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A good home learning space is quiet, comfortable, well lit and has reliable technology, so that you can concentrate during live online training. This guide covers where to set up, furniture, lighting, a technology checklist and habits that help – see BOTI’s online masterclasses.
Why your learning space matters
When training moves online, your surroundings become your classroom. A quiet, comfortable, well-lit space with reliable technology makes it easier to concentrate, take part in discussions and remember what you learn; a distracting or uncomfortable one does the opposite. You do not need a dedicated study room: a corner of a room can work well if you set it up with care.
Choose the right spot
- Pick the quietest place available, away from foot traffic, the television and noisy appliances.
- Face a plain wall or tidy background so that others are not distracted when your camera is on.
- If you share the space, agree on quiet times with the people you live with for the length of the session.
Get the furniture right
- Use a table or desk large enough for your laptop, notebook and course material, but not so large that it collects clutter.
- Choose a chair that supports your lower back, and set the screen at about eye level to avoid neck strain.
- Keep the things you need within reach and everything else out of sight.
Light and comfort
Natural light is best, ideally from the side or in front of you rather than behind you, so that your face is visible on camera. Add a desk lamp for evening sessions, keep the room at a comfortable temperature and have water nearby. A few personal touches, such as a plant, make the space pleasant without becoming distracting.
Technology checklist
- A laptop or desktop computer with a working camera and microphone; a headset improves sound in shared homes.
- A stable internet connection: sit close to the router or use a cable, and pause streaming on other devices during the session.
- The meeting software installed and tested before the session starts.
- A charger, and a power bank or other backup in case of load shedding.
Habits for successful online learning
- Log in a few minutes early and test your audio and camera.
- Close email and other tabs so that you can focus on the session.
- Take short breaks between sessions to stretch and rest your eyes.
- Keep a notebook for questions and actions to follow up after the session.
Live online training at BOTI
Most BOTI courses can be delivered live online, with a facilitator and your colleagues in a virtual classroom – see how virtual training works. BOTI’s 3-hour online masterclasses, such as Time Management and Focus in a Hybrid Workplace, are a good way to try the format.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for online training at home?
You need a quiet space, a table and a supportive chair, a computer with a camera and microphone, a stable internet connection, the meeting software installed, and a charger or backup power.
How can I reduce distractions during an online course?
Choose a quiet spot, tell the people you live with when you are in a session, close email and other tabs, and keep only what you need on the desk.
Where should the light be for video calls?
Light should come from the side or in front of you, not from behind, so that your face is clearly visible on camera.
What if the power goes off during an online session?
Keep your laptop charged and have a power bank or other backup ready; if you lose the connection, rejoin by phone or catch up from the facilitator’s notes.
Try live online learning with BOTI’s Time Management and Focus in a Hybrid Workplace (3-hour online masterclass) course. Training runs in-house at your premises, at BOTI’s venue in Sunningdale, Johannesburg, or live online. Call BOTI on 011 882 8853 or email [email protected], or request a quote. This course is not accredited. It is delivered as a professional skills programme, and delegates receive a BOTI certificate of attendance.