Time Management

Time Management

Online students sometimes say that the online course doesn’t seem real to them because they don’t have to be at a certain place at a certain time or to face a physical teacher in a classroom. This sometimes translates to their forgetting about registering for a course and then taking a zero for it. Or it means that they get behind on the work and cannot recoup the time to earn the points necessary for a passing grade.

Students have a range of strategies they can use in order to manage their time. Different students will have different methods that work for them.

Calendaring to Meet Deadlines

One approach involves using calendar on mobile devices. Others involve the use of the course calendar in the learning / course management system. For others, a simple paper calendar makes a difference. The idea is to list important dates in terms of examination days or due dates for projects. Another is to include what needs to be done as lead-up assignments for larger projects. For example, if a research project will need topic proposals, research, writing, and peer critiques, each of those steps would have to be built into the process.

Synchronous meeting times should be noted and followed-through on. These may also need pre-work such as pre-readings, pre-studies, and other preparations. Planning the lead-up work may also be important for student successes.

Regular Logging In

Another strategy involves logging into the online course space regularly to download contents, read others' works and post one's own. Sometimes, just the navigating through the course site familiarizes the student with the technologies as well as the course materials.

Students also have better opportunities to get to know each other and to form the friendships that may be pro-learning for all those involved. Such peer groups and friendships do matter.

Building a Time Cushion into a Schedule

It helps to have time set aside for unexpected delays or challenges. These challenges may come from family issues or job challenges. Any number of life issues may prove a challenge to online study lives.

Planning for Emergencies

Oftentimes, there is insufficient time planned for unexpected events. Many online students do live hectic lives with numerous family, career, personal, and other commitments.

Those who work with multimedia also may run into time challenges, so it's a good idea to have extra time to face technological emergencies as well.

See Also

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