July 23th, 2014
Are you thinking of taking courses on-line? Though online learning may be convenient, it does pose challenges to students when it comes to managing their time efficiently.
We’d like to offer the following tips to on-line students to avoid common time management pitfalls.
1. Keep family informed
If you’re planning on enrolling in an on-line program, sit down with your family and explain to them your schedule, and let them know you will need to dedicate a certain amount of time and space for your studies. If your studies will keep you from doing all your chores, this would be the time to let them know and ask for their help. It’s always a good idea to keep everyone in the loop so there are no misunderstandings and hard feelings.
2. Keep a schedule
It’s important that as an online student you designate for yourself specific hours to do your studies. Having structure and a calendar dedicated to your studies is a great way to stay on course and not fall behind and lose momentum.
3. Do not procrastinate
One of the biggest time management mistakes is procrastination; waiting until the very last minute to start working on an assignment, project or even preparing for an examination. Also, if you need to reach your teacher by email, don’t do it late at night, respect their reschedule.
4. Stay focused
Make sure that when you’re on-line and studying, you are only accessing sites that are related to your studies. One way you can get sidetracked is by spending time on Facebook or other social media sites that rob you of the precious time you need for your studies.
5. Stay logged into your class
By checking into your on-line class on a daily basis, you’re helping yourself to stay on track and feel less overwhelmed with assignments. It also helps you stay abreast of any changes the teacher may make to the syllabus or postings about special projects.
6. Speak up!
The odds are that you may get sick or a personal or work-related event will take you away from your studies and cause you to fall behind. It’s really important that you contact your on-line instructors and let them know what’s going on so they can help you with rescheduling your assignments.
7. Maximize your time
Take advantage of time you spend waiting at the doctor’s office, appointments or waiting in the car to pick up the kids or friends and use them as study opportunities or checking in with your online class for any updates. Don’t let these so-called in-between times be wasted.
8. Create a study space
Make sure you create a space for your studies that is quiet and away from distractions. Finding a quiet place to study would be ideal. If you can’t study at home, check out your local library or even visit one at your local community college. You may be studying on-line, but it doesn’t mean that you have to be isolated from the world.
9. Keep a calendar
It’s really important to record all the due dates for your assignments on a calendar with reminders. This way you will stay on top of your studies and never miss a due date.
10. Prioritize your studies
First, dedicate a set number of hours for your studies, this way you will respect and honor this study schedule, no matter what tempting invitations are thrown your way by your friends and family. When you have a schedule, you can plan your workout and/or social activity around your studies so that they remain the number one priority, but you’re also not depriving yourself of some fun. Find ways to keep your studies front and center in your home and study space by leaving inspirational messages and books related to your course at different spots to serve as your constant reminder that your classes are your #1 priority.
www.acei-global.org