As a student I find that creating an enviornment that is as simmilar to trditional school to do your work helps best to stay focused. Even if you are home with lots of commotion around you. Having a little 'nook' with all of your school stuff and maybe even a desk (if possable) helps me stay focused.
I agree with you creating a similar classroom environment might create a sense of classroom community. It will never be the same with distance learning but we all have to adapt to this new change and make whatever is possible to succeed.
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