My remote classroom: online students share their photos

'I started my MBA in 2012 and am now at the last chapter. Only a laptop and internet connection are required to face the outer world and send your contributions and discussions. Even if the electricity is on for just 10 hours a day and your dwelling is a store, determination can help you to jump over obstacles.' Rasheed Al-Bayati in Baghdad Photograph: Rasheed Al-Bayati/GuardianWitness

'This picture was not taken for the purpose of this article. It was taken last summer, while I was getting ready for a(nother) essay. A friend of mine could not believe her eyes when she came to pick me up and took this picture.

'I have started my journey towards my BSc psychology degree with the Open University in 2011. It is not easy, children, a job and course books always on my mind. I am not going to be shy about this: independent learners have to be committed, prepared to sacrifice part of their social life and hard workers, to study at the most improbable hours in the most improbable places; it can be draining at times, exhausting more often than not.

'All going well, I'll claim my degree at the end of 2016.' Elena Seventyseven Photograph: Elena Seventyseven/GuardianWitness

'Being an Australian PhD student living in this wintery grey city, I have to make extra effort to make my daily study space golden, cosy, and bright. Some days it works great, and allows me an extra hour of sleep and an extra pot of stovetop coffee. Other days I find myself at risk of falling into a deep and unproductive well of YouTubing and online browsing, with no one keeping me in check! This is one of the hardest things about studying online – it can be a little lonely. If only my architect-partner could work from home too!' ElenaNolan Photograph: ElenaNolan/GuardianWitness

'I really like studying online, but this shows a funny moment of frustration after struggling with poor internet connection while uploading an assignment for my MBA in the Liverpool University online program!' DrTawfik Photograph: DrTawfik/GuardianWitness

'Reading and researching to augment the second edition of our book on Eritrea... in my hospital (eating disorders unit) bedroom. Transporting myself to a faraway place, learning more about that place and hoping that our book will tell Eritrea's story to more people.' Essequamvideri Photograph: Essequamvideri/GuardianWitness

'I am currently studying towards a BSc in combined social sciences. I study online so I am able to travel the world at the same time. Every desk is different, here I am attempting to study in a bumpy overland truck while driving through Africa.' Grace Ashman Photograph: Grace Ashman/GuardianWitness

'This is my compound and classroom in the middle of the desert. I am currently studying online for a MSc in project management oil and gas at the University of Liverpool (UoL). This turns my private space into an oasis. Although I am a rotator, I can study my modules anywhere. The online library of UoL supports me wherever I go. The only requisite is a reliable connection to internet.' Orkunuslu Photograph: Orkunuslu/GuardianWitness

'Using my break time to study quantum mechanics with the Open University.' Duncan Collins Photograph: Duncan Collins/GuardianWitness

'In this picture you can see me doing one of the many Coursera online courses. I also took online courses at FutureLearn and iVersity.' t_Davronov Photograph: GuardianWitness

'I am currently studying through the University of Liverpool Online program pursuing a MSc in applied psychology, mental health. I am from Jamaica, but I currently reside in Japan. I am in my second year and expect to complete my studies by February 2015. During winter, I change my study area from a regular study desk to using my kotatsu (Japanese table) to keep myself warm while studying. It is quite ideal for me at this time of the year. I do not have a family here so there is not much interference when I need to get my studies done. I do spend time with friends when there is a break in studies. This program fits quite well in my profession as a teacher because I am able to apply some of the techniques learned so far. I hope to gain more practical experiences and apply them in my daily work life and to also use this platform to move closer to my ultimate dream – a health/family therapist.' Shawnna Hunter Photograph: Shawnna Hunter/GuardianWitness