Home Environment and Its Influence on Online Learning Behaviors

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Vipin Sharma

Independent Researcher

Delhi, India

Abstract

This study examines how various aspects of the home environment shape online learning behaviors among secondary and tertiary students, integrating ecological systems theory with self‑regulated learning frameworks to provide a multifaceted perspective. Drawing on data from a large‑scale survey (n = 612) and in‑depth interviews (n = 24), we evaluate the influence of physical space, technological resources, parental involvement, and socio‑emotional climate on engagement patterns, time management, interaction frequency, help‑seeking, and academic persistence. Quantitative findings demonstrate that dedicated learning spaces, reliable internet connectivity, and proactive parental support significantly predict self‑regulated learning behaviors (β = 0.42–0.57, p < .001), cumulatively explaining 42% of variance in online study strategies. Qualitative narratives reveal how students creatively negotiate space constraints, deploy offline workarounds during connectivity lapses, and draw motivational strength from family routines and emotional scaffolding. Importantly, our results highlight that, beyond mere resource availability, the quality of family communication and emotional climate can either bolster motivation or exacerbate distraction and anxiety. By elucidating these dynamics, the study contributes novel insights into how home environments can be optimized for digital pedagogy. Recommendations include establishing clear spatial routines, ensuring equitable technology access, offering parent education on balanced involvement, and designing online curricula with built‑in flexibility to accommodate diverse home contexts. Limitations—such as cross‑sectional design and cultural homogeneity—are acknowledged. The paper concludes by proposing lines of inquiry for longitudinal monitoring, intervention testing, and cross‑cultural validation, underscoring the enduring importance of adaptive home support systems in sustaining effective remote and hybrid learning models.

Keywords

Home environment; online learning behaviors; self-regulation; physical space; parental support

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