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To continue your education today, you don't necessarily need to enter a traditional classroom environment. There are many affordable and accessible learning options to consider, including the option of studying online at home. 

Many courses can now be completed entirely online, although you might be required to meet up with other students and your tutor occasionally. Then there are those courses that can be started offline and then continued online, and sometimes you might be forced to follow this pattern, as is the case at the moment with the recent pandemic situation.

Remote learning certainly has its benefits. You can remain in the comfort of your own home, and you can fit in the needs of your course with the needs of your family. But there are challenges, and these include the following. 

#1: Distractions

When you're working from home, there are distractions everywhere. It could be your TV, for example, or it could be the sites you enjoy on the internet. Distractions might also come from your family, friends or neighbors popping around for a chat. When you are distracted in any way, there is the danger of falling behind with your work. So, what can you do?

Well, you should be firm with yourself. Remind yourself why you need to crack on with your work and remove as many distractions as you can ahead of time. You might install a website blocker on your laptop, for example, or you could turn your phone off if that becomes a problem for you.  

You should also let people know when you need to work, perhaps by giving them your schedule so they know when not to bother you. And if things do become too much of a problem? Well, work elsewhere, such as at your local library, where there should be fewer distractions. 

#2: Academic struggles

If you're struggling with your studies at home, you might be tempted to give up. You might also turn in work that won't be acceptable. These aren't good scenarios, but they can be overcome. 

Firstly, know that many tutors have already taken steps to support their students. With online services akin to Bakpax, teachers can gain an understanding of where their students are academically, so they might have solutions available to help you. Your tutor should have provided you with their email address and an indication of their office hours, so get in touch with them and let them know about your struggles. They might even be contactable over Skype or Zoom for a face-to-face meeting.

If you aren't able to access help from your tutor, you could speak to other students. If study groups have been set up for your online course, you could meet up with people in your area, or chat to them online. You could also contact people you know who have taken your course, as they should be able to offer you advice. 

You also have access to the internet so look online for help with your particular course, as you might find free study guides and other resources that can be made available to you.

These are just two of the challenges that are associated with remote learning, but they can be overcome. If you're relating to them, follow our suggestions, and commit to further research online for extra help.