Tips for setting yourself up for success when working from home

Make yourself cozy, but don’t forget to keep yourself connected and informed

STEFANIA PERRELLA

With the amount of online learning taking place these days, it’s helpful to have some strategies that will help you focus on your work, engage with your peers and profs, and feel comfortable using online platforms and tools. Below are some tips on how to set yourself up for success when working and studying from home.

It can be tempting to stay snuggled in your bed with your laptop for the entire day while you work/study, but opting to work in a designated place that isn’t where you sleep can help your mind get into study mode more efficiently. Try to find a spot with adequate lighting, enough room to keep your materials clutter-free and organized, and one that includes a comfortable place to sit, or stand, and won’t leave your back, neck, or shoulders hurting by the end of your work period. Don’t forget to take short breaks every so often where you can move around and stretch your body.

It is important to remember that active participation allows you to grasp course concepts more effectively. In addition, being present and participating in meetings will promote greater visibility and increase your involvement in the decision making process, benefiting both you and your group mates. To keep yourself focused and engaged, it’s helpful to eliminate distractions by turning off your phone and avoiding surfing the web.

Webex, Zoom, and CourseLink Virtual Classroom are just some of the many online learning platforms that your instructors might utilize this semester. Learning how these platforms work and how to navigate them will help you use them effectively. Consider doing a trial run with the platform and make sure all your software is up to date before your meetings/lectures.

The University of Guelph offers a number of guides and resources for students wanting to know how to navigate the online

Create a designated workspace Actively participate in meetings / lectures

Familiarize yourself with the learning platform

If you’re working from home, increase your productivity by setting yourself up at a comfortable workspace and actively participating in your meetings and lectures. CREDIT: UNSPLASH

Utilize virtual campus resources

learning environment. OpenEd offers a Remote Course Delivery module on their website to assist students in adapting to online instruction. Along with this module, they offer tips and checklists to help manage online learning. The McLaughlin Library website offers a guide regarding online discussions, including how to format them and what to include and exclude.

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