Working through the Chaos: Tips for being a Successful Online Student in a Noisy Environment
(Provided by CalPac, Friday, May 18, 2012)
The TV’s on in the background, Grandma is vacuuming the hallway, little sister is crying for her bottle, the dog is barking to be let out – these are just some examples of the constant noises common in the home of a typical California Pacific Charter School student. The majority of online public high school and middle school students in California complete their online coursework at home, homes that are often filled with a myriad of noises that can be quite distracting to a student trying to figure out a complex math problem or edit the final draft of an essay.
As an online instructor at California Pacific Charter Schools I also work from home and experience many of the same distractions. I have learned, however, how to work through those distractions and still be highly productive. Below are some suggestions for focusing on your online coursework while living in a chaotic environment:
- Put on your headphones and listen to your favorite music. Many online students work better when they have familiar music on in the background. Not only does it help block out noise, but music also gets those brain cells working!
- Take short breaks and go immerse yourself in the noise! Watch a minute of TV, play with your little brother or your child, pet the dog, help Grandma vacuum. When you take short breaks it helps you be able to return to your computer with fresh focus.
- Move your work space to a location in the house where you will be able to best concentrate on successfully completing your online coursework. My desk has been moved all over my home, and after much trial and error I found the spot that works best for me. I also, however, have a portable lap desk for my computer so I can move to an even quieter place if necessary – it makes a huge difference to have options!
- Turn off all of the distractions you can control. It is okay to put your phone on silent every now and then, cease all texting/social media, and turn the TV off. I promise your life won’t spiral out of control during that time and you will be able to concentrate better on your online school work.
- Ask the people in your home to keep the noise down. This works best if you have a schedule set up. If you know, for example that you plan to work on your most difficult online class or attend an important live session at a certain time, then that is the perfect opportunity to request silence from the people in your home. On the flip side, if you know there are times of the day when your home is the most noise and distraction free, make sure you set aside that time to work on your online classes!
I utilize these tips daily to focus on my job as an online public school instructor for California Pacific Charter Schools. They help me be successful at my job, and I know they can help you be successful as an online student, even amidst the chaos that many of us happily call home.
Mrs. Devon Guerra
Assessment and ESOL Coordinator
California Pacific Charter Schools
Contact Us Today @ (855) 225-7227.
Email - enroll@cal-pacs.org
