Online schooling offers a wealth of opportunities for learning, but it also comes with unique requirements. With the constant barrage of digital distractions, maintaining focus can be a daunting task. However, there is a secret ingredient that can transform the online homeschooling experience: presence. Being fully engaged, attentive, and intentional in learning is the key to unlocking true success, an education expert says.

“Presence matters for several reasons. When students are fully present, they absorb and retain information more effectively. Active participation in discussions elevates understanding from superficial to profound, fostering a deeper connection with the material and leading to better academic outcomes,” says Jo-Anne Buchner, Cambridge International Principal of Evolve Online School, a brand of Africa’s leading private education provider, ADvTECH.

“Moreover, presence acts as a shield against stress, enhancing motivation and creating a structured yet engaging approach to learning. This environment encourages creativity and innovation, which are crucial for long-term success.”

Cultivating presence also teaches students discipline and accountability—essential skills for academic and personal growth.

“It improves time management and study habits, equipping students with the tools they need to navigate complex learning environments. To achieve this, setting up a distraction-free space is vital. Creating a dedicated learning area with a stable internet connection, free from distractions like phones and TVs, becomes a fortress of focus where students can concentrate without interruptions,” Buchner says.

She says parents should encourage their children to actively engage in virtual classes. Practical tips for maintaining engagement and presence include the following:

• Look at the camera: When you’re speaking or listening, try to look directly at the camera. It helps the teacher know you’re paying attention.
• Show interest: Use facial expressions as appropriate and make eye contact.
• Sit up straight: Keep your back straight and sit comfortably in your chair. It helps you stay focused.
• Keep your environment tidy: Make sure the background is clean and neat. It is less distracting for yourself, the teacher, and peers in the class.
• Dress neatly: Prepare for your day as you would if you had gone to a physical school. Don’t be tempted to stay in your pyjamas all day.
• Use headphones: If you have headphones, wear them to help you hear better and block out other noises.
• Stay away from distractions: Try not to play with toys or look at other screens during class. Stay focused on what the teacher is saying.
• Be ready to share: If you have something to say, be ready to share it. Raise your hand or use the chat to let the teacher know you want to speak.

“Staying mentally present during lessons maximises learning, and designating specific study hours makes study time a focused and meaningful experience. Regularly assessing what strategies help maintain focus and adjusting study routines accordingly is also important. Flexibility is key to finding the right balance and maintaining engagement,” Buchner says.

She says the long-term benefits of cultivating presence in online homeschooling are profound.

“It leads to higher academic achievement, improved social and emotional skills, increased confidence and motivation, and a lifelong love for learning. By minimising distractions and staying focused, students can transform their learning experience from mundane to magical.”