Setting up your own Learning Center (It may not be at your desk!)

As adult learners, we may see work-related learning as a means to an end – something that has to be endured. As such, where we learn is rarely a priority. The pandemic forced us to reconsider that. With bouts of remote operations, each of us determined where we would work AND learn.

Learning didn’t stop with the pandemic. In fact, remote learning, and on-demand learning like EnVision, was built for anytime, anywhere access. EnVision puts you in the plant environment even when you can’t be there physically with tutorials and simulations.

Whether you’ve returned to on-site work or are set up at the kitchen table each day, creating an environment conducive to learning is a critical part of learning itself. The Reggio philosophy of education believes in creating beautiful spaces that act as a conduit for learning by creating a sense of wonder and curiosity. Other educators agree, explaining that learning environments are not neutral – instead, they tend to strengthen or repress learning. Anyone who’s struggled to read when they are cold, when the room is noisy, or while sitting on an uncomfortable chair can attest to the negative influence of those environmental factors.

What can we do to enhancing our own learning spaces? There are eight fast and easy ways to create an environment focused on learning for EnVision users. Use these guidelines to transition your workspace to a learning space, and enhance your remote learning experience.

1. Clear away clutter. Remove all papers, calendars, mugs, and tchotchke before starting learning activities.
2. Seek silence. Quiet is best for concentration, but if you are someone who “needs noise” use a fan, radio static, or a white noise machine at a low level.
3. Remove obvious distractions. Other screens or programs, email, even your phone can all be distracting while you are learning. Turn them off for your EnVision session.
4. Seat yourself comfortably. Educators prefer upright, ergonomic seating. If you spend hours in a chair normally, try moving to a softer armchair or a sofa to signal to your body that learning activities are different.
5. Embrace natural light. Set up in a spot that receives light from a window.
6. But don’t forget the lamps. Proper task lighting helps prevent eye strain, and warm light relaxes.
7. Add some interest. Stage your learning space to be beautiful, appealing, or inspiring to you. A postcard of a famous work, a favorite photograph or plant, or a screen saver that sparks your imagination can all help create an environment different from your daily grind.
8. Engage your other senses. Consider adding a scent when learning, like peppermint oil or a freshly peeled orange. Try chewing gum or hard candy. Remove your shoes and allow your feet to feel the texture of the floor or the weave of your socks.

Our workplaces have changed this year. Many companies are shifting towards a more agile work environment. That shift means it is up to individuals to determine what setting works best for their learning so every time you’re in the plant, you’re prepared. To encourage social-distanced learning, GSE is offering a FREE trial of EnVision tutorials that make distance learning effective and measurable. Create a comfortable place to learn and dive into the plant environment – anytime or anywhere – with EnVision.