn in places like coffee shops or a local bar.
Establishing a defined study space where you can concentrate properly is essential if you want to make the most out of remote learning.
Treat remote learning with respect
Research has shown that sticking to a routine and setting manageable goals are crucial elements for anyone who wants to study remotely.
While it may be tempting to lounge around in bed with your laptop, this is not conducive to creating the optimum remote learning conditions that students need.
It is also important to set yourself achievable targets, especially with regards to completing your coursework and meeting deadlines.
Treating remote learning with the same respect you would if you were studying at college or university will give you the best chance of achieving your goals.
Take regular breaks
Staring at a digital screen for hours on end can be extremely tiring, so make sure that you build regular breaks into your daily schedule.
A minimum five-minute break every hour is advisable and will help you stay much more focused while you are undertaking your studies.
Breaks give you the opportunity to move around a little, thus ensuring that your body doesn’t end up aching by being stuck in the same position for too long.
Make sure that you also take at least a 30-45 minute lunch break, and squeeze in a bit of outdoor exercise if at all possible.
Keep a lid on stress
Learning new skills can be extremely challenging and it is important not to allow your studies to affect your mental state.
Studying at home often ramps up stress levels as people try to juggle their household responsibilities with their learning activities.
Being kind to yourself and the other people around you will significantly boost your chances of creating a sustainable remote study environment.
There may also be times when your studies don’t go well. If this happens, don’t be afraid to speak to your tutor or family members to seek their advice.
Eat a healthy diet
Eating a nutritious diet containing plenty of fresh foods will give you the necessary vitamins, protein, fibre and minerals you need to tackle your studies.
It is important not to allow laziness to creep into your dietary intake, as studying remotely may present challenges that can affect your waistline.
If you’re studying at home it might be tempting to keep dipping into the fridge, but this is likely to leave you feeling lethargic as the day progresses.
Stick to your regular meals, stay hydrated, take exercise and get plenty of sleep to boost your hopes of successfully passing your course.
Remote Learning – The Final Word
If you are the type of person who struggles to stay motivated without someone cajoling you along, remote learning may not be for you.
However, if you possess self-discipline and the willingness to embrace the benefits of learning remotely, it can be extremely rewarding.
The phrase ‘you get out of life what you put into it’ certainly rings true where remote learning is concerned, so follow this ethos for the best results.
