Online Schooling can be a big adjustment for many. Here are four important tips Teneo has learnt over the last three years to get you started.

1  Set up dedicated work space 

As comfortable as your bed is in the morning, and no matter how much you think you might want to study there, working from your bed does you no favours in the long run, and is certainly a habit to avoid.

It is important to set up healthy work boundaries within your home. At Teneo, we recommend our students set up a dedicate work space, separate from any leisure or relaxing zones – and then, stick to it. Make sure you work in the work space, and relax in the leisure space, and NOT the other way around. Blurring the lines between work and leisure spaces can make it difficult to get anything done. A dedicated work space can also help limit distractions throughout the day.

2  Stick to a schedule 

As South Africans we are very familiar with the phrase “I’ll do it now” or “just now”, or “now now.” These are just 3 variations of “I will do it when I feel like it – which is not right now”. Don’t start your work ‘just now’ – make a schedule and stick to it. If you designate 3pm as homework time, then start your homework at 3pm.

In the long run having a good schedule gives you more time to work, and more time to play. If ‘time is money’ then procrastinating is stealing from your own pocket…

3  Limit Social media 

Social Media is designed to be addictive. Its goal is to get your attention, and then keep it. We’ve all been there, you start with good intentions, just a few minutes to keep in touch with people, and then before you know it you find yourself watching your 17th cat video on Facebook.

When learning from home, and more particularly learning online, the temptation to look at social media is always present. Try manage social media usage by putting time limits on devices, finding a family member to keep you accountable, or simply leave your phone in another room while schooling.

4  Exercise and make time for fun 

Schedules, designated work spaces, and no social media are all necessary, but it is important to remember to also fit in time for fun. Life is about balance. Watching cat videos on Facebook is not necessarily bad, it’s only bad if it is preventing you from working.

Make sure you actively take part in extracurricular and sporting activities that you enjoy. A healthy mind requires a healthy body, and you can’t have one without the other.

Transforming the educational experience through the digital medium, Africa’s number one school in the cloud is a future-forward online school specialising in both the SA and British International curriculums from reception through to matric. Focused on getting students ready for 4IR, Teneo emphasizes empathy and kindness while producing responsible digital citizens of the future. www.teneoschool.co.za