Because of COVID-19, many students across the world have had to adapt to virtual learning. SCUC students also have to adapt to online school-work spaces at home during the 2020-2021 school year,  and that means that students are faced with many challenges. 

From where they work to how they work on their lessons, students have had to adapt. “My remote learning space was at my house and Clemens High School because my parents are teachers,” said Jayden Wright, an 8th grade student attending Dobie Junior High.

According to Illinois Online, “to create an atmosphere that will motivate you to do your best work, one of the first steps you should take is separating your personal space from your workspace. Even if you have chosen or set up a workspace, you should next spend some time identifying and coming up with a plan to mitigate distractions.”

Distractions can definitely take your attention away from online learning, and it’s one of students’ biggest challenges. Some students are finding ways to improve their focus. “I listen to music and block out everyone except the teacher,” said Blake Ferencak, 8th grade student.

Gianna Johnson, 8th grade student, said music helps her too.  “I put in earbuds and listen to music. There is a divider between my brother and I since we are doing remote learning in the same room.”

University of Florida Distance Learning offers some tips: “Eliminate distractions – try to set up your workspace away from the TV, or, if you live with roommates, an area without heavy foot traffic.” 

Eliminating distractions can help you focus more.  “My brothers were sent to another house and it was just me and my mom at home,” said Ashley Dougherty, 8th grade student. 

Illinois Online recommends “students should plan out the tools needed, such as a desktop computer or laptop, webcam, microphone, and printer. You will not only be prepared but also less stressed if you know everything is in proper working order and easily accessible.”

“My desk was next to the printer and I used mom’s computer. Binders and writing utensils were on my desk ,” said Gianna Johnson, 8th grade student.

University of Florida Distance Learning says you should “set up your desk so that your essentials are within an arm’s reach. Pens, pencils, highlighters, scissors, Sharpies, paperclips, calculator, rubber bands, whiteout, tape, stapler, sticky notes, planner, notebooks and even your textbooks. This removes the problem of having to get up and risk losing your train of thought, throwing off your productivity.”

 “My left side was organized with notebooks and the right side was organized with tools needed to write stuff down and a printer,” said Blake Ferencak, 8th grade student. 

Online workspaces can be challenging. To be successful, “block time and take breaks,” said Jayden Wright, 8th grade student. Like many other students, Wright makes adjustments to his work space and organization so that he can do his best work, but it’s a work in progress. 

Edited by: Brenna Bentley