Even as the end of remote learning and remote work slowly comes into view, we can take many lessons from the year that was 2020. Here is hoping we can adopt what we have learned regarding remote classrooms and virtual learning, and use them to our advantage going forward.

For example, just as many office workers needed to adapt to remote work, educators and students needed to create space and purchase tools to help them teach and learn at home, respectively. If you are setting up a space in your home to practice hands-on techniques, here are some tips.

Creating a Home Office Space for Education

1. Ensure your space is private and dedicated to learning. Whether you have an entire room to yourself, or you have to use a corner of another room, keeping interruptions to a minimum should be a goal. Being able to close a door between yourself and the rest of the household, as long as everyone will be safe, ensures you can focus on your schoolwork.
2. Proper storage keeps things organized. Shelving for books and drawers for files and equipment should be integrated into your space. Stackable bins that can be tucked in the bottom of a closet, or long containers that can slide under a bed are good options for storage. They keep your space tidy and make it easy to put work away at the end of the day.
3. Good lighting will prevent eye fatigue, and boost energy and productivity. A room with windows for natural light is the best option, but sometimes simply not available. If you are working in a windowless room or in the evenings, be sure to use LED lighting with task settings. Cool lighting tones stimulate productivity, while warm tones create a calm feeling. Arrange lighting to reduce glare from your computer monitor, as well as making sure your reading surface is well lit.
4. Add personal touches. Another productivity booster is to create a space that incorporates small personal touches. Whether a framed picture of your family or pet, desk accessories in your favorite color, or a potted plant or two, these expressions of your taste make your dedicated work area feel welcoming.
5. Having the right stuff. No one is expecting students to install a hospital bed with headwall and full-body manikin in their home educational space. But educators can point them to other tools that will fit into their space and afford them the opportunity to practice skills at home.

Simulation Tools for Remote Learning

• Modular Skills Trainer – This is a brand-new product solution that offers a portable, compact trainer for skills practice and competency development. Among the skills that students can practice are: nasogastric tube insertion, wound care, and ostomy care. In addition, Pocket Nurse® carries a wide array of disposable accessories that students can use to practice their skills with the Modular Skills Trainer. 
• Practice Suture Kit – This physician-designed kit includes Demo Dose® sutures in various sizes; a durable, reusable suture pad with several wound types; a needle holder, toothed forceps, and suturing scissors; plus tubing pieces to practice securing drains and catheters.    
• Student Health Totes – Pocket Nurse is now shipping Student Health Totes directly to student homes in order to facilitate skills development. Consult with your instructor about what tote is appropriate for you, and visit totes.pocketnurse.com to enter shipping information.
• Inject-Ed™ Injection trainers – The Inject-Ed trainers from Pocket Nurse® are one of our most popular sellers. Whether you choose a small Inject-Ed that tucks into a drawer or tote, or the larger Inject-Ed to give yourself lots of room to practice, these trainers provide a realistic feeling to learn how to give injections. Inject-Eds can be cleaned and drained, and can be reused. With the Inject-Ed holder, it’s even possible to practice with a friend in the classroom.