Regardless of which delivery method you are using to take courses, time management and self-discipline are some of the most essential skills a student can develop. These skills are important as a student and as a future employee. There are many different time management techniquesLinks to an external site. that you might choose from. If you have one that works, apply it to your online learning; if you don't have one, experiment until you find one that works for you.
Time Management Skills
Below are a list of skills that contribute to your ability to manage your time better. Click on each of the 4 tabs (or hyperlinks, if using the Canvas app) to see to all of the suggestions.
At the beginning of each week, look at all your classes and consider the tasks that are coming up. Be sure you look at more than just the Canvas task list because you don't want to forget readings and other activities that might not have a due date. Think about a priority order for your tasks and estimate how long each will take. Figure out how to schedule your tasks during the week.
Write down a list so that you don't forget what to do and when you plan to do it. This could be done in a prioritized list or on a weekly calendar. Writing down your tasks will help you keep track of all of your courses and activities in one place. Budget extra time to ensure that you have time to complete each of the tasks.
Some people find it helpful to schedule in breaks, too.
Create a Routine and Schedule
In a face to face class, you would know that you are expected to be in class on certain days and at certain times. You might have a regular time to be at work. In an online course, there is more flexibility when you learn the material and do the assignments. If you create a regular routine and schedule of when you do your online school work, it will help you to not feel as overwhelmed. You will also be in a better position to plan out the tasks for the week because you will know what time you have available and how to use it to complete tasks for class.
Use Your Learning Environment
You have already learned about creating a good learning environment that will work in your space. Part of managing time is using your learning environment for learning. Your use of time will be improved if you keep your learning environment organized. It will also help in your time management if you let others know that when you are in your learning environment, that you are studying or working on assignments for class. This can help diminish distractions.
Set Goals
Goal setting is a time management tool that helps you to know where you are going and avoid distractions along the way. They provide visible progress on the work you do. Goals should be set for the semester, week, and day. It will help you to prioritize what needs to be done and how to get it done. You could set goals as task-based (I am going to complete Section A of the homework) or time-based (I am going to work for 30 minutes). You might find SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely) goals to be helpful.
Set Priorities
You have 15 minutes before you need to leave for work and want to use the time to work on school work. What do you do? Do you work on the task that will take 3 or 4 hours or the task that might only take 7 to 10 minutes? It of course depends on when each of these projects is due, but it can be helpful to get smaller projects out of the way earlier in the week so that you can devote more blocks of time to those projects that take more time.
Identify Distractors
Many students have things near their learning space that offers a distraction from learning. Whether that is having your cell phone right next to you or having your social media feed open on a tab, you have plenty of possible distractors wanting to take your time and limit your learning. A good time saving strategy is learning to recognize what distractors you have in your life and limiting them during your study time. This might mean putting your phone in a different spot or closing a door so that people will give you some space.
Avoid Multitasking
A lot of students try to do multiple things at once (like watching a movie and writing an essay). Although you can give a reasonable effort to both, it is difficult to find your own words when others' words are coming in your ears. Giving your devotion to the paper for a time and then the movie would allow to enjoy the movie while putting your best effort into the project at hand. You should focus on one assignment or reading at a time instead of trying to complete two or three at the same time.
Delegate What You Can
We all have responsibilities beyond school. It would be nice if we could do everything. We can't. Delegating what you can will help you focus on your work while getting other things done. This does not mean to assume that others will do everything for you, but there are times when asking for help will allow you to focus on school work at that time.
Be Aware of Uncommitted Time
During your day, you will notice that you have uncommitted time. You might have a few minutes while being a passenger in a car or some time on your lunch break. You might have a long wait time while getting an oil change. As an online student, using these uncommitted times for school work can be beneficial. You might have time to read that article or a few minutes to post to a discussion board. You might have a 20 minutes to watch a video or review for the upcoming quiz. Using these uncommitted times can help you get through the small stuff that is do and alleviate stresses. Remember, small amounts of time do add up.
Take Breaks
You need to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Breaks from studying will help you to refocus on the tasks at hand. You might find that going for a run or doing yoga are good ways to physically be active. You might have a book on your nightstand that you could read for a few minutes. You might enjoy meditation to clear your mind. You could call a friend and reconnect. There are a lot of ways to take breaks that will help you be recharged.
Self-Discipline Skills
After you have thought about time management skills, it is important to develop the self-discipline to stick to them. How do you develop long lasting self-discipline to avoid distractions and working on multiple things at once?
You might consider working up to a more self-disciplined way of studying. Some people would consider this endurance training, something that athletes do to build up to longer levels of exertion. Start by working in smaller chunks of time and then gradually increase the time so that you are practicing incrementally.
Some keys to developing better self-discipline include:
Start by taking small steps and actions;
Be willing to push yourself beyond what you normally do;
Recognize when others can help you focus or push a little longer;
Don't be afraid to set a timer and then increase the increments; and
